MHT CET

MHT-CET is Maharashtra’s state entrance examination for professional undergraduate pathways. For the 2026–27 technical-education cycle, it is used in the selection process for first-year Engineering and Technology, Pharmacy, B.Planning, integrated M.E./M.Tech and M.Planning, and Pharm.D programmes. Although it is commonly associated with engineering admissions, the applicable programme and admission rules depend on the course-specific CAP process.

source: State CET Cell’s 2026 information brochure.

• Choose PCM for the Physics–Chemistry–Mathematics examination group and PCB for the Physics–Chemistry–Biology group; the 2026 rules allow candidates to choose one group or both.
• MHT-CET is an examination and score route, not by itself a college seat: candidates seeking admission must also follow the relevant CAP portal, notices, eligibility rules, verification steps and merit/allotment process.

The MHT-CET 2026 brochure states that candidates with Indian nationality who have passed or are appearing for HSC/Class 12 or an equivalent qualifying examination can appear for the test, with no age limit. It distinguishes Maharashtra State, All India and Minority candidature, among other categories; eligibility for a specific course and CAP seat remains subject to the applicable admission rules and documentation.

For B.E./B.Tech in 2026, MHT-CET is mandatory for Maharashtra State and Minority candidates under the brochure’s stated rule. All India candidates may appear, but JEE Main 2026 score is preferred over MHT-CET for B.E./B.Tech admissions. For B.Pharm/Pharm.D, the brochure similarly states that NEET 2026 is preferred for All India candidates. These are cycle-specific policies and applicants should verify the current CAP brochure before relying on them.

• Maharashtra State candidature types are defined through factors such as qualifying-exam location, domicile/birth, or a parent’s eligible government employment; candidates can claim only one Maharashtra State candidature type.
• Children of NRIs, children of Indian workers in Gulf countries, OCI/PIO candidates and foreign nationals are listed as exempt from appearing for MHT-CET 2026; their admission route should be confirmed through the relevant official admission portal.

MHT-CET 2026 is delivered online as a CBT at centres in Maharashtra. The paper is made up of four-option MCQs. PCM and PCB are separate groups, and marks from one group are not transferred to the other. Physics, Chemistry and Biology questions may be offered in English, Marathi or Urdu; the language choice made in the application is irrevocable, and the English version controls in a question dispute.

The total test duration is 180 minutes. In PCM, candidates solve 150 questions: Physics and Chemistry carry one mark per question and Mathematics carries two marks per question. In PCB, candidates solve 200 questions, with one mark per question in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The 2026 brochure says there is no negative marking.

• PCM timing: first 90 minutes for Physics and Chemistry, followed by 90 minutes for Mathematics.
• PCB timing: first 90 minutes for Physics and Chemistry, followed by 90 minutes for Biology.
• The State CET Cell uses a percentile/normalization method; a percentile score is not the same as percentage marks.

For the 2026 cycle, MHT-CET registration was online only through the State CET Cell website. The brochure directs candidates to read the official user manual, retain their application number and login credentials, and keep their registration details accurate. It also says that Aadhaar authentication and APAAR ID verification are carried out through DigiLocker, so candidates should ensure that those details are current and consistent before registration.

Candidates select the examination group and preferred examination city/district while applying. The CET Cell attempts to allot a centre in the candidate’s district or a nearby district, but the final centre allotment is binding and is shown on the admit card. A candidate taking both groups or multiple attempts can be allotted different centres.

• For the 2026 cycle, the brochure listed general-category examination fees of ₹1,300 for a single PCM or PCB first attempt and ₹2,600 for both attempts; Maharashtra reserved-category fees were ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 respectively. These fees are dated 2026-cycle context and may change in later notifications.
• After successful online fee payment, the candidate should save the receipt and print or retain the completed application form.
• At the test centre, candidates must follow the admit-card schedule. The 2026 brochure prohibits phones, calculators, smart watches and other electronic gadgets in the examination hall.

Start with the official State CET Cell syllabus and marking scheme for the relevant academic cycle, then prepare specifically for the selected group: PCM or PCB. Because MHT-CET is a timed on-screen MCQ exam, preparation should include computer-based practice under the actual 180-minute constraint, not only untimed textbook study.

Use the official pattern to allocate practice time. In both groups, Physics and Chemistry occupy the first 90-minute block; the final 90 minutes are Mathematics for PCM or Biology for PCB. For PCM, prioritize accuracy as well as pace in Mathematics because its questions carry two marks each. The Cell also indicates that an official CBT mock link is made available on its website in due course.

• Build topic coverage from the official syllabus before increasing mock-test volume.
• Practise four-option MCQs without relying on negative-marking strategies, since the 2026 brochure specifies no negative marking.
• Review incorrect answers by subject and simulate the group-specific two-block timing in full-length CBT practice.
• Before the exam, rehearse the official candidate instructions and confirm the allotted centre and reporting time from the admit card.

A qualifying MHT-CET score can be used in the Maharashtra CAP for applicable professional programmes, but admission is not automatic: course eligibility, candidature category, document verification, merit rules, seat availability and CAP allotment all matter. For 2026–27, the State CET Cell’s CAP page directs candidates to dedicated portals for B.E./B.Tech, B.Pharmacy/Pharm.D, B.Planning and Agriculture & Allied undergraduate admissions.

Applicants should treat cutoff expectations, seat availability and admission schedules as year-specific rather than fixed. The State CET Cell publishes CAP notices, brochures and course portals separately, so the correct next step after receiving a score is to use the official portal for the intended course and academic year.

• For Maharashtra State and Minority candidates seeking B.E./B.Tech in the 2026 cycle, the CET brochure identifies MHT-CET as mandatory.
• For All India B.E./B.Tech candidates in the 2026 cycle, the brochure says JEE Main 2026 score is preferred over MHT-CET score.
• The State CET Cell’s 2026–27 CAP page also lists Agriculture & Allied programmes that may use MHT-CET PCM/PCB scores alongside other specified score routes; candidates should use that course portal for definitive eligibility and admission instructions.