Maharashtra Health Sciences and Technical Common Entrance Test Overview 2026

MHT CET 2026 Correction Window and Admit Card

The MHT CET 2026 correction window is active. Candidates can edit their MHT CET application form until March 7, 2026.

The MHT CET Admit card will be released in April 2026.

• PCM candidates can download the MHT CET Admit card from April 5, 2026.
• PCB candidates can access their MHT CET admit card from April 15, 2026.

MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates

MHT CET 2026 for Engineering (PCM) will be held from April 11–19, 2026 (Session 1) and May 14–17, 2026 (Session 2). MHT CET Pharmacy (PCB) is scheduled for April 21–26, 2026 (Session 1) and May 10–11, 2026 (Session 2).

MHT-CET will now be held twice a year, beginning with the 2026-27 academic session. The decision was announced by Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil after a review meeting with the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The MHT CET 2026 Exam will be held in CBT mode. Both the PCM and PCB groups will have different MHT CET exams.

• In the MHT CET PCM Exam, 150 questions will be asked in 180 minutes and will carry a total of 200 marks.
• In the MHT CET PCB Exam, 200 questions will be asked in 180 minutes.
• The MHT CET Syllabus is based on the pattern of the Maharashtra Board.
• 20% weightage will be given to Class 11 topics and 80% to Class 12 topics.

Official Website and Registration Requirements

Visit the official website, cetcell.mahacet.org, regularly for the latest updates regarding the MHT CET Exam Notification, Schedule, and Result. The Maharashtra CET Cell has officially made the Aadhar authentication and APAAR ID compulsory for all students for the upcoming MAH CET registrations.

What is the MHT CET 2026?

MHT CET is Maharashtra's online entrance exam for admission to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and other professional undergraduate courses in colleges across Maharashtra.

As per Maharashtra CET Cell's statistics, more than 12.5 lakh students have registered for MHT CET 2026 engineering, pharmacy and management entrance exams till now.

• This is the highest in four years and possibly the highest number ever.
• Maharashtra CET Cell data shows that the MHT CET 2026 registration count has grown 36% in just one year.

What it’s used for:

• B.E./B.Tech (Engineering)
• B.Pharm & Pharm.D (Pharmacy)
• B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech Agriculture/Food Tech, etc.
• Admissions in government, aided, and private colleges in Maharashtra

Key highlights (2026 exam):

• Fully online (Computer-Based Test)
• Held twice – April and May 2026 (best score counts)
• Separate papers for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• No negative marking
• Based on Maharashtra State Board Class 11 & 12 syllabus (20% Class 11 + 80% Class 12)

MHT CET 2026 Exam Details

MHT CET 2026 Overview

The Maharashtra Health Sciences and Technical Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) is a state-level entrance exam. It is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

The exam is held for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and other technical courses in the state. The expected result date for MHT CET 2026 is June 2026, which is tentative.

Number of Attempts

The MHT CET exam is held once a year by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. Candidates can appear for the exam only once in an academic year.

• If a candidate misses the exam or is not satisfied with the score, they can appear for the exam in the next year.
• The MHT CET score is valid only for the current admission cycle and cannot be carried forward.
• Candidates can attempt the MHT CET exam every year until they meet the age limit criteria.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of MHT CET depends on the candidate's preparation, speed, and understanding of the Maharashtra Board Class 11 and 12 syllabus. Based on previous years, the exam is moderate to difficult for PCM students because of mathematics.

In the PCB section, biology is scoring, while physics and chemistry are application-based.

MHT CET 2026 Expected Dates

The notification for MHT CET 2026 will be released soon by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. The registration is expected to start in January 2026 and last until February 2026.

The exam will be held in April 2026. These dates are tentative and will be confirmed with the official notification on cetcell.mahacet.org.

MAH CET 2026 Exam Schedule

The Maharashtra Health Sciences and Technical Common Entrance Test (MAH CET) 2026 will be held from March 24, 2026, to May 8, 2026. The schedule covers multiple entrance exams for different departments and courses.

Each exam has a specific tentative date. The dates are spread across March, April, and May 2026.

Complete Exam Date List

Key Exams in March 2026

The first exam is MAH-MPED CET-2026 on March 24, 2026. The MAH-MPED Field Test follows on March 25, 2026.

MAH-MHMCT CET-2026 is also on March 25, 2026. The MAH-B.Ed exam runs from March 27 to 30, 2026.

Key Exams in April 2026

April begins with MAH-LLB 3 Yrs. CET-2026 on April 1 to 2, 2026. MAH-MCA CET-2026 is on April 2, 2026.

MAH-BPEd CET-2026 is on April 4, 2026, with its field test from April 5 to 7, 2026. MAH-BDesign CET-2026 is on April 6, 2026.

MAH-BAMMS CET-2026 is on April 7 to 8, 2026. MAH-BEd.MEd. CET-2026 is on April 9, 2026.

MAH-AAC CET-2026 runs from April 10 to 13, 2026. MAH-MHT CET (PCM Group) is from April 11 to 19, 2026.

MAH-MHT CET (PCB Group) is from April 22 to 30, 2026. MAH-B.HMCT/BArch/BBA/BMS/BBM CET-2026 is from April 28 to 30, 2026.

Key Exams in May 2026

MH-DNP/HPN CET-2026 is on May 4, 2026. MH Nursing CET-2026 is on May 6, 2026.

The last exam is MAH-LLB (5-Years) CET-2026 on May 8, 2026.

MHT CET 2026 Important Dates

The MHT CET 2026 notification is expected to be released in December 2025. The table below lists the tentative schedule for the examination and admission process.

MHT CET 2026 Number of Attempts

There is no fixed limit on the total number of attempts for MHT CET 2026. The exam is conducted annually by the State CET Cell, and candidates can appear as many times as they want, provided they meet the academic and age requirements.

• Number of Attempts: Unlimited (no restriction on the number of times you can appear)
• Eligibility Condition: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent exam with PCM/PCB
• Age Limit: No upper age limit for Engineering and Pharmacy aspirants
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Conducting Body: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra

MHT CET 2026 Application Timeline

MHT CET Registration will start in December 2025 and continue till February 2026 on the official website, cetcell.mahacet.org. The table below shows the expected application timeline.

MHT CET Registration Statistics (2025-2022)

MHT CET releases year-wise lists of registered and appeared candidates in PCM/PCB groups. The number of registrations has increased from 6.05 lakhs in 2022 to 7.65 lakhs in 2025, indicating an increase in interest among candidates. After 2023, the attendance rate has also increased and has been consistently more than 90%.

MHT CET 2026 Registration Fees

The MHT CET application fees will be released along with the official notification on the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. The CET Cell has increased the MHT CET application fee 2026 across all categories.

MHT CET CAP Choice Filling

In the MHT CET CAP Process, candidates can select from multiple colleges and branches when they are filling out the option form. If you select more options, your chances will increase for securing a seat as per your merit rank and cutoff trends.

MHT CET 2026 Preference Filling

During MHT CET counselling, candidates must fill in their college and branch preferences. The State CET Cell provides a specific structure for this process.

• Minimum Choices: At least 1 college/branch must be selected.
• Maximum Choices: Unlimited options can be filled in the preference list.
• Recommendation: Fill 50–100 preferences across colleges and branches to maximise admission chances.
• Editing Window: Choices can be modified before final submission during the CAP round.
• Seat Allotment Basis: Based on the candidate’s MHT CET percentile, category, and seat availability.

Expected New Updates for MHT CET 2026

There can be certain changes in MHT CET 2026, as per the previous year. The following table lists the expected updates for the exam.

MHT CET CAP Round Structure

The MHT CET CAP Process will be conducted in multiple rounds for seat allocation to get admission in engineering and pharmacy courses in Maharashtra. Each round will allow the candidates to accept, float, or upgrade their allotted seats.

MHT CET 2026 Eligibility

The Candidates who are applying for MHT CET 2026 should meet the required educational qualification, along with the age and domicile requirements by the State CET Cell. The MHT CET Eligibility criteria differ for Maharashtra and outside-Maharashtra candidates, based on reservation and fee benefits.

• There is no upper age limit, candidates should be 17 years of age by 31st December, 2026.
• Candidates should have passed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology.

Age Limit for MHT CET

In MHT CET, there is no upper age limit for candidates. Candidates should meet the educational eligibility criteria. The Minimum age requirement of 17 years for courses like Pharmacy, Engineering, no specific age criterion.

MHT CET Score Validity

The MHT CET Score is valid for 1 academic year. Candidates should use their MHT CET Score from the same year to get admission in Engineering, Pharmacy and Agriculture courses of Maharashtra. Candidates who appeared in 2026 should reappear in 2027 if they want to get admission again.

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern

The MHT CET 2026 Exam will be conducted in a CBT Mode by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra, and it will include MCQs without any negative marking. In PCM, Mathematics has high weightage, whereas in the PCB Group, Biology has high weightage.

Source: cetcell.mahacet.org

MHT CET PCM Exam Pattern

Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics carry equal weightage in the MHT CET PCM group. Candidates should prepare all three subjects with equal focus.

The Mathematics section has 50 questions, and each question carries 2 marks. Around 80% of the questions come from the Class 12 syllabus and cover all important concepts.

MHT CET PCB Exam Pattern

The Biology section in MHT CET carries the maximum weightage with 100 questions. Physics and Chemistry each have 50 questions, contributing equally to the exam.

Expected Percentile for 70 Marks in MHT CET

Raw marks in MHT CET are converted into percentile scores through a normalisation process based on candidate performance. The percentile for 70 marks depends on the exam shift difficulty and the group.

Safe Score for MHT CET 2026

The safe score for MHT CET 2026 depends on the PCM or PCB group and the college a candidate is targeting. It is based on the minimum marks required to secure a seat in reputed colleges for the general category in previous years.

• For top engineering colleges, a score of 150+ marks is required. This falls in the 98th to 99th percentile and is considered a safe score.
• For state engineering colleges, a score of 120-140 will ensure admission into mid- to top-level institutes.
• For pharmacy and agriculture colleges, a safe score of 100-120 marks is required, which is the 92nd to 95th percentile.

MHT CET Previous Year Question Papers

Previous year question papers are available for download for each year from 2016 to 2025.

MHT CET Syllabus 2026

The MHT CET syllabus follows the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and 12 format. Around 20% of questions are from Class 11 topics, and 80% are from Class 12 topics.

The PCM syllabus includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The PCB syllabus includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Is MHT CET MCQ-Based?

Yes, the MHT CET exam is based on MCQs. It is conducted in CBT mode, and each question carries 4 options with 1 correct answer.

• In Mathematics, the candidate gets 2 marks per question.
• In Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, the candidate gets 1 mark per question.

Is NCERT Enough for MHT CET?

NCERT books are basic for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. However, they are not enough for preparation.

The MHT CET exam tests problem-solving skills in Mathematics and Physics. Candidates need other reference books and guides.

Recommended Books for MHT CET

MHT CET 2026 Subject-wise Weightage

The MHT CET 2026 exam follows topic-wise marks distribution for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

This helps candidates plan their preparation according to high-weightage and important chapters.

MHT CET 2026 Preparation Tips

For MHT CET 2026 preparation, follow a strategic approach according to the CBT mode. 80% of the questions are from Class 12 and 20% from Class 11.

Candidates should solve MHT CET previous year papers and mock tests.

MHT CET 2025 Toppers

In MHT CET 2025, in the PCM Group, Meer Vipul Bhuva secured AIR 1 with the 100th percentile.

In the PCB Group, Hari Shrinivas Ambarkar secured AIR 1 with the 100th percentile.

MHT CET 2026 Toppers

The table below lists the toppers for MHT CET 2026 by stream.

Can I Pass the CET Without Coaching?

Yes, candidates can clear and score well in MHT CET without taking any coaching if prepared strategically.

• The exam is majorly based on the Maharashtra Board Syllabus for classes 11 and 12. NCERT/MSB books and regular MCQ practice are enough to crack the exam.
• Solve previous year's papers and online mock tests in exam-based conditions to increase accuracy.
• Without coaching, you should give 2-3 hours daily for at least 6 months.
• Free YouTube videos, PDF notes, and MCQ apps will help the candidate prepare strategically.

MHT CET Mock Test

Subject-wise mock tests are available for MHT CET preparation.

• MHT CET Physics Mock Test
• MHT CET Chemistry Mock Test
• MHT CET Biology Mock Test
• MHT CET Maths Mock Test

MHT CET 2026 Expected Cutoff

The MHT CET cutoff will represent the minimum score or percentile required by the candidate to qualify for admission to the colleges of Maharashtra. The MHT CET cutoff will differ according to the category, course, and type of institute.

Expected MHT CET 2026 Qualifying Cutoff (State Level)

• For general category candidates, the qualifying marks for MHT CET are around 80-85 marks, which is around the 50th percentile.
• For the OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the expected cutoffs are 70-80 marks, according to the reservation benefits.

MHT CET 2026 Expected Cutoff – Government Colleges

• Branches like C.S., IT, and E&TC require around 180-190 marks for the general category candidates.
• The mechanical and civil branches require around a 140-170 cutoff.
• In the top branches, with a difference of around 1-2, the mark of the rank of the candidates can be affected.

What is a Good Score in MHT CET?

A score above 120 is considered a good score in the MHT CET exam. Candidates can aim for colleges such as:

Which Colleges Can I Get with 90 Percentile in MHT CET?

Candidates achieving a 90th percentile have a good chance of securing admission into some of the top colleges across the state of Maharashtra.

MHT CET 2026 Expected Cutoff for Top Colleges

The expected cutoff for MHT CET 2026 is based on previous year trends. The table below lists the expected cutoff range for B.Tech courses at various colleges in Maharashtra.

MHT CET 2026 Seat Allotment

The MHT CET Seat Allotment is conducted through the CAP by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. Seats in government, government-aided, and private colleges are allotted based on MHT CET scores, candidate category, reservation, and preferences.

Colleges Accepting MHT CET 2026

The MHT CET 2026 score is for admission to engineering, pharmacy, and allied courses in Maharashtra. Candidates can participate in the Centralised Admission process to get seats in government, government-aided, and private colleges in Maharashtra.

Top engineering and pharmacy colleges consider MHT CET scores along with domicile and reservation policies.

FAQs for MHT CET 2026

Will CET happen in 2026?

Yes, the MHT CET Exam will be conducted in April by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. The exam will be held for both the PCM and PCB Groups in a computer-based mode.

• The MHT CET Official notification will be released soon on the official website cetcell.mahacet.org.
• The MHT CET Registration will start in December 2025 and will continue till February 2026.

How to get the 99.99th percentile in CET?

To achieve 99 percentile in MHT CET, candidates should score more than 160 marks out of 200 in PCM and more than 155 in PCB.

MHT CET Preparation Strategy

The table below shows the key focus areas for MHT CET preparation.

Can I Get COEP with a 90 Percentile in JEE Mains?

No, to get admission in COEP, the MHT CET Percentile will be considered rather than the JEE Main.

• The COEP cutoff is usually the 99.7–99.9 percentile in MHT CET.
• A 90th percentile in JEE Main may fetch NITs/other colleges, but not COEP via JEE.

Is 3 Months Enough for MHT CET?

Yes, 3 months are enough to prepare for MHT CET with a focused study plan, if the basics of the candidates are clear.

• Prioritise mock tests and revision during this time period.
• Daily preparation of 2-3 hours is required.
• Cover high-weightage topics from Physics, Chemistry, Maths/Biology.
• Focus more on the Class 12 syllabus as it carries 80% weightage.
• Attempt at least 40–50 full-length mock tests.

How Many Marks is the 95th Percentile in MHT CET?

In MHT CET, the 95th percentile falls in the range of 110–120 marks in PCM and 100–110 marks in PCB, depending upon the difficulty level.

MHT CET Marks vs Percentile (Estimated):

How Many People Take the CET?

In 2025, around 6.5 lakh candidates registered for MHT CET, around 3.5 lakh candidates in PCM and 3 lakh in PCB Group.

• The PCM group has slightly higher competition for engineering seats.
• Around 1.5 lakh+ seats are available for Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agri courses combined.

What Score is Needed for Top Engineering Colleges?

The top engineering colleges like COEP, VJTI, SPCE, and PICT require 140–160 marks with 98–99.9 percentile, according to the branch.

MHT CET 2026: Exam Overview

The MHT CET Exam will be conducted in April by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. The exam will be held for both the PCM and PCB groups in a computer-based mode.

The official notification will be released on the official website cetcell.mahacet.org. Registration starts in December 2025 and continues till February 2026.

Number of Candidates and Seats

In 2025, around 6.5 lakh candidates registered for MHT CET. This includes around 3.5 lakh candidates in the PCM group and 3 lakh in the PCB group.

The PCM group has slightly higher competition for engineering seats. Around 1.5 lakh+ seats are available for Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agri courses combined.

Marks vs Percentile

The 95th percentile falls in the range of 110-120 marks in PCM and 100-110 marks in PCB, depending on the difficulty level. The table below shows estimated marks and percentiles.

Score Required for Top Colleges

Top engineering colleges like COEP, VJTI, SPCE, and PICT require 140-160 marks with 98-99.9 percentile, according to the branch. The table below shows safe scores for different college tiers.

Admission to COEP

To get admission to COEP, the MHT CET percentile is considered rather than the JEE Main score. The COEP cutoff is usually the 99.7-99.9 percentile in MHT CET.

A 90th percentile in JEE Main may fetch NITs or other colleges, but not COEP via JEE.

How to Score 99.99 Percentile

To achieve 99 percentile in MHT CET, candidates should score more than 160 marks out of 200 in PCM and more than 155 in PCB. The table below lists the focus areas.

Preparation in 3 Months

Yes, 3 months are enough to prepare for MHT CET with a focused study plan, if the basics of the candidates are clear. Prioritise mock tests and revision during this time period.

Daily preparation of 2-3 hours is required. Cover high-weightage topics from Physics, Chemistry, Maths/Biology.

• Focus more on the Class 12 syllabus as it carries 80% weightage.
• Attempt at least 40-50 full-length mock tests.