MHT CET 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, and Preparation Tips
 
			The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET 2026) is one of the most sought-after state-level entrance exams for engineering, pharmacy, and technical courses in Maharashtra. Conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, MHT CET 2026 serves as a gateway for students aiming to pursue B.Tech, B.Pharm, and other undergraduate programmes in Maharashtra’s top institutions.
The MHT CET 2026 notification will be released on the official website – cetcell.mahacet.org. The MHT CET 2026 registration is expected to start from December 2025 and continue till February 2026. The MHT CET 2026 exam date is tentatively scheduled for April 2026.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Highlights
The following table provides a quick overview of the MHT CET 2026 exam details:
| Particulars | Details | 
| Full Exam Name | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test | 
| Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell – Maharashtra State | 
| MHT CET 2026 Registration Date | December 2025 to February 2026 | 
| Mode of Application | Online | 
| MHT CET 2026 Application Fee | ₹1000 | 
| Official Website | |
| MHT CET 2026 Application Form Link | maharashtracet.org | 
MHT CET 2026 Exam Date (Tentative)
Below is the tentative schedule for MHT CET 2026:
| Event | Date (Tentative) | 
| Notification Release | December 2025 | 
| Application Start Date | December 2025 | 
| Application Last Date | February 2026 | 
| Last Date with Late Fee | February 2026 | 
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 | 
| Exam Dates (PCB Group) | April 2026 | 
| Exam Dates (PCM Group) | April 2026 | 
| Answer Key Release | May 2026 | 
| Result Declaration | June 2026 | 
| Counselling Process Start | June/July 2026 | 
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The MHT CET 2026 eligibility criteria define the conditions candidates must meet to apply for the exam. Students must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology. There is no minimum age limit for appearing in MHT CET 2026. Candidates with BSc or Diploma in Engineering can also apply.
| Criteria | Details | 
| Nationality | Indian Citizen | 
| Age Limit | No age limit | 
| Education | Passed/Appearing Class 12 (HSC) or equivalent | 
| Subjects | Engineering: Physics & Mathematics + Chemistry/BiologyPharmacy: Physics & Chemistry + Mathematics/Biology | 
| Minimum Marks | General: 45% Reserved (Maharashtra): 40% | 
| Exam Requirement | Must appear in MHT CET 2026 | 
| Alternative Exams | Engineering: JEE Main 2026 Pharmacy: NEET 2026 | 
| Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org | 
MHT CET 2026 Registration Process
The MHT CET 2026 registration will take place online at cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates must complete the registration within the given window to be eligible for the exam.
Steps to Complete MHT CET 2026 Registration:
- Visit the official website – cetcell.mahacet.org
- Click on “New Registration”
- Enter personal details like name, gender, mobile number, and email ID
- Note down the system-generated application number
- Log in using the credentials
- Fill academic and communication details
- Choose the preferred course and exam centres
- Upload documents including photo, signature, and certificates
- Pay the application fee to complete submission
Documents Required for MHT CET 2026 Registration
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
- Government-issued Photo ID Proof
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
- Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets
- Scanned Photograph and Signature
- Category/Reservation Certificates
- Banking Details for fee payment
MHT CET 2026 Application Fee
The MHT CET 2026 application fee varies by category:
| Category | Application Fee (₹) | 
| General / Outside Maharashtra / J&K Migrant | 1000 | 
| SC / ST / OBC / SBC / SEBC / EWS / PWD / Orphan / Transgender | 800 | 
Late Fee: ₹500 (for applications submitted after the last date)
MHT CET 2026 Exam Centres
The MHT CET 2026 exam will be conducted across 36 districts in Maharashtra and select centres in other states. The exam centres are allocated based on the candidate’s preference during registration.
Exam Centres within Maharashtra (Few Examples)
| District Name | District Code | 
| Palghar | 991 | 
| Pune | 521 | 
| Mumbai City | 519 | 
| Thane | 517 | 
| Nashik | 516 | 
| Nagpur | 505 | 
| Kolhapur | 530 | 
| Aurangabad | 505 | 
| Raigadh | 520 | 
| Solapur | 526 | 
Exam Centres Outside Maharashtra
Bihar, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Delhi-NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The MHT CET 2026 exam will be conducted separately for PCM (Engineering) and PCB (Pharmacy) groups.
 The syllabus includes 20% topics from Class 11 and 80% topics from Class 12. There will be no negative marking.
| Exam Group | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration | 
| PCM (Engineering) | Mathematics | 50 | 100 | 90 mins | 
| 
 | Physics & Chemistry | 50 (each) | 100 | 90 mins | 
| Total (PCM) | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | 150 | 200 | 180 mins | 
| PCB (Pharmacy) | Biology | 100 | 100 | 90 mins | 
| 
 | Physics & Chemistry | 50 (each) | 100 | 90 mins | 
| Total (PCB) | Biology, Physics, Chemistry | 200 | 200 | 180 mins | 
MHT CET 2026 Preparation Tips
Scoring high in MHT CET 2026 requires dedication and a strategic approach. Here are proven tips:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly
- Create a study timetable covering all subjects
- Focus on high-weightage topics from Class 12
- Practise previous year papers and mock tests
- Use the Pomodoro Technique for better focus
- Stay consistent and maintain good health
Best Books for MHT CET 2026
| Subject | Recommended Books | 
| Physics | NCERT (Class 11 & 12), Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, MHT CET Physics by Target Publications | 
| Chemistry | NCERT Textbooks, Modern’s ABC Chemistry, MHT CET Chemistry by Target Publications | 
| Mathematics | NCERT (Class 11 & 12), Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma, MHT CET Mathematics by Target Publications | 
| Biology | NCERT (Class 11 & 12), Trueman’s Biology, MHT CET Biology by Target Publications | 
Additional Resources: Arihant Previous Year Papers, Maharashtra Board Textbooks
MHT CET 2026 Admit Card
The MHT CET 2026 Admit Card will be released in March 2026, around 10 days before the exam. Candidates can download it from cetcell.mahacet.org using their application number and password.
MHT CET 2026 Answer Key
The MHT CET 2026 Answer Key will be available within 7 days of the exam. Along with it, the response sheets will also be released for students to calculate their probable scores before results.
MHT CET 2026 Result
The MHT CET 2026 Result will be declared tentatively in June 2026 on the official website. Candidates can log in with their credentials to download the MHT CET 2026 Scorecard.
MHT CET 2026 Counselling
The MHT CET 2026 counselling process is expected to start in June/July 2026. The counselling will be conducted online through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP), consisting of four rounds. If seats remain vacant, institute-level counselling will be held.
Conclusion
The MHT CET 2026 is a crucial exam for students aspiring for engineering and pharmacy admissions in Maharashtra. Staying updated with the MHT CET 2026 exam date, registration process, eligibility criteria, and syllabus helps candidates prepare efficiently. Following the right study plan and using the recommended books can significantly boost scores and ensure admission to top colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for MHT CET 2026?
Students who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology are eligible. Diploma Engineering and BSc graduates can also apply. There is no age limit.
Q2. When will the MHT CET 2026 notification be released?
The MHT CET 2026 notification is expected to be released in December 2025 on the official website.
Q3. What is MHT CET 2026?
The MHT CET 2026 (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) is a state-level exam conducted by the State CET Cell for admission into B.Tech, B.Pharm, and other undergraduate programmes.
Q4. Where can I find official updates for MHT CET 2026?
All official updates, registration details, and notifications will be available on the official website – cetcell.mahacet.org.
