About MHT-CET
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for admissions to first year Engineering and Technology programmes (B.E./B.Tech) in the state. The exam is a gateway for thousands of students seeking admission to various Government, Government Aided, University Managed Institutes, University Managed Departments, and Unaided private professional institutes of Maharashtra.
Conducting Authority: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
Important Update 2026: MHT-CET will now be conducted in TWO SESSIONS similar to JEE Main. Candidates can appear for one or both sessions, and the best percentile score will be considered for admissions.
MHT-CET 2026 Exam Schedule
Session 1 (April 2026):
PCM Group: April 11-19, 2026
PCB Group: April 21-26, 2026
Session 2 (May 2026):
PCB Group: May 10-11, 2026
PCM Group: May 14-17, 2026
| Event |
Session 1 |
Session 2 |
| Registration Start |
January 10, 2026 |
TBA |
| Registration Last Date |
February 24, 2026 (Extended)
With late fee: Feb 27, 2026 |
TBA |
| PCM Group Exam |
April 11-19, 2026 |
May 14-17, 2026 |
| PCB Group Exam |
April 21-26, 2026 |
May 10-11, 2026 |
| Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Note:
- Candidates can register for Session 1, Session 2, or BOTH sessions
- The best percentile score from both sessions will be considered
- Aadhaar and APAAR ID are not mandatory from February 13, 2026 onwards (for candidates with genuine technical issues)
Eligibility Criteria for MHT-CET 2026 (Engineering)
-
Nationality:
Candidates must be Indian nationals. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.
-
Age Limit:
There is NO age limit for appearing in MHT-CET 2026. Candidates of any age can apply if they meet other eligibility criteria.
-
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have passed or appearing in 10+2 (HSC) or equivalent examination from a recognized board with:
• Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
• One of the following as third subject: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Technical Vocational subject, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies, Electronics, or Entrepreneurship
-
Minimum Marks Required:
• General Category: Minimum 45% aggregate marks in Physics, Mathematics, and the third subject
• Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD from Maharashtra): Minimum 40% aggregate marks
• At least 60% marks individually in each of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects
-
Appearing Candidates:
Students appearing in Class 12 examination in 2026 are eligible to apply. They must pass the qualifying examination before the counseling process.
-
Alternative Qualifications:
• Diploma in Engineering/Technology (45% marks, 40% for reserved Maharashtra candidates)
• Diploma of Vocation (D.Voc.) in same/allied sector
• B.Sc. degree holders with Mathematics in Class XII
-
Number of Attempts:
There is NO limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for MHT-CET multiple times.
Candidature Types
Maharashtra State Candidature (Type A to E):
- Type A: Candidates with Maharashtra domicile OR born in Maharashtra
- Type B: Candidates whose father or mother is domiciled in Maharashtra
- Type C: Candidates who passed SSC and HSC from Maharashtra
- Type D: Children of All India Services and Central Government employees transferred to Maharashtra
- Type E: Candidates from disputed border areas with Marathi as mother tongue
All India Candidature:
Indian nationals from any state can apply under this category. However, they are not eligible for Maharashtra State quota seats. 15% seats in private unaided institutes are available for All India candidates.
Minority Candidature:
Candidates belonging to a particular Linguistic or Religious Minority Community from Maharashtra as notified by the Government.
Examination Pattern 2026
MHT-CET 2026 is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with separate papers for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group. The exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours) continuous without any break.
PCM Group Pattern (For Engineering Admissions):
| Section |
Subject |
Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
Time Allocation |
| Section 1 |
Physics |
50 |
1 |
100 |
First 90 minutes |
| Chemistry |
50 |
1 |
| Section 2 |
Mathematics |
50 |
2 |
100 |
Next 90 minutes |
| TOTAL |
200 Marks |
180 Minutes |
Key Features:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options
- Negative Marking: NO negative marking for incorrect answers
- Sequential Sections: Section 1 activated for first 90 minutes, Section 2 for next 90 minutes
- Language: Mathematics paper is in English only; Physics and Chemistry are bilingual (English and Marathi)
- Exam Centers: Conducted at approximately 226 centers across Maharashtra and select cities outside Maharashtra
Syllabus Distribution
The MHT-CET 2026 syllabus is based on the Maharashtra State Board curriculum for Class XI and Class XII.
| Subject |
Class XI Syllabus |
Class XII Syllabus |
Total Questions |
| Mathematics |
20% (10 Questions) |
80% (40 Questions) |
50 |
| Physics |
20% (10 Questions) |
80% (40 Questions) |
50 |
| Chemistry |
20% (10 Questions) |
80% (40 Questions) |
50 |
50:50 Weightage Criteria for Admissions
From the academic session 2023-24 onwards, the Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education department has implemented a 50:50 weightage system for B.Tech admissions:
- 50% weightage to MHT-CET percentile score
- 50% weightage to Class 12th board examination marks
The final merit list for CAP (Centralized Admission Process) will be prepared based on this combined score.
Important Points to Remember
- Candidates can appear in both PCM and PCB groups if they wish to apply for both Engineering and Pharmacy courses
- The exam is conducted over multiple days to accommodate all candidates
- Candidates must carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID proof to the examination center
- Once the examination center is allotted, it cannot be changed under any circumstances
- 85% seats in private unaided institutes are filled through MHT-CET; 15% are reserved for All India quota
- NRI/OCI/PIO candidates and children of Indian workers in Gulf countries are exempted from MHT-CET and can apply for direct admission
- Answer keys will be made available on the official website after the exam
- Results will be declared using Percentile Scores to normalize performance across sessions