MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. It serves as the primary gateway for students seeking admission into undergraduate courses in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Pharmacy (B.Pharm/Pharm.D), and Agriculture allied courses within the state. As the competition for top-tier colleges like COEP Pune and VJTI Mumbai intensifies, understanding the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern is the first critical step toward a high percentile.

1.0MHT CET 2026 Exam Overview

The examination is conducted as an Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) across various centers in Maharashtra and select cities outside the state. Below are the key highlights of the exam structure:

2.0Detailed Paper Structure and Sectional Timing

The MHT CET 2026 exam is categorized into two main groups based on the candidate's chosen career path: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for Engineering and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for Pharmacy and Agriculture.

The Two-Section Rule

A unique feature of the MHT CET pattern is its strict sectional division. The 180-minute duration is split into two equal halves of 90 minutes each:

1. Section 1 (Physics & Chemistry): This section is mandatory for both PCM and PCB groups. Candidates must complete 100 questions (50 Physics + 50 Chemistry) within the first 90 minutes.
2. Section 2 (Mathematics or Biology): Once the first 90 minutes expire, Section 1 is automatically locked, and Section 2 opens. Candidates then have 90 minutes to solve either 50 Mathematics questions (PCM) or 100 Biology questions (PCB).

Important Note: Switching between sections is strictly prohibited. You cannot return to Physics and Chemistry once the Mathematics/Biology section has started.

3.0MHT CET 2026 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme is designed to reward accuracy without the penalty of negative marking, making it distinct from exams like JEE Main.

PCM Group (Engineering)

• Physics: 50 Questions | 1 Mark per Question | 50 Marks
• Chemistry: 50 Questions | 1 Mark per Question | 50 Marks
• Mathematics: 50 Questions | 2 Marks per Question | 100 Marks
• Total: 150 Questions | 200 Marks

PCB Group (Pharmacy)

• Physics: 50 Questions | 1 Mark per Question | 50 Marks
• Chemistry: 50 Questions | 1 Mark per Question | 50 Marks
• Biology: 100 Questions (Botany + Zoology) | 1 Mark per Question | 100 Marks
• Total: 200 Questions | 200 Marks

4.0Syllabus Weightage

The MHT CET 2026 syllabus follows the Maharashtra State Board (HSC) curriculum. The questions are distributed based on a specific weightage between Class 11 and Class 12 topics:

• 80% Weightage: Class 12 Syllabus (topics from the 2025-26 academic year).
• 20% Weightage: Select topics from the Class 11 Syllabus (topics from the 2024-25 academic year).

Subject-wise Question Distribution (Class 11 vs. Class 12)

5.0Computer-Based Test (CBT) Interface and Color Coding

Since MHT CET is an online exam, candidates must be familiar with the CBT interface. The digital question paper uses a color-coding system to help students track their progress:

• Green: Answered. You have selected an option and saved the question.
• Red: Not Answered. You have viewed the question but did not select an option.
• White: Not Visited. You have not yet reached this question.
• Purple: Marked for Review. You have marked this question to look at later, with no answer selected.
• Purple with a Green Tick: Answered and Marked for Review. You have selected an answer but want to double-check it before the time expires.

On-Screen Features

• Virtual Calculator: A basic calculator is provided on the screen for complex numerical calculations in Physics and Chemistry.
• Log Table: A digital log table is accessible via a button on the top of the screen for mathematical operations.
• Timer: A countdown clock is displayed at the top right corner, showing the time remaining for the current section.

6.0Technical and Exam Day Instructions

1. System Verification: Candidates are seated 30 minutes before the exam starts. You must verify that your system name, candidate name, and photograph are correctly displayed on the monitor.
2. Hardware Check: Before clicking "I am ready to begin," ensure your mouse (especially the left-click) and monitor are functioning perfectly. If there is a lag or malfunction, inform the invigilator immediately for a system change.
3. Automatic Submission: The exam is programmed to auto-submit exactly at the 180-minute mark. Candidates cannot submit the paper manually before the total time has elapsed.
4. Login Credentials: Use the Username and Password (often your Date of Birth) provided on your MHT CET 2026 Admit Card to sign in.