Everything You Need to Know About MHT CET Exam Date 2026

MHT CET 2026 exams are now live. Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) concluded on April 26, and the Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) group will finish on May 21, 2026. However, if you are eyeing the 2027 cycle or want a second attempt, hoping for a better score, this is the right time to focus.

The MHT CET 2026 exam date, exam structure, registration timeline, syllabus, and counselling process remain almost consistent across years. Go through the current pattern, eligibility, and cut-offs. Use this guide as your practical reference to know when registration opens and how to appear confidently. 
 

What is MHT CET 2026?

MHT CET is the Common Entrance Test conducted by the Maharashtra Government. Candidates who get admission based on scores can enrol in undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and related professional courses across colleges in Maharashtra. However, the CET exam date 2026 Maharashtra has already been published, and the exams are live. 

The exam occurs in two groups. 

1. One is PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
2. PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) 

This is a fully computer-based test mode. Candidates seeking admission to B.E., B.Tech, B.Pharm, and Pharm.D programs commonly appear for MHT CET.
 

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Engineering Entrance Exams in India
 

MHT CET 2026: Key Highlights

Below are some quick highlights that might give aspirants a quick idea and serve as a preparation reference. 

Also Read: Top 10 Competitive Exams After 12th: Which One Is Right for You?
 

MHT CET 2026 Important Dates: PCM and PCB (Both Sessions)

MHT CET is not always a two-session format. Earlier, the exam was conducted as a single yearly exam. But from this year, the exam introduced a two-session format, similar to JEE Main. It also allows candidates to take two attempts in the same year, and the higher percentile counts. Here are the confirmed exam dates for both sessions:

Session 1:

Session 2: MHT CET PCB exam date 2026

Shift timings: Morning shift 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Afternoon shift 2:00 PM–5:00 PM

Other Important Dates

Note for 2027 aspirants: Students preparing for future attempts can expect a similar schedule as 2026 for MHT CET form-filling date and registration. The two-session structure is now a standard pattern in this exam. Plan to sit in both. Treat Session 1 as a real attempt, not a trial run. The best percentile from any of these sessions goes to CAP counselling.

Also Read: Top Career Paths with a PCB Background
 

MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: What to Know 

Consider the MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria before appearing: 

Your application will be considered valid when you fully meet the CET exam eligibility requirements.

Also Read: Top 10 Undergraduate Programs
 

MHT CET 2026 Registration Form, Process, Application Fee 

The MHT CET exam date 2026 registration process is conducted online through the official CET Cell Maharashtra portal. Candidates must complete the application carefully. Incorrect information may cause issues during counselling and document verification. 

Below is a quick guide on how to fill out the MHT CET Application Form 2026: 

1. Visit cetcell.mahacet.org and click for registration. Registration is now closed. You can register next year when it opens. 
2. Register using your APAAR ID and Aadhaar. Both of these documents are mandatory. 
3. Fill in personal, academic, and contact details and select PCM, PCB, or both
4. Upload a passport-size photo and attach your original signature in the specified format
5. Pay the fee online. Different methods are accepted, such as net banking, credit card, or debit card
6. Submit and download the confirmation page.
    

A note for upcoming students: APAAR ID is mandatory, not optional. Retrieve it through DigiLocker before the registration window opens in 2027. 

Documents Required for the MHT CET Exam Day

Candidates should review all details and the necessary documents carefully before submitting the final version. Incorrect category selection or document mismatch can affect admission eligibility later during the CAP round process. 

The necessary documents that you need to cross-check on the MHT CET Exam day are mentioned below. 

• Class 10 mark sheet
• Class 12 details
• Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
• Domicile certificate (if applicable)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-size photograph
• Signature scan
   

What Is the Current MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern

As you have already got an overview of the importance of the MHT CET exam, understanding the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern can help you to opt for an effective preparation strategy and manage time during the examination. 

If you are an aspirant preparing for the next cycle or want to reattempt, becoming more familiar with the marking scheme, subject-wise question distribution, exam duration, and difficulty level can help a lot.
 

Note for candidates: No negative marking means leaving a question blank is always wrong. Attempt every question; every unanswered question is a guaranteed loss.

MHT CET 2026 Syllabus & Subject-Wise Weightage

The MHT CET syllabus draws entirely from the Maharashtra State Board curriculum, which is Class 11 and Class 12 combined. Class 12 covers almost 80%, so if you are deciding where to spend most of your study hours, start there. Then, opt for the class 11 syllabus. 

MHT CET 2026 Hall Ticket: Release Date and Download Process 

While appearing for the MHT CET 2026 exam, you need to show the hall ticket as a mandatory document. The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, releases the hall ticket online through their official portal a few days before the examination. 

After downloading the hall ticket, candidates should carefully verify the following details: 

• Candidate name
• Application number
• Exam date and shift timing
• Exam centre address
• Photograph and signature
• Exam day instructions

In case of any discrepancy, immediately contact the Maharashtra CET Cell to request a correction before the examination date.
 

Also Read: Exam Simulation: Building the Ideal Mock Exam Atmosphere
 

Exam Day Guidelines for MHT CET 2026 

There are certain guidelines that candidates must follow on the MHT CET 2026 exam days. 

• Report to the exam centre at least 30 minutes before your shift. 
• Carry a printed admit card and one original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport). 
• No electronic devices, calculators, smartwatches, or mobile phones are allowed inside the hall. 
• Rough sheets are provided by the centre; hence, don’t bring your own practice sheets. 
• Read all on-screen instructions fully before attempting. 
• Biometric verification is conducted. So, arrive earlier than the reporting time. 
   

Also Read: CUET Exam: Dates, Eligibility & How to Apply
 

Preparation Tips and Best Books for MHT CET 2026

MHT CET preparation requires a balanced approach where you need concept clarity, regular revision, mock test practice, and time management. Follow some preparation books and study materials because those are specially designed for candidates appearing or preparing for the MHT CET. 

• Study Class 12 first because 80% of the paper is there. Don't start with Class 11.
• Attempt every question. Since there is no negative marking, a blank is always worse than guessing. 
• Attempt subject-wise mocks before full-length mocks to identify the weak chapters. 
• Study 2025 and 2026 answer keys. Also, follow previous years' question patterns, as questions tend to repeat. 

Some of the Test Books to Follow 

Previous Year Question Papers and Mock Test Strategy for MHT CET

As an MHT CET aspirant, solving previous year question papers and taking regular mock tests are some of the important parts of MHT CET preparation.

Previous Year Question Papers 

• Understand the latest question pattern 
• Apply the techniques of quick attempt 
• Identify important and high-weightage topics
• Improve question-solving speed and accuracy
• Analyse weak areas and subject-wise performance
• Build confidence for the actual examination

Effective Mock Test Strategy for MHT CET 2026
 

While you are deep in MHT CET preparation, Amity Online gives you a way to work on your career goals in parallel. The programmes are built around skills that actually matter to industries,  so by the time you clear the exam and get into a college, you are already ahead of most first-year students.
 

Also Read: AI in Exam Preparation: Tips and Tricks to Ace Their Tests
 

MHT CET Answer Key and Result Date 2026 

The MHT CET 2026 answer key helps candidates estimate their probable scores before the official results are announced. After the examination, the Maharashtra CET Cell releases the provisional answer key, the final answer key, and the result schedule through their official portal.

MHT CET Counselling and CAP Round Process

The MHT CET cutoff varies each year based on exam difficulty, total number of candidates, and available seats. You can consider the 2025 cut-off as a directional benchmark. However, official 2026 cutoffs have not been announced yet and will be published with the merit list.

MHT CET Counselling Date 2026: Expected CAP Schedule

• 85% of seats are reserved for Maharashtra domicile students, 15% for the All India quota
• For B.Tech All India seats, the JEE Main score is preferred over the MHT CET
• For B.Pharm All India seats, the NEET score is preferred
• Missing any single CAP deadline means a delay in registration, document verification, and the option form. This excludes you from that round permanently
   

How MHT CET Percentile is Calculated

In MHT CET, your percentile is calculated based on your relative performance, not just based on your raw marks. The State CET Cell uses a normalisation formula to ensure candidates receive fair marks across multiple shifts and days. The formula is -
 

Previous Year MHT CET Exam Trends: What to Know 

Students preparing for the upcoming MHT CET attempts should follow previous exam trends. These trends provide a clear concept of the ongoing competition levels, exam difficulty, and counselling patterns. 

• In recent years, MHT CET registrations have increased steadily, reflecting the rising competition among students. 
• From 2026 onwards, MHT CET is expected to follow a two-attempt format, similar to the JEE Main. 
• Recent trends show that candidates aiming for a 99+ percentile target are targeting marks above 130–140, depending on exam difficulty. 
• PCM Mathematics is usually the most time-consuming section.
• Competition for top Maharashtra colleges such as Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute and College of Engineering Pune has increased their cut-off marks significantly, which were in the 98–99+ percentile range. 
   

Conclusion 

MHT CET is not an exam you crack by starting late. Knowing the exam dates, understanding the registration window, getting the syllabus right, and following the counselling process, everything matters. Only then can you give yourself enough time to prepare properly. 

However, if you want to keep an eye on other career options too, alongside preparing for MHT CET, Amity Online is worth exploring. The programmes are flexible, career-focused, and designed to fit around what you are already doing. Visit today and give them a try. Best of luck!