MHT CET 2026
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) is one of India’s most important state-level entrance exams for admission into undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses. Conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, this exam serves as a gateway to top colleges across the state.
With lakhs of students appearing every year, MHT CET has become a highly competitive exam. Understanding the exam structure, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and preparation strategy is crucial for success.
In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about MHT CET 2026, including exam dates, pattern, syllabus, and expert preparation tips.
Latest Update
- The Maharashtra State CET Cell has released the MHT CET 2026 PCM & PCB Second Attempt exam schedule on the official website.
- The MHT CET 2026 PCM Group First Attempt objection/grievance submission schedule was officially published on 20 May 2026.
- The MHT CET 2026 PCB Group First Attempt objection redressal notice was released on 21 May 2026 after completion of the PCB exams held from 21 April to 26 April 2026.
- CET Cell has activated the “Objection Tracking” facility in candidate login portals for grievance tracking and answer key objections.
- CET Cell earlier announced a special registration extension window with late fees for MHT CET 2026 applicants who missed the application deadline.
- According to the official schedule, the MHT CET 2026 PCM exams were conducted from 11 April to 19 April 2026, while PCB exams were held from 21 April to 26 April 2026.
1.0What is MHT CET?
MHT CET (Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance examination conducted annually for admission into:
- B.E./B.Tech (Engineering)
- B.Pharmacy / Pharm.D
- Agriculture and allied courses
The exam is conducted in online (Computer-Based Test) mode and evaluates students based on their knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) or Biology (PCB) depending on the course they choose.
The difficulty level of MHT CET is considered comparable to national-level exams like JEE Main, making it essential for aspirants to prepare strategically.
2.0MHT CET 2026 Highlights
Here are the key highlights of the exam:
- Exam Name: Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET)
- Conducting Authority: State CET Cell, Maharashtra
- Exam Level: State-level
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Courses Offered: Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture
New Update (2026)
- The exam is now conducted twice a year (April & May sessions)
- Students can appear for one or both attempts, and best score is considered
3.0MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates
The MHT CET Exam Dates have been announced by the Maharashtra State CET Cell for both PCM and PCB groups. The examination is conducted in multiple sessions through online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and allied professional courses.
Session 1 Dates:
- PCM (Engineering): April 11 to April 20, 2026
- PCB (Pharmacy): April 21 to April 26, 2026
Session 2 Dates:
- PCM: May 12 to May 16, 2026
- PCB: May 10 to May 11, 2026
The introduction of multiple sessions allows candidates to attempt the exam more than once, reducing pressure and improving overall performance.
4.0MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the CET Cell.
Basic Eligibility
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Should have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2)
- Must have studied:
- Physics and Chemistry (mandatory)
- Mathematics (for Engineering)
- Biology (for Pharmacy)
Minimum Marks Required
- General Category: Minimum 45% marks
- Reserved Categories: Minimum 40% marks
Additional Criteria
- No upper or lower age limit for appearing in the exam
- Diploma holders and B.Sc graduates may also be eligible under certain conditions
5.0MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026
6.0MHT CET Exam Pattern
The MHT CET Exam Pattern helps candidates understand the marking scheme, question distribution, exam duration, and subject-wise weightage for the entrance examination. The exam is conducted in online CBT mode for PCM and PCB groups, with questions based on the Maharashtra State Board syllabus of Classes 11 and 12.
Highlights of MHT CET Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology
- Duration: 180 Minutes
- Marking Scheme: No Negative Marking
- Difficulty Level: Based on Class 11 & 12 syllabus
Candidates should thoroughly understand the MHT CET exam pattern to plan an effective preparation strategy and improve time management during the examination.
7.0MHT CET Syllabus 2026
The MHT CET syllabus is based on the Maharashtra State Board curriculum for Classes 11 and 12.
Subjects Covered
Physics
- Laws of Motion
- Gravitation
- Optics
- Thermodynamics
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Hydrocarbons
- Organic Chemistry
Mathematics (PCM)
- Trigonometry
- Probability
- Calculus
- Algebra
Biology (PCB)
- Cell Structure
- Genetics
- Human Physiology
- Ecology
Students should focus on conceptual clarity + numerical practice for better results.
8.0MHT CET Application Process
Applying for MHT CET is an online process via the official CET Cell portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official website
- Register using email ID and mobile number
- Fill in personal and academic details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the form and download confirmation
Candidates are advised to fill out the form carefully to avoid discrepancies during admission.
9.0MHT CET Admit Card
The MHT CET admit card has been released online by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. Candidates can download their hall ticket from the official portal using their registered Email ID and Password.
Steps to Download MHT CET Admit Card:
- Visit the official CET portal.
- Click on “Candidate Login”.
- Enter your registered Email ID and Password.
- Click on “Get Hall Ticket”.
- Download and print the admit card.
10.0MHT CET Answer Key & Result
The MHT CET Answer Key helps candidates estimate their scores before the official result declaration. The State CET Cell releases the provisional answer key, response sheet, and question paper online through the candidate login portal. Students can also raise objections against incorrect answers within the specified deadline.
After reviewing objections, the authorities publish the final answer key and announce the MHT CET Result. Candidates can check their percentile scores, subject-wise marks, and qualifying status by logging into the official CET portal using their credentials.
Steps to Download MHT CET Answer Key & Result
- Visit the official MHT CET website.
- Click on the candidate login section.
- Enter your registered email ID and password.
- Access the answer key, response sheet, or scorecard link.
- Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Details Mentioned in MHT CET Result
- Candidate’s Name
- Application Number
- Roll Number
- Subject-wise Percentile Score
- Overall Percentile
- Qualification Status
- Category Details
Candidates should carefully verify all details mentioned in the result and contact the authorities immediately in case of any discrepancy.
11.0MHT CET Counselling Process (CAP)
The MHT CET Counselling Process is conducted through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) by the Maharashtra State CET Cell for admission into engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses. Qualified candidates must complete online registration, document verification, merit list confirmation, choice filling, and seat allotment to secure admission in participating colleges.
The counselling process is conducted in multiple CAP rounds, where seats are allotted based on MHT CET percentile, category, reservation criteria, and preferred college choices submitted by candidates. After seat allotment, students must confirm admission by accepting the allotted seat and reporting to the institute within the specified deadline.
Key Stages of MHT CET Counselling
- Online CAP Registration
- Document Upload & Verification
- Provisional & Final Merit List
- Choice Filling and Option Form Submission
- CAP Seat Allotment Rounds
- Seat Acceptance & Institute Reporting
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official MHT CET counselling portal for CAP schedule updates, seat matrix, cutoff lists, and allotment results.
12.0MHT CET Preparation Strategy
To crack MHT CET with a high score, candidates should follow a structured strategy.
1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Focus on Class 11 and 12 Maharashtra Board topics, especially high-weightage chapters.
2. Practice Mock Tests
Mock tests help in:
- Time management
- Accuracy improvement
- Understanding exam pattern
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
This helps in identifying:
- Frequently asked questions
- Important topics
- Difficulty level
4. Focus on Speed & Accuracy
Since there is no negative marking, attempt maximum questions with precision.
5. Create a Study Plan
- Daily revision schedule
- Weekly mock tests
- Monthly syllabus completion goals
Consistency is key to success.
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