MHT CET 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus & Preparation Tips

What is the MHT CET Exam?

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test, also known as MHT CET, is a state-level entrance exam to select candidates for admission to undergraduate engineering and pharmacy programs in various colleges in Maharashtra. This exam is conducted every year by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell. The difficulty level of the MHT CET 2025 exam will be similar to that of JEE Mains.

MHT CET 2026 Highlights

MHT CET 2026 is a much-awaited state-level engineering and pharmacy entrance exam in Maharashtra, conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell. This competitive exam is a gateway for admission to B.Tech, B.Pharm and other technical courses in top colleges in Maharashtra. The exam is conducted in online mode and consists of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Focusing on the Maharashtra State Board and CBSE syllabus, MHT CET 2026 emphasizes on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates

The MHT CET 2026 is a prestigious state exam for those aspiring to enter engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses in Maharashtra. The exam is conducted by the State CET Unit, and the date, registration procedure, syllabus, schedule, and tutorial schedule are crucial details that students should be aware of. The exam for the PCB and PCM groups will be conducted separately. Candidates interested in the exam should prepare meticulously according to the official MHT CET 2026 syllabus, available on the official website, and closely follow the schedule. Please keep the following MHT CET 2026 schedule handy, as it is not confirmed, but it will allow you to prepare more systematically.

MHT CET 2026 Important Dates

MHT CET 2026 Application Form

Candidates can check the given section to know the MHT CET 2026 application form details:

1. Candidates can fill MHT CET 2026 application form through online mode only, as per the authority, no offline method is accepted.
2. The MHT CET 2026 registration form has been made available from 30th December 2024.
3. To fill the application form, candidates will be required to enter the educational, personal, and contact details, etc.
4. It is mandatory to upload the documents such as photograph and signature in the form.
5. In case candidates want to make correction in the form, they are able to correct the details during correction window.
6. Candidates are suggested to complete the application form details before 27th February 2026.
7. Recheck the filled details in the application form and submit it on the online website.
8. Do not forget to take a hardcopy of the form for further usage in admission procedure.

How to Apply for MHT CET 2026

Here we have mentioned the step-by-step procedure to apply for the exam:

Step-1: Visit the CET website (link is given above).

Step-2: On the homepage, click on the “New Registration” link.

Step-3: Start filling the form with details like personal, education, contact etc.

Step-4: Now upload documents like photo and signature in the specific format.

Step-5: Deposit the application fee using the available facility.

Step-6: Double-check the details filled in the application form and submit it.

Step-7: Take a hardcopy of the form and keep it safe for further use.

1. Candidates can deposit the fee only through online mode. 
2. Fee can be deposited only using debit card, credit card and net banking facility. 
3. The fee deposited will not be refunded under any circumstances.

MHT CET exam 2026 application Fee

Here we have provided the application fee for different category candidates:

MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for this exam must check the MHT CET eligibility criteria before filling the application form. The CET cell has set certain conditions that every candidate must fulfill to be considered for admission to courses in Maharashtra. The MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria are as follows

For Maharashtra State Candidates

1. Candidates must have passed/appeared Class 12 in 2026
2. Candidates must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational Subjects/Computer Science/Information Technology/Information Science Practices/Agriculture/Engineering Graphics/Business Studies
3. Candidates must have secured at least 45% marks in Class 12. Candidates belonging to the category of Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections and Persons with Disabilities must have secured at least 40% marks in Class 12

Non-Maharashtra Candidates

1. Candidates from outside Maharashtra are also eligible to appear for MHT CET. Non-Maharashtra candidates also have the option to apply for BTech admissions through JEE Main.
2. MHT CET reservation policies do not apply to candidates from outside Maharashtra.

OCI/PIO/NRI Candidates

OCI/PIO and NRI candidates are exempted from appearing in MHT CET. Such candidates can apply for admission on the basis of class 12/equivalent examination. Separate counselling is conducted for OCI/PIO/NRI candidates after the admission process of MHT CET.

MHT CET Eligibility Criteria- Course-wise

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern

Check out the complete MHT CET exam pattern 2026 below to prepare for the exam accordingly:

1. Exam Mode: The exam will be conducted through online CBT (Computer Based Test) only.
2. Duration: A total of 3 hours will be given to solve the PCB and PCM group exam.
3. Total Questions: There will be a total of 150 questions in the PCM section and 200 questions in the PCB section.
4. Type of Questions: The exam will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
5. Languages: The exam for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology will be available in English/Marathi/Urdu. For Mathematics, it will be available in English only.
6. Marking Scheme: 1 mark will be awarded for each correct answer in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and 2 marks for Mathematics.
7. Negative Marking: There will be no negative marking for wrong responses.

Complete exam pattern for different subjects is given below:

MHT CET 2026 Syllabus

The MHT CET syllabus 2026 has been uploaded online by the state CET cell. Covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology (for those pursuing pharmacy and agriculture courses), the syllabus is in line with the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) syllabus for classes 11 and 12. The official notice mentions that the MHT CET 2026 syllabus will include the complete syllabus of class 12 and some topics from class 11.

MHT CET 2026 Preparation Tips

MHT CET, also known as Maharashtra Common Entrance Test, is a state-level exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell of Maharashtra for admission to various undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture. Here are some effective MHT CET 2026 preparation tips to ace the exam:

1. Understand the syllabus: Review the MHT CET 2026 syllabus thoroughly to understand the topics and sub-topics to focus on.
2. Create a study plan: After thoroughly understanding all the syllabus components, create a comprehensive study plan incorporating them.
3. Regular practice: Solve as many MHT CET sample papers and previous year papers as possible to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types.
4. Time management: Practice effective time management techniques like solving questions under time constraints to increase speed and accuracy.
5. Regular revision: Revise topics constantly to retain the learned material; make it a habit to review the previous day’s work daily.
6. Take breaks: Take regular short breaks during study sessions to keep the mind refreshed, focused and refreshed.
7. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude, believe in your abilities and stay motivated during your MHT CET 2026 preparation.

MHT CET Best Books 2026

Books are considered the best resource for preparing for the entrance exam. Candidates should choose the best books for MHT CET 2026. While selecting MHT CET books, candidates should ensure that the books cover the syllabus of the exam. MHT CET questions will be based on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

MHT CET Best Books

MHT CET Mock Test 2026

CET Cell Maharashtra is all set to unveil the MHT CET 2026 mock test on its official website cetcell.mahacet.org. Designed to provide candidates a preview of the exam pattern, question types, and test environment, this mock test is a valuable resource for effective preparation. To access the mock test, candidates simply need to visit the official website and click on the specified mock test link. Using this resource can significantly contribute to the readiness and confidence of candidates for the actual MHT CET 2026 exam.

MHT CET 2026 Exam Centres

The MHT CET 2026 exam will be conducted through online CBT (Computer Based Test Mode). There will be around 226 institutes in 36 district headquarters in the state of Maharashtra where the exam will be conducted.

Apart from the home state, the MHT CET 2026 exam will also be conducted at centers in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Here is the information about MHT CET 2026 Exam Centres in a table format:

MHT CET Admit Card 2026

The authority will release the MHT CET 2026 admit card online. The link to download the MHT CET 2026 admit card will be updated on the website cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates will have to provide the application number and password to download the MHT CET admit card. The admit card will contain details such as the name of the candidate, exam date and time, paper, exam center address and exam day instructions. Candidates must carry the MHT CET admit card on the day of the exam.

How to download MHT CET admit card 2026?

Follow the steps mentioned below to download the MHT CET admit card:

1. Visit the MHT CET 2026 official website https://cetcell.mahacet.org/
2. Click on the MHT CET hall ticket download link
3. Enter the application number and password
4. Click on the MHT CET admit card
5. Check the details mentioned in the admit card and download the same.

Click Here to Download MHT CET Admit Card 2026

MHT CET Answer Key 2026

The MHT CET 2026 answer key will be published by the authority through online mode. Candidates will be able to access the answer key from the first week of May 2026. The direct link to download the answer key PDF will be available on the website. First, the provisional answer key will be released which will also be open for challenge.

Candidates who are not satisfied with the answers given in the key can raise objections online from the website. To challenge the key, candidates will have to deposit a fee of Rs 200 for each objection raised. After analyzing all the objections, the final answer key will be released online.

How to download the MHT CET answer key 2026?

1. Visit the MHT CET 2026 official website https://cetcell.mahacet.org/
2. Click on the MHT CET answer key link
3. Enter the application number and password
4. Download the answer key.

MHT CET 2026 Result

The MHT CET 2026 result will be declared through online mode on the website. It will be declared in the first week of June 2026. The result link for checking the scorecard will be provided on this page and on the authority's website. Application number and date of birth will be required to download the result.

The MHT CET result will include the total percentage score as well as subject-wise marks of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The result will be released based on the final answer key. After the result is declared, the MHT CET 2026 merit list will be released on the website.

How to check MHT CET result 2026?

1. Visit the MHT CET 2026 official website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org/
2. Click on the result link
3. Enter the required credentials
4. MHT CET result will appear
5. Download the same

MHT CET 2026 Counselling

The MHT CET 2026 counselling process will be conducted in the second week of June 2026. The counselling process and seat allotment process will have three rounds. The process includes online registration, uploading scanned documents and paying the required counselling fee to participate. 

Candidates will also have to carry documents for the verification process. After the verification of documents, the choice filling for counselling will be started and seat allotment will be done in three rounds. Candidates who will be allotted a seat will have to confirm their admission online by paying the seat confirmation fee and reporting at the allotted institute.

Required Documents:

1. 10th class pass certificate & Marksheet
2. 12th class pass certificate & Marksheet
3. MHT CET result 2026
4. Character certificate
5. Migration certificate
6. Category certificate (if required)
7. School leaving certificate
8. Domicile certificate of Maharashtra (if required)
9. MHT CET 2026 admit card, etc.

Participating Institutes of MHT CET 2026

MHT CET 2026 is a gateway for admission to several prestigious engineering and pharmacy institutes across Maharashtra. The Participating Institutes of MHT CET 2026 include government, private and autonomous colleges that offer B.Tech, B.Pharm and other technical courses. Top institutes such as VJTI Mumbai, COEP Pune and SGGS Nanded accept MHT CET scores for admission. These institutes are renowned for their academic excellence, state-of-the-art infrastructure and industry-oriented curriculum. Candidates who score qualifying marks in MHT CET 2026 can apply to these colleges during the centralised counselling process. Below is a table highlighting some of the major MHT CET 2026 participating colleges: