Maharashtra Health Sciences and Technical Common Entrance Test Eligibility Criteria 2026
Maharashtra Health Sciences and Technical Common Entrance Test Eligibility Criteria
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria are the conditions a candidate must meet to appear for the exam. The authority will publish the official MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria on its website, cetcell.mahacet.org. Until then, the eligibility criteria for 2025 can be checked.
To appear for the exam, you must meet the MHT CET eligibility criteria set by the conducting authority.
- All Indian Nationals who have passed the HSC/12th class exam or its equivalent are eligible for MHT CET 2026.
- Candidates must have cleared HSC from a recognised board/university with a minimum of 45% marks.
- As per DTE Maharashtra, 85% of the seats in private unaided engineering institutes in Maharashtra will be filled through MHT CET.
- 15% of seats will be filled or reserved for the All India Quota based on MHT CET.
- Candidates appearing for the qualifying examination (HSC/12th) in 2026 are considered eligible.
- There is no age limit for appearing in MHT CET 2026.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Schedule
The authority will conduct MHT CET 2026 twice a year. Session 1 for PCM will be held from April 11 to 19, 2026.
The PCB exam will be held from April 21 to 26, 2026.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for MHT CET 2026
The detailed eligibility criteria cover nationality, age, qualifying exam, and minimum marks.
- Nationality of a Candidate – The candidate should be of Indian nationality.
- Age Limit – There is no age limit prescribed for the candidates by the authorities.
- Qualifying Examination – The candidate should have passed 12th or the equivalent examination from a recognised board/university with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Candidates appearing for the qualifying exam, i.e., 12th in 2024, are also eligible.
- Minimum Marks Required – General category candidates should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the 12th standard examination. The valid percentage for SC/ST/OBC candidates is 45%.
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility FAQs
Ques. I belong to Maharashtra but completed Class 12 from Delhi. Can I appear for MHT CET?
Ans. Yes, you can appear for the MHT CET exam. If you are a domicile of Maharashtra but have passed Class 12 from Delhi or any other state, you are eligible to apply. However, your admission will be subject to Maharashtra State candidature rules during counselling.
Ques. What is the 50:50 weightage rule in MHT CET for BTech admission?
Ans. The 50:50 weightage in MHT CET means 50% weightage is given to Class 12 board marks and 50% to MHT CET scores while preparing the merit list for BTech admission. This rule applies only if both scores are considered by the participating institute.
Ques. What are the minimum qualifying marks for General category in MHT CET?
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Based on Candidature Type
The eligibility criteria for MHT CET 2026 depend on the candidate's category. The table below shows the requirements for each type of candidature.
| Students' Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Candidates of Maharashtra State (State Quota) | Nationality: ONLY Indian Nationals are eligible. Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed HSC or equivalent exam with Mathematics and Physics as compulsory subjects with any one of the subjects – Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biology/ Technical/ Vocational subjects. In these subjects, the candidates should have secured a minimum of 50% marks for General Category and at least 45% marks for reserved category and PwD candidates (belonging to Maharashtra State only). OR Candidates must have passed Diploma in Engineering and secured a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate (for General category) and at least 45% aggregate marks (for reserved/ backward category/ Persons with Disability) belonging to Maharashtra State only. OR Should have passed B.Sc. Degree from a recognized university as defined by UGC with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (for General category) and at least 45% aggregate marks (for backward class/ Persons with Disability) belonging to Maharashtra State only. These candidates should have passed XII class with Mathematics as a subject. |
| All India Candidates (AI Quota) | |
| Jammu & Kashmir Migrant Candidates | |
| Children of NRI/OCI/PIO/Indian workers in Gulf Countries (CWGC), Foreign National (FN) Candidates | These candidates must have passed HSC or equivalent exam with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects with one of these – Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biology/ Technical/ Vocational subjects and obtained at least 50% marks in the above subjects taken together. |
MHT CET 2026 Candidature Type FAQs
Who is considered a Maharashtra State Candidature for MHT CET 2026?
A Maharashtra State Candidature includes candidates who are Indian nationals with Maharashtra domicile, or whose parents are domiciled in Maharashtra. Candidates who passed Class 12 from Maharashtra are also considered under this candidature, as per official MHT CET 2026 eligibility rules.
Can an All India Candidature candidate appear for MHT CET 2026?
Yes, All India Candidature candidates can appear for MHT CET 2026. However, they are not eligible for Maharashtra State quota seats. All India candidates can apply for institutional-level or All India seats during counselling based on availability.
What is Minority Candidature in MHT CET 2026 eligibility?
Minority Candidature in MHT CET 2026 applies to candidates belonging to recognized religious or linguistic minorities in Maharashtra. Such candidates must be domiciled in Maharashtra and can claim admission only in minority institutions, subject to eligibility and reservation norms.
Who falls under NRI or OCI candidature for MHT CET 2026?
NRI, OCI, PIO, and Foreign National candidates are eligible under the NRI or Foreign National candidature for MHT CET 2026. These candidates can apply directly to colleges and are usually exempt from MHT CET scores, as per Maharashtra State CET Cell guidelines.
Are Jammu and Kashmir migrant candidates eligible for MHT CET 2026?
Yes, Jammu and Kashmir migrant candidates are eligible for MHT CET 2026 under a special candidature category. They must provide a valid migrant certificate issued by a competent authority and can apply for engineering and pharmacy admissions as per notified seat availability.
Maharashtra State Candidature Criteria for MHT CET 2026
For General category candidates, the minimum qualifying marks in MHT CET are 45% aggregate in Class 12 or equivalent examination. Candidates must also have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology, depending on the course they are applying for.
Approximately 7.5 to 8 lakh candidates appeared for the MHT CET 2024 exam across PCM and PCB groups. The exam is one of the largest state-level entrance tests in India, conducted by the Maharashtra State CET Cell for engineering and pharmacy admissions.
MHT CET 2026 Candidature Types
A candidate can claim only one type of Maharashtra State Candidature, from Type A to Type E. Candidates who have a domicile of Maharashtra state fall under this category.
| Candidature Type | Eligibility Criterion |
|---|---|
| Type A | Candidates passing SSC and also Diploma in Engineering or HSC or Bachelor of Science Exam from a recognized institution in the state of Maharashtra. Candidate who is either a domicile of Maharashtra and/or is born in Maharashtra. |
| Type B | Candidates not falling in Type A but their mother or father are domiciles of Maharashtra. They must possess a domicile certificate. |
| Type C | Candidates who do not fall in Type A or Type B but their mother or father is a Government of India or Government of India Undertaking employee. Either of the parents should be posted and reported to the duty in Maharashtra before the deadline of MHT CET application submission. |
| Type D | Candidates who do not fall in Type A, B and C category, but either of their parents are employees of or are retired as Government of Maharashtra or Government of Maharashtra Undertaking. |
| Type E | Candidates passing SSC and/or HSC Exam from a recognized institution situated in a disputed Maharashtra-Karnataka Border Area and whose Mother tongue is Marathi. |
All India Candidature
Candidates who do not have a domicile of Maharashtra and are seeking admission into the engineering colleges in Maharashtra fall under this category. Candidates having Indian Nationality are eligible under this category.
Minority Candidature
Candidates belonging to a particular Linguistic or Religious Minority Community from the State of Maharashtra and as notified by the Government are eligible under this category.
Other State Candidature (OMS)
Candidates having a Domicile Certificate, Residential Certificate, or Residence and Date of Birth Certificate issued from the competent authority other than Maharashtra state are eligible under this category. Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Candidates will be considered as OMS candidates.
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Direct Admission
NRI, OCI, PIO children, children of Indian workers in the Gulf countries, or Foreign Nationals are exempted from appearing for MHT CET 2026. It is mandatory to appear in MHT CET 2026 for admission in B.E./B.Tech for candidates belonging to Maharashtra State Candidature or Minority Candidature.
- All India Candidature candidates may or may not appear for MHT CET 2026 because JEE Main scores shall be preferred over MHT CET 2026 scores for admission to B.E./B.Tech.
- It is mandatory to appear for MHT CET 2026 for candidates belonging to Maharashtra State Candidature, Minority Candidature, and All India Candidature seeking admission to B. Pharm. / Pharm. D.
Conditions for Scribe Facility
Candidates with more than 40% disability are eligible to get the facility of a scribe. Candidates who are not in a position to write, such as candidates who are Blind, have low vision, or are affected with Cerebral Palsy and Learning Disability, can avail of a scribe.
- The scribe shall be arranged by the candidate only.
- The candidate has to indicate willingness at the time of online submission of the application form for the scribe.
- The candidate has to fill the declaration form for a scribe in the format available on the official website.
- Paste photographs of the candidate and the scribe with signatures and submit this declaration form before reporting to the examination hall on the examination day to the "Venue Officer".
- The candidates have to produce the disability certificate in original along with Admit Card to the "Venue Officer" during the time of examination.
- Candidates will be given 20 minutes extra.
Important Instructions for MHT CET 2026 Candidates
The Question Paper will contain Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question will have four options, and only one option among the four will be correct.
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology subjects will have 1 mark for each question.
- Mathematics subjects will have 2 marks for each question.
- The total duration for the MHT CET is 180 Minutes.
- The candidate has to solve 150 questions.
- There is no Negative Marking.
- Candidates are advised not to spend too much time on any particular question.
- Questions will be available in English, Urdu, and Marathi languages.
- Question Paper in Urdu and Marathi will only be available to the candidates who have opted for that particular language in the online CET Application form.
- In case of any dispute regarding the question, the Original English version will be considered as Final.
MHT CET Eligibility 2026 FAQs
The frequently asked questions about MHT CET 2026 eligibility are covered in the sections above. These include details on candidature types, direct admission eligibility, scribe facility conditions, and important examination instructions.
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Apply for MHT CET 2026
Candidates appearing for their qualifying exam (HSC/12th) in March 2026 are eligible to apply for MHT CET 2026. They must provide their provisional mark sheet of class 12th at the time of admission.
Candidates must be Indian nationals. Foreign candidates are not eligible to appear for MHT CET. The exam is open to both Maharashtra and outside Maharashtra residents.
Minimum Marks Required
Candidates need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in class 12th to apply for MHT CET 2026. If you are appearing in 12th, you are still eligible to apply, but you must provide the mark sheets at the time of admission.
Compartment in Class 12th
Candidates with a compartment in class 12th can apply for MHT CET 2026. However, admission will be finalized only after clearing the compartment in that subject.
Eligibility for NRI Candidates
NRI candidates must have passed HSC or an equivalent exam with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. They must also have one of these subjects: Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Technical, or Vocational subjects, and obtained at least 50% marks in the above subjects taken together.
NRI candidates are eligible for direct admission and do not need to sit for MHT CET.
Age Limit
There is no specified age limit for candidates appearing for MHT CET Exam. This is as per the official information brochure released by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell.
Valid ID Proofs for MHT CET 2026
Aadhaar Card is not the only valid ID proof for MHT CET 2026. Candidates can use any of the following documents:
- Voter Card
- Driving License
- e-Aadhaar card with a photograph
- PAN Card
- Indian Passport
- Bank Passbook with photo
- Any Photo ID proof issued by the Gazetted Officer or People's Representative
- Recent ID card issued by a recognized college or university
Ration cards will not be accepted as a valid ID proof for MHT CET.
Reservation Rules
Reservations under any category are only for candidates who are from Maharashtra. Candidates from other states cannot avail MHT CET Reservation benefits.
15% of seats are reserved for all India candidates applying to private unaided engineering institutes of Maharashtra. This applies to admissions through either MHT CET 2026 or JEE.
Scribe Facility
The exam conducting authorities of MHT CET 2026 will not provide scribes for candidates who need them. Candidates who need scribes have to personally arrange for them.
Types of Maharashtra State Candidature
There are 5 types of Maharashtra State Candidature under MHT CET Exam 2026. A candidate can claim only one of these 5 types.
- Type A: Candidates who have passed SSC and HSC from a recognized institute in Maharashtra state and are either domicile in Maharashtra or born in Maharashtra.
- Type B: Candidates who do not fall under Type A but whose father or mother is domiciled in Maharashtra and possess a Domicile Certificate.
- Type C: Candidates who do not fall under Type A or B but whose father or mother is an employee of the Government of India or Government of India Undertaking and has been posted in Maharashtra state before the last date for submission of application form for CAP.
- Type D: Candidates who do not belong to Type A, B, or C but whose father or mother is an employee or retired employee of the Government of Maharashtra or Government of Maharashtra Undertaking.
- Type E: Candidates passing SSC or HSC examination from a recognized institute located in Maharashtra Karnataka Border Area and whose mother tongue is Marathi.
Who Can Apply for MHT CET
Indian nationals are eligible under All India Candidature for MHT CET. Candidates from a linguistic or religious minority community in Maharashtra, as notified by the government, are eligible under minority candidature.
Minority candidature candidates must appear for MHT CET 2026 to get admission to B.E./B.Tech or B.Pharm/Pharm.D. For All India Candidature, JEE Mains and NEET 2026 scores are considered over MHT CET 2026, so appearing for MHT CET 2026 is optional for them.
Diploma Holders Eligibility
Yes, candidates who have passed a diploma in engineering and technology and belong to Maharashtra state can apply for MHT CET. Such candidates must have obtained at least 45% marks.
For backward class categories, EWS, and Person with Disability category, the required minimum is 40% marks.
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Maharashtra Domicile with Class 12 from Another State
Yes, you can appear for the MHT CET exam. If you are a domicile of Maharashtra but have passed Class 12 from Delhi or any other state, you are eligible to apply. Your admission will be subject to Maharashtra State candidature rules during counselling.
The 50:50 Weightage Rule for BTech Admission
The 50:50 weightage in MHT CET means 50% weightage is given to Class 12 board marks and 50% to MHT CET scores. This is used while preparing the merit list for BTech admission. This rule applies only if both scores are considered by the participating institute.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for General Category
For General category candidates, the minimum qualifying marks in MHT CET are 45% aggregate in Class 12 or equivalent examination. Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology, depending on the course they are applying for.
Number of Candidates in MHT CET 2024
Approximately 7.5 to 8 lakh candidates appeared for the MHT CET 2024 exam across PCM and PCB groups. The exam is one of the largest state-level entrance tests in India, conducted by the Maharashtra State CET Cell for engineering and pharmacy admissions.
Maharashtra State Candidature for MHT CET 2026
A Maharashtra State Candidature includes candidates who are Indian nationals with Maharashtra domicile, or whose parents are domiciled in Maharashtra. Candidates who passed Class 12 from Maharashtra are also considered under this candidature, as per official MHT CET 2026 eligibility rules.
All India Candidature for MHT CET 2026
Yes, All India Candidature candidates can appear for MHT CET 2026. However, they are not eligible for Maharashtra State quota seats. All India candidates can apply for institutional-level or All India seats during counselling based on availability.
Minority Candidature in MHT CET 2026
Minority Candidature in MHT CET 2026 applies to candidates belonging to recognized religious or linguistic minorities in Maharashtra. Such candidates must be domiciled in Maharashtra and can claim admission only in minority institutions, subject to eligibility and reservation norms.
NRI or OCI Candidature for MHT CET 2026
NRI, OCI, PIO, and Foreign National candidates are eligible under the NRI or Foreign National candidature for MHT CET 2026. These candidates can apply directly to colleges and are usually exempt from MHT CET scores, as per Maharashtra State CET Cell guidelines.
Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Candidates
Yes, Jammu and Kashmir migrant candidates are eligible for MHT CET 2026 under a special candidature category. They must provide a valid migrant certificate issued by a competent authority and can apply for engineering and pharmacy admissions as per notified seat availability.
Appearing for Qualifying Exam in March 2026
Yes, you are eligible to apply for MHT CET 2026. You have to provide your provisional mark sheet of class 12th during the time of admission.
Compartment in Class 12
Yes, you can apply but your MHT CET admission will be finalized only if you clear the compartment of that subject.
Minimum Marks Required to Apply
You need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in class 12th. If you are appearing in 12th then also you are eligible to apply but you have to provide the mark sheets of the same at the time of admission.
Eligibility for NRI Candidates
NRI candidates must have passed HSC or equivalent exam with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. They must have one of these subjects: Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Technical, or Vocational. They must have obtained at least 50% marks in the above subjects taken together.
Valid ID Proofs for MHT CET 2026
No, Aadhaar Card is not the only valid ID proof. Other valid ID proofs include:
- Voter Card
- Driving License
- e-Aadhaar card with a photograph
- PAN Card
- Indian Passport
- Bank Passbook with photo
- Any Photo ID proof issued by the Gazetted Officer or People's Representative
- Recent ID card issued by recognized college or university
Ration cards will not be accepted as a valid ID proof for MHT CET.
Reservations for Candidates from Outside Maharashtra
No. Reservations under any category are only for candidates who are from Maharashtra.
MHT CET 2026: Scribe and Special Category Queries
Arranging a Scribe for MHT CET
No. Candidates who need scribes for MHT CET have to personally arrange for them.
MHT CET for NRI Candidates
No. NRI candidates are eligible for direct admission and thus they do not need to sit for MHT CET.
Seat Reservation for All India Candidates
15% of seats are reserved for all India candidates who are applying for admission to private unaided engineering institutes of Maharashtra either through MHT CET 2026 or JEE.
MHT CET 2026: Nationality and Age Rules
Nationality Requirement
Candidates appearing for MHT CET 2026 must be Indian nationals. Foreign candidates are not eligible to appear for MHT CET.
However, MHT CET exam is open to both Maharashtra and outside Maharashtra residents. The reservation policies under the MHT CET exam apply only to the candidates belonging to Maharashtra state. Candidates from other states cannot avail MHT CET Reservation benefits.
Age Limit
No, as per the official information brochure released by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell, there is no specified age limit for candidates appearing for MHT CET Exam.
MHT CET 2026: Types of Maharashtra State Candidature
There are 5 types of Maharashtra State Candidature under MHT CET Exam 2026. A candidate can claim only one of these 5 types:
- Type A: Candidates who have passed SSC and HSC from a recognized institute in Maharashtra state and candidates who are either domicile in Maharashtra or are born in Maharashtra.
- Type B: Candidates who do not fall under type A but whose father or mother is domiciled in Maharashtra and possess a Domicile Certificate.
- Type C: Candidates who do not fall under Type A or B but whose father or mother is an employee of the Government of India or Government of India Undertaking and has been posted in Maharashtra state before the last date for submission of application form for CAP.
- Type D: Candidates who do not belong to Type A, B, or C but whose father or mother is an employee or retired employee of the Government of Maharashtra or Government of Maharashtra Undertaking.
- Type E: Candidates passing SSC or HSC examination from a recognized institute located in Maharashtra Karnataka Border Area and whose mother tongue is Marathi.
MHT CET 2026: All India and Minority Candidature
Candidates having Indian Nationality are eligible under All India Candidature for MHT CET. Under minority candidature, candidates belonging to a particular linguistic or religious minority community from Maharashtra as notified by the Government are eligible.
For candidates belonging to minority candidature, it is mandatory to appear for MHT CET 2026 to get admission to B.E./B.Tech or B.Pharm/Pharm.D. However, for All India Candidature, candidates score of JEE Mains and NEET 2026 shall be considered over MHT CET 2026. They may or may not appear for MHT CET 2026.
MHT CET 2026: Diploma Holders Eligibility
Yes, candidates who have passed diploma in engineering and technology and belong to Maharashtra state are eligible to apply for MHT CET. Such candidates must have obtained at least 45% and at least 40% marks in the case of backward class categories, EWS, and Person with Disability category.