MHT CET 2026: Registration (STARTS), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Question Papers

Finished 12th and looking for engineering or pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra? MHT CET 2026 can be your straight shot to hit—it is a computer-based test checking math, physics, chemistry for the PCM group (90 questions in 90 mins) or adding biology for PCB (200 questions in 180 mins). 

Additionally, no marks are cut for even wrong guesses. This exam is conducted twice in April-May to boost your chances, and scores lock seats in 400+ colleges via final rounds.

So, if you want all the information related to this MHT CET exam covered in a quick nutshell, give this blog post a read and get your hands on all the details.

Brief Overview of MHT CET Exam 

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance exam, kids take after 12th grade to enter engineering or pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra. It tests math, physics, and chemistry from the 11th and 12th books for the PCM group. Add biology for the PCB group. The test is generally conducted via the online mode. 

For 2026, exams will be conducted in two phases: April and May. Scores will decide your seats in over 400 colleges via counseling. No negative marking. Additionally, Maharashtra students receive state-quota seats, while others use the all-India quota.

You can expect to know more about your 12th-grade material than your 11th-grade material when sitting for the MHT CET. Since MHT CET is a multiple-choice format, you may wish to take advantage of guessing where necessary and accept the penalties associated with wrong guesswork.

All students taking MHT CET must complete all 90 questions listed in 90 minutes for the PCM track and 180 minutes (200 questions) for the PCB track. Exams are held at various locations within the State of Maharashtra and will be administered in two separate sessions, in April and May. The two sessions are designed to enable additional student admissions to top colleges after the conclusion of the counselling process, following both exams

Key Highlights of the MHT CET 2026 Exam

Eligibility Criteria for MHT CET Exam

The eligibility criteria are quite basic, so get your hands on them:

1. Completion of 12th Grade: All students must have completed their 12th grade through a recognised board - either CBSE or any other State Board.
2. No Age Limits: There is no limit on age as long you are prepared to attend class a full-time basis.
3. Out-of-state applicants: Show a valid domicile certificate proving your Maharashtra ties, or apply under the All India Quota (sometimes linked to JEE scores for extra eligibility).
4. Language Flexibility: Language of instruction does not hinder; instruction will be offered in English, Marathi, or whatever was the student's school medium, as long as they pass the minimum required test score in that language to continue with course progression.
5. Minimum scores needed: Grab at least 45% combined in Physics, Chemistry, and Math for PCM group—or swap Math for Biology if you're going PCB for pharmacy. It's that straightforward to qualify.
6. Reserved category perks (SC/ST/OBC): No sweat on hitting that 45% mark—these groups get full relaxation on the percentage rule, opening doors wider.
7. Maharashtra home advantage: Kids studying here snag most available seats automatically through the state quota—no extra hassle required.
8. Nationality: You need to be of Indian origin to sit for the exam and claim seats.

MHT CET 2026 Syllabus

Think of the syllabus like a treasure map from your Class 11 and 12 Maharashtra Board books. A big treasure (80%) hides in Class 12 topics. A small part (20%) from Class 11. Questions match school lessons exactly.

Registration Process for MHT CET Exam

Here is the step-by-step registration process mentioned for this examination:

1. Begin by going to cetcell.mahacet.org/New registration and selecting 'New Registration.
2. Once there, enter your email address, mobile number and 10th grade Roll Number to receive a login password.
3. Now log into the CET Cell Account with the password you just received and proceed to complete the online registration application form, which includes your name, address, parent(s) names(s), 11th & 12th grade marks and the choice of either:

• PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math) or
• PCB (Physics, Chemistry & Biology).

1. You must also provide your scan of your passport photo with a plain/white background, your signature, and your left thumbprint.
2. Once the application form is complete, you must also pay for the registration fee using an acceptable mode, including but not limited to: Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, etc. Refer to the current fee structure below for the categories of applicants who can apply for each concentration area.

• Boys (General): ₹1300
• Boys (Reserved): ₹1000
• Girls (General): ₹900
• Girls (Reserved): ₹700

MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates and Timeline

Admit Card and Exam Day Guidelines for MHT CET 2026

An admit card is your golden ticket—think hall pass that lets you into the exam room. No card, no test. It'll drop for download around March 2026. Just log in on the site, grab it, and print extras.

How to Download the Admit Card:

1. Go to the official MHT CET website.
2. Log in using your email ID and password.
3. Click on ‘Download Admit Card.’
4. Save it, and print at least two copies.

Top Colleges Accepting MHT CET

High exam scores unlock doors to the best colleges in Maharashtra. Over 400 colleges pick students via final rounds, aiming for a 90+ percentile to join top teams.

Final Words

Focus on 11th and 12th grade books to prepare, expect 70% of questions to come from 12th grade material. To familiarise yourself with the 11th and 12th grade exams download all older versions of the exams along with sample tests from cetcell.mahacet.org to learn how to manage your time during the exam.

Download all prior years' versions of the exam and use the sample exams at cetcell.mahacet.org to become familiar with how the exam was administered. You can learn how to manage your time during the test by doing this.