--- title: MHT CET Exam Date 2026: Schedule, Eligibility & Pattern description: Check MHT CET exam date 2026, schedule, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card details, and preparation tips. Stay informed and ready. --- # **Everything You Need to Know About MHT CET Exam Date 2026** Updated: 20 May 2026, 2:43 pm IST * * * * * * 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](https://amityonline.com/blog/everything-about-mht-cet-exam-date)   * * * * * * ## MHT CET 2026: Key Highlights Below are some quick highlights that might give aspirants a quick idea and serve as a preparation reference.  Particulars  Details  Exam Name Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) Conducting Authority State CET Cell Maharashtra Exam Mode Computer-Based Test Courses Offered  Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharm.D Exam Level  State-Level Entrance Exam Streams  PCM and PCB Official Website cetcell.mahacet.org Exam Duration  180 Minutes  Question Type  Multiple Choice Questions Negative Marking  No **Also Read:** [Top 10 Competitive Exams After 12th: Which One Is Right for You?](https://amityonline.com/blog/top-competitive-exams-after-12th)   * * * ## 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](https://amityonline.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-jee-mains). 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: Group MHT CET PCM Exam Date 2026 PCM — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics April 11–20, 2026 (except April 12) PCB — Physics, Chemistry, Biology April 21–26, 2026 ### Session 2: MHT CET PCB exam date 2026 Group MHT CET PCB Exam Date 2026 PCM — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics May 10-11, 2026 PCB — Physics, Chemistry, Biology May 12–21, 2026 ((Excluding May 16 and 17) > **Shift timings:** Morning shift 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Afternoon shift 2:00 PM–5:00 PM ### Other Important Dates Event  Timeline **MHT CET form filling date 2026** February 24, 2026 (extended from February 12). **MHT CET 2026 registration date** January 2026 **MHT CET 2026 registration last date** February 2026 **Application Correction Window** March 5 to March 7, 2026 **Hall Ticket Release** April 2026 **Answer Key Release** May 2026 **Result Declaration** June 2026 **MHT CET counselling date 2026** June–August 2026 > **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](https://amityonline.com/blog/top-pcb-career-options)   * * * ## MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: What to Know  Consider the MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria before appearing:  Criteria  Requirement  Nationality Indian citizen Age Limit  None  Qualifying Exam Passed or appearing in Class 12 (HSC) or equivalent in 2026 For PCM, Engineering Physics + Mathematics compulsory; Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology as third subject For PCB, Pharmacy Physics + Chemistry compulsory; Mathematics or Biology as the third subject Minimum Marks for General Candidates  50% aggregate in relevant subjects Minimum Marks for Reserved Candidates  45% (40% for SC/ST) Diploma in Engineering Eligible for the PCM route BSc Graduates Eligible under specific conditions APAAR ID and Aadhaar Mandatory for registration > Your application will be considered valid when you fully meet the CET exam eligibility requirements. **Also Read:** [Top 10 Undergraduate Programs](https://amityonline.com/blog/top-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](http://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.   Details  PCM Group  PCB Group  Total Questions 150  200 Marks — Mathematics 2 per question   Marks — Physics & Chemistry 1 per question 1 per question Marks — Biology   1 per question Total Marks 200  200 Duration  180 Minutes  180 Minutes  Negative Marking  None  None  Question Type MCQ (Objective) MCQ (Objective) Language English, Marathi, Urdu (Maths: English only) English, Marathi, Urdu Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT) Computer-Based Test (CBT) > **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.  Subject  PCB Group  PCM Group  Physics (Class 11 + 12) (Class 11 + 12) Chemistry (Class 11 + 12) (Class 11 + 12) Mathematics (Class 11 + 12)   Biology    (Class 11 + 12) * * * ## 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.  Event  Details  Session 1 Admit Card Release April 2026 (approximately 10 days before exam) Session 2 Admit Card Release May 2026 (approximately 10 days before exam) Download From [cetcell.mahacet.org](http://cetcell.mahacet.org)  → Login → Admit Card section Login Using Application number and date of birth/password Mandatory to Carry Printed admit card + original government photo ID 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](https://amityonline.com/blog/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](https://amityonline.com/blog/cuet-exam-dates-and-eligiblity-criteria)   * * * ## 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  Subject Recommended Book Physics Marvel Physics by A.J. Bapat or Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma (Volume 1 & 2) Mathematics Pradnya's Objective Mathematics C.S. Patil and Marvel Mathematics by Hemant G. Ainapure. Chemistry  Marvel Chemistry by Mayur Mehta and Chitra Joshi or Objective Chemistry by R.K. Gupta Biology  Arihant Maharashtra MHT-CET Biology Prep Guide  * * * ## 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   Strategy  Purpose  Attempt full-length mock tests weekly It helps improve time management Solve previous year papers regularly It allows understanding current exam trends Analyse mistakes after every test This strategy reduces repeated errors Practice PCM/PCB subjects separately This helps strengthen weak subjects Focus on accuracy before speed Allow to avoid unnecessary mistakes Revise formulas and concepts daily Helps to improve scoring chances  While you are deep in MHT CET preparation, [Amity Online](https://amityonline.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 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](https://amityonline.com/blog/exam-preparation-tips-and-tricks)   * * * ## 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. Event  Details  Answer Key Release Within 7 days of each exam session Response Sheet Released alongside the answer key, use it to calculate the probable score Result Declaration Expected last week of June 2026, percentile format Where to Check cetcell.mahacet.org using login credentials Score Format Percentile score (not raw marks) * * * ## 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 CAP Event Expected Timeline  Result Declaration Last week of June 2026  Merit List Release July 2026 CAP Registration & Document Verification (e-scrutiny) July 2026 CAP Round 1 for Option Filling & Seat Allotment Late July 2026 CAP Round 2 for Option Filling & Seat Allotment August 2026 CAP Round 3 for Option Filling & Seat Allotment August 2026 Institutional Round (if seats remain vacant) September 2026 - 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 -   (Number of candidates with raw score ≤ your raw score ÷ Total number of candidates in your session) × 100. * * * ## 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](https://amityonline.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 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. 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With a forte in creative writing, he enjoys generating content for other ever-evolving domains like FinTech, Commerce, and the EdTech industry. he handles blogs, web content, marketing collateral, and press releases. he has done his B.A. (Honors) in Sociology and PG Diploma in Mass Communication from ISBM, Pune. * * * ## frequently asked questions * * * ### Has the MHT CET registration started in 2026? + Yes, the MHT CET registration process for 2026 has already concluded. The main application window was already closed in February. Later, a special registration window for the second attempt also ended in April. * * * ### Will there be an MHT CET exam in 2026? + The MHT CET exam in 2026 is already ongoing, and it will conclude on 21st May, 2026. As of now, aspiring candidates can begin preparing for the MHT CET 2027 exam. * * * ### Will MHT CET have two attempts in 2026? + Yes. Candidates who want to achieve a good score and a top rank can take 2 attempts at the MHT CET 2026 exam. * * * ### What is the MHT CET 2026 exam date? + The MHT CET 2026 examinations are conducted in two sessions (Session 1 and Session 2) and in two groups, PCM and PCB. For session 1: PCM Group: April 11 to April 20, 2026 (Excluding April 12) PCB Group: April 21 to April 26, 2026 For session 2: PCB Group: May 10 to May 11, 2026 PCM Group: May 12 to May 21, 2026 (Excluding May 16 and 17) * * * ### Who is eligible for MHT CET 2026? + Candidates who have passed or appeared for Class 12 with the required PCM or PCB subjects are eligible for MHT CET 2026. * * * ### How can I download the MHT CET hall ticket? + Open the official State CET Cell portal and sign in using your registered email ID and password. Your dashboard will have the "Get Hall Ticket" button. Click it, download the PDF, and print it. * * * ### What is the syllabus for MHT CET 2026? + The MHT CET 2026 syllabus is based on the Maharashtra State Board curriculum, where the weightage distribution is 80% from the Class 12 syllabus and 20% from the Class 11 syllabus. * * * ### Is MHT CET easier than JEE Main? + Yes, compared to JEE Main, MHT CET is easier. However, both of these exams have core and structural differences. While the JEE Mains tests your conceptual depth and application, the MHT CET tests memory and speed. * * * ### How to get 99.99 percentile in MHT CET? + 99.99th percentile in MHT CET is a near-perfect score. To achieve it, you need to attempt almost 180+ marks out of 200. However, it totally depends on the question sheet’s difficulty. * * * ### What is a good score in MHT CET 2026? + For most of the reputable private and state-affiliated colleges, a good score typically falls between the range of 110 and 130. The higher the score, the higher the chances of getting admission in government colleges. * * * ### How is the MHT CET percentile calculated? + For the calculation, the exam governing body follows a particular formula and ensures overall fairness. They typically follow - (Number of candidates with raw score ≤ your raw score ÷ Total number of candidates in your session) × 100. * * * ### Which colleges accept MHT CET scores? + Across all over Maharashtra, there are more than 540 premier engineering and technology institutions, including both government and top-tier private universities. Examples include ICT Mumbai, College of Engineering, Pune, MIT-WPU, VJTI Mumbai, etc. As per their own cut-off marks, these colleges accept MHT CET scores and allow candidates to get admission. * * * ### When will MHT CET 2026 results be declared? + The MHT CET 2026 result for the PCM and PCB groups is expected to be declared in June 2026. * * * ### What happens after MHT CET results are announced? + After the MHT CET results are declared, candidates have to participate in the Centralised Admission Process (CAP). This is a mandatory online counselling process where you can easily register, fill out the college and opt for branch preferences. This process helps secure your admission. * * * ### Is there negative marking in MHT CET? + No, there is no negative marking system in the MHT CET exam. Hence, you will not lose any marks for giving incorrect answers. * * *