• Updated on 10 Nov, 2025 by Amrita Das
MHT CET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted every year by the Maharashtra State CET Cell for admission to B.Tech and B.Pharmacy courses offered by colleges across Maharashtra. The official notification for MHT CET 2026 is expected to be released in the first week of March 2026, while the exam is likely to be held in the first week of May 2026.
The Syllabus for MHT CET is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum, with topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for candidates applying to B.Tech, and Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for those aiming for B.Pharm courses. Along with MHT CET scores, candidates can also apply for B.Tech admission in Maharashtra using their JEE Main scores, as many institutes accept both.
To stay updated on registration dates, syllabus, exam pattern, and other key information, candidates are advised to regularly check the official MHT CET portal once it goes live. Read further to know more about the MHT CET 2026 in detail.
Table of Contents
- MHT CET 2026 Highlights
- MHT CET 2026: Important Dates
- MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- MHT CET 2026 Application Procedure
- MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern
- MHT CET Syllabus 2026
- How to Prepare for the MHT CET 2026 and Improve Score
- MHT CET 2026 Admit Card
- MHT CET 2026 Result
- MHT CET 2026 Answer Key (PCM & PCB)
- MHT CET 2026 Cutoffs (Expected)
- MHT CET 2026 Counselling
- MHT CET 2026 Seat Matrix (Expected)
- MHT CET 2026 FAQs
MHT CET 2026 Highlights
MHT CET 2026 examination will consist of 3 sections. Each section carries 100 marks. Paper 1 is Mathematics; Paper 2 is Physics and Chemistry combined, and Paper 3 is Biology. Some other key factors related to the MHT CET 2026 Exam are presented below:
MHT CET 2026: Important Dates
The MHT CET 2026 exam schedule is expected to begin with the application process in December 2025, followed by the admit card in April 2026, and the exams for PCB and PCM groups in May 2026. The answer key and results are likely to be declared in June 2026. Check out the table presented below for more details:
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The conducting authority has specific eligibility requirements that students must fulfil before applying for MHT CET registrations. The detailed descriptions of the MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria are presented below:
Candidates of any age can apply for the MHT CET exam, as there is no minimum or upper age requirement. Apart from that, candidates must meet the following MHT CET Eligibility Criteria to take the exam:
- Indian citizenship is mandatory.
- Must have passed the 12th grade (or equivalent) exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognised board. Students appearing in 12th-grade exams are also eligible.
- A minimum of 45% marks in Class 12 is required (40% for reserved category candidates)
Note: Non-Maharashtra Indian citizens are not required to take the MET CET to enter a Maharashtra institution. However, they must meet other admission criteria, such as a non-zero JEE (Main) BE/BTech or NEET score.
MHT CET Registration 2026
Maharashtra CET Cell is expected to begin the MHT CET Registration 2026 in December 2026. Candidates can submit the application form with late fees till February 2026. After the conclusion of the application process, the conducting body opened the form correction window. The last date for MHT CET 2026 Form Correction will tentatively be in March 2026. A detailed step-by-step guide on the application process has been provided below:
1) Go to the official website at cetcell.mahacet.org.
2) Next, candidates should complete the registration process by selecting ‘New Registration’.
3) In the next step, candidates must complete the form by entering their academic and personal details.
4) After that, the candidate should upload all the necessary documents.
5) Next, the candidate must conclude the process by paying the application fee.
6) In the final stage, candidates must save the application for future reference.
MHT CET Registration Fee 2026
MHT CET 2026 application fee varies depending on the candidates’ category and residence address. The comprehensive fee schedule, while including and excluding the late fee charge, is shown below:
MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern
As per MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern, the paper is divided into three parts. Each paper is 90 minutes long. Maths questions carry two marks each, while all other subjects carry 1 mark for each question. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions only, and there is no negative marking. Students who had opted for PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) appeared for Paper 2 and Paper 3, while those who chose PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) took Paper 1 and Paper 2.
MHT CET Syllabus 2026
MHT CET 2026 Syllabus is based on the Maharashtra Board’s Class 11 and 12 syllabus. Approximately 20% of the questions are based on Class 11 topics, while the remaining 80% are from Class 12. So, candidates should focus mainly on Class 12 while also reviewing Class 11. Below is the subject-wise syllabus for PCM and PCB groups.
How to Prepare for the MHT CET 2026 and Improve Score?
To score well in MHT CET 2026, students needed a clear study plan. This included completing the syllabus, revising frequently, solving questions daily, practising mock tests and previous years’ papers, and managing time effectively. Given below are some of the MHT CET Preparation tips to help students prepare better for the exam
- Start early and don’t wait for board exams to end.
- Study NCERT books carefully.
- Make a proper study schedule and stick to it.
- Take practice tests every week.
- Focus more on Class 12 topics (they carry 80% weightage).
- Solve MHT CET Question Papers and MHT CET sample papers to spot patterns.
- Take breaks and avoid burnout during the exam.
- Join study groups or coaching if needed.
MHT CET 2026 Admit Card
MHT CET 2026 Admit Card will be released in April 2026 by the CET Cell. Admit cards for the regular PCM and PCB group exams will also be made available as per the official schedule. Candidates will be able to download their MHT CET PCM Admit Card 2026 from the official website, mahacet.org, by logging in with their registered email ID and password. After downloading, candidates are required to take a printout of the admit card and carry it to the exam centre on the exam day.
How to Download MHT CET 2026 Admit Card?
The admit card include several important factors, i.e., candidate's name, date and time, exam centre details, and exam day guidelines. The step-by-step guide to download the admit card for MHT CET 2026 is as follows :
- Log on to the MHTCET 2026 official website, cetcell.mahacet.org
- Click on the MHT CET admit card 2026 download link.
- Log in using email ID and password.
- Click on the 'Submit' button.
- MHCET hall ticket 2026 will be displayed on the screen.
- Download the same and take a printout for all future references.
MHT CET 2026 Result
MHT CET Result for the year 2026 will be published on the official website for the aspirants. This result included sectional scores, percentile scores, and overall scaled scores and percentiles. The result is considered valid only for 1 year.
How to Download MHT CET 2026 Result?
The MHT CET result 2026 date is expected to be in June 2026 for both the PCB and PCM groups. These are the following steps that candidates should consider while checking their results:
- Visit cetcell.mahacet.org
- Log in using Application Number and DOB
- Click on “Score Card” or “Rank Card.”
- The MHT CET result for 2026 will appear on the screen.
- Download MHT CET 2026 Result PDF and take a printout of the same.
MHT CET 2026 Answer Key (PCM & PCB)
MHT CET Answer key 2026 for the PCM and PCB groups will be released in May 2026. Candidates will also be able to check their respective answer keys by logging in to cetcell.mahacet.org.
The objection window for the PCB answer key will open in May and remain active for a very limited time. Students can challenge the answer key and the challenge facility available for a two-day period. After reviewing the objections submitted by candidates, the CET Cell will accept the objections, leading to the award of full marks in those questions.
Steps to Download MHT CET 2026 Answer Key
Candidates who appeared for the exam can download the answer key by following these steps:
- Visit the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org
- Click on the Candidate Registration Portal on the homepage
- A login page will open
- Enter your registered email ID and password
- On the dashboard, click on the MHT CET Answer Key PDF link
- Download and save the MHT CET 2026 answer key
MHT CET 2026 Cutoff (Expected)
The CET Cell releases institute-wise and category-wise cut-off lists. In 2025, the MHT CET Cutoff was declared in the form of opening and closing ranks. Students who qualified for the exam can check the expected cutoff list below to get a better idea:
Note: Actual cutoff will vary based on the seat matrix, reservation, and number of applicants who appeared for the exam.
MHT CET 2026 Counselling
The MHT CET 2026 counselling process will be conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell, most likely starting in June 2026, shortly after the results are announced. Only those candidates whose names appear in the MHT CET merit list will be eligible to participate in the counselling process. To take part, candidates must register online, provide their academic and personal details, and fill in their preferred choices of colleges and courses.
Seat allotment will be done based on the candidate’s All India Rank, along with their preferences and seat availability. The CET Cell is expected to hold 3 to 4 rounds of counselling, depending on the number of applicants and available seats. Given below is a detailed description of MHT CET Counselling 2026:
Phase 1: Online Registration and Document Upload
- Candidates must register on the official CET Cell website at mahacet.org.
- During registration, candidates fill in personal, contact, academic (Class 10 & 12 marks, board name, etc.), and exam details.
- A password needs to be created during registration.
- After submitting details, candidates must upload scanned copies of the required documents, including:
- Photograph (4KB to 100KB, 3.5×4.5 cm)
- Signature (1KB to 30KB, 3.5×1.5 cm)
- Documents will be verified either online or at designated facilitation centres.
Phase 2: Counselling Fee Payment
Candidates must pay the counselling fee online based on their category:
- General Category / Outside Maharashtra / Children of Gulf Workers: INR 800
- Reserved Category & PwD (from Maharashtra): INR 600
- Children of NRI / OCI / PIO / Foreign Nationals: INR 5000
Phase 3: Merit List Publication
- The CET Cell released the provisional MHT CET 2026 merit list on July 12.
- The merit list is prepared using a 50:50 weightage of Class 12 and MHT CET scores.
- Candidates can raise objections if there are any issues with their rank or information.
Phase 4: Choice Filling
- Once document verification is complete, candidates can select their preferred colleges and courses.
- It's important to lock choices before the given deadline.
Phase 5: Seat Allotment
- Seats are allotted based on the candidate’s rank, category, preferences, and seat availability.
- Results of each round are released online.
- Candidates can download their allotment letter from the CET Cell website.
Phase 6: Reporting and Admission Confirmation
- Candidates who are allotted a seat must report to the assigned college.
- They must submit the admission fee and required documents to confirm their seat.
MHT CET 2026 Seat Matrix (Expected)
The seat matrix for MHT CET 2026 will be declared during the counselling rounds. Meantime, students must check out the MHT CET Seat Matrix 2025 for CAP Round 2, which is available at cetcell.mahacet.org. The MHT CET seat matrix includes details like the total number of seats, course-wise seat availability as per participating institutes. Check out the table below for MHT CET CAP Round 2 Seat Matrix 2025:
MHT CET 2026 FAQs
What is the MHT CET 2026 Exam?
MHT CET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam organized by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. It helps candidates get admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture in different colleges across Maharashtra. The exam has multiple-choice questions based on school subjects, and candidates must prepare accordingly. It is important for candidates interested in technical or professional courses at state universities and institutes. Candidates should always check the latest notifications and syllabus updates for the exam each year.
Is there any negative marking in MHT CET 2026?
Candidates do not face negative marking in MHT CET 2026. This means if candidates answer a question incorrectly, no marks will be deducted from their score. Only correct answers add marks, and wrong or unanswered questions do not affect the total. Candidates can attempt all questions without worrying about losing marks for mistakes. This helps boost confidence while attempting tricky questions and encourages candidates to try every question, increasing their overall chances of scoring higher.
What are the eligibility criteria for MHT CET 2026?
To be eligible for MHT CET 2026, candidates must have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 (HSC) exam. For engineering and pharmacy courses, subjects like Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology must be part of candidates’ studies. Candidates must be Indian citizens. Certain courses require candidates to meet specific domicile rules for state quota seats. Before applying, candidates should review detailed eligibility instructions in the official brochure and verify their qualifications, subjects, and age, as requirements may sometimes change.
Is there any kind of reservation as well in MHT CET 2026?
Yes, MHT CET 2026 features reservation policies for candidates belonging to categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and more. Candidates from these categories must provide valid certificates as proof when seeking admission, as reservations apply to state government colleges. These reservations ensure equal opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds. Candidates must be careful to upload correct documents during admission, so there are no issues later. The rules for reservation and categories are defined by the Maharashtra government every year.
Can candidates from outside Maharashtra apply for MHT CET 2026?
Candidates from states other than Maharashtra can apply for MHT CET 2026. However, only candidates with Maharashtra domicile are eligible for state quota seats. Non-domicile candidates may be considered for private colleges or management quota seats. For state government and aided colleges, a Maharashtra domicile is needed for certain courses. Candidates should check quota details before applying to ensure they understand which seats they may be eligible for, as admission chances depend on quota guidelines.
What is the difficulty level of MHT CET?
MHT CET’s difficulty level is mostly moderate to difficult, according to recent exam patterns. Candidates find Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics papers similar to JEE Main, while Biology papers may be challenging too. Concepts from Class 11 and 12 are tested, with an emphasis on understanding rather than rote learning. Candidates need to grasp fundamental ideas and practice sample papers to become comfortable with the questions. Preparing consistently and revising regularly helps handle the exam’s level of challenge with better confidence.
What is the MHT CET registration process 2026?
The registration for MHT CET 2026 takes place online. Candidates must fill out the application form, upload necessary documents like academic certificates and photographs, and pay the registration fee. It is important for candidates to check all details and ensure documents are clear and legible before submitting. Instructions for eligibility and how to complete the application are clearly outlined each year on the official portal. Candidates should save or print their confirmation for future reference in case of any queries or updates.
What is the validity of the MHT CET 2026 score?
MHT CET 2026 scores are valid for one year. This means candidates can use their scores only for admissions in the academic year following their exam. After that, candidates need to reappear for the test if they wish to reapply for courses in the next year. The score reflects a candidate’s performance and is considered for seat allocation during counselling. Candidates must make sure they understand the timeline and apply to colleges and courses within the year of validity.
What languages is the MHT CET conducted in?
MHT CET is conducted mainly in English, Marathi, and Urdu. Candidates appearing for the PCM group can opt for English, while PCB group candidates may choose their preferred language if available. Each year, the official notification mentions the supported languages for different subjects. The exam aims to make it easier for candidates from various regions of Maharashtra by allowing them to choose the language they are most comfortable in. Understanding the language choice helps reduce stress and improve a candidate’s performance.
Is there any kind of reservation for female candidates in MHT CET?
Yes, there are reserved seats for female candidates in MHT CET. As per government guidelines, a specific percentage of seats in professional programs – such as engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture – are set aside for girls in participating colleges. Candidates must check the quota rules during counselling and admission to see how these reservations may benefit them. This initiative helps female candidates pursue higher education more easily and increases their representation in technical fields.
What are the eligibility criteria for droppers in MHT CET 2026?
Dropper candidates, or those who have taken a gap after Class 12, are eligible to apply for MHT CET 2026 as long as they meet basic academic requirements. There is no specific age limit for droppers. Candidates must have cleared their Class 12 exams from a recognised board, covering required subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology. Rules for qualification, courses, and reservations remain the same as for other candidates, and droppers only need to meet the academic criteria for their desired course.
How can candidates prepare for MHT CET 2026 without coaching?
Candidates can prepare for MHT CET 2026 without coaching by making a well-structured study plan early on and sticking to it. Practice with sample papers, use school textbooks, and try online mock tests to get familiar with exam patterns. Revision and self-study are crucial; breaking the syllabus into small sections and studying every day is important. Candidates should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. Useful study tips and resources are available online to help candidates study effectively at home.