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 MHT CET 2026 exam is currently ongoing, with the PCB group exams conducted from April 21 onwards and PCM exams already completed earlier this month.
• The hall ticket has already been released for PCB (April 17), and candidates can download it from the official CET Cell website; final admit cards are typically issued 3–4 days before the exam.
• The city intimation slip was released on April 4, 2026, allowing candidates to check their allotted exam city, date, and shift timings in advance.
• For the first time, MHT CET is being conducted in a dual-attempt format (April + May 2026). Candidates can appear in both attempts, and the best score will be considered for admission.
• The second attempt registration window was reopened from April 15, 2026, giving students another chance to apply or improve their scores.
• The second attempt exam dates are scheduled in May 2026:
  • PCB: May 10 & 11
  • PCM: May 12 to 16
• The exam is being conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple centres with biometric verification and strict monitoring.
• As per the latest reports, MHT CET 2026 results are expected to be released soon, and candidates should regularly check the official website for scorecard updates.

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 latest schedule indicates that the exam will be conducted in two sessions: April and May 2026.

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

Understanding the exam pattern is critical for scoring high in MHT CET.

Key Highlights

• Mode: Online (CBT)
• Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Total Questions: 150–200 (depending on group)
• Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Subject-wise Distribution

For PCM Group (Engineering)

• Physics: 50 questions
• Chemistry: 50 questions
• Mathematics: 50 questions

For PCB Group (Pharmacy)

• Biology: 100 questions
• Physics: 50 questions
• Chemistry: 50 questions 

Marking Scheme

• No negative marking (major advantage)
• Weightage:
• • Class 11 syllabus: ~20%
  • Class 12 syllabus: ~80%

This makes Class 12 concepts extremely important for scoring well.

6.0MHT 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.

7.0MHT CET Application Process

Applying for MHT CET is an online process via the official CET Cell portal.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit the official website
2. Register using email ID and mobile number
3. Fill in personal and academic details
4. Upload required documents
5. Pay the application fee
6. Submit the form and download confirmation

Candidates are advised to fill out the form carefully to avoid discrepancies during admission.

8.0MHT CET Admit Card

The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the exam.

• Released online on the official website
• Download using login credentials
• Contains:
• • Exam date and time
  • Exam center details
  • Candidate information

For 2026, admit cards were released in April before the exam. (

9.0MHT CET Answer Key & Result

Answer Key

• Released within a few days after the exam
• Helps candidates calculate expected scores
• Available in PDF format

Result

• Declared in percentile format
• Expected release: June 2026

Candidates can download scorecards from the official website.

10.0MHT CET Counselling Process (CAP)

After results, candidates must participate in the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).

Steps in Counselling

1. Registration for CAP
2. Document verification
3. Merit list release
4. Choice filling
5. Seat allotment
6. Reporting to allotted college

Admission is based on merit rank and seat availability.

11.0MHT 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.