MHT CET
Common Entrance Test (State CET Cell, Maharashtra)
MHT-CET is the computer-based common entrance test conducted by Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test Cell for first-year admission to engineering and technology, pharmacy (B.Pharm and Pharm.D), planning and agriculture-education degree courses in the state. Candidates take the PCM group (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), the PCB group (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or both, with questions in English, Marathi or Urdu. Engineering admission generally needs the PCM group; a PCB score qualifies only for a short list of courses such as agricultural engineering and biotechnology. Questions follow Maharashtra SCERT syllabi, with about 20% weightage for Class 11 and 80% for Class 12. There is no negative marking, and results are published as percentiles. In 2026 each group could be taken twice, and the better total percentile was used in the 2026–27 admission process. Seats are allotted through the CET Cell's Centralised Admission Process (CAP). Pattern, dates and fees are set in each year's information brochure.
Frequency
Two attempts per admission year: in 2026 the PCM group was held 11–20 April and 12–21 May (excluding 16–17 May), and the PCB group 21–26 April and 10–11 May. A candidate who sits both attempts is ranked on the better total percentile.
Duration
180 minutes per group: 90 minutes for Physics and Chemistry, then 90 minutes for Mathematics (PCM) or Biology (PCB)
Format
Computer-based
Score range
Three 100-mark papers: Mathematics (50 questions, 2 marks each), Physics & Chemistry (100 questions, 1 mark each) and Biology (100 questions, 1 mark each). The PCM group sits Mathematics plus Physics & Chemistry; the PCB group sits Physics & Chemistry plus Biology. No negative marking; results are published as percentiles.
Eligibility
Indian nationality; passed or appearing in HSC/Class 12 (or equivalent); no age limit. Candidates apply under a Maharashtra State, All India or minority candidature type. NRI, OCI/PIO and foreign-national candidates are exempt from the test. All India candidates may use a JEE (Main) score for B.E./B.Tech, which the CET Cell prefers over MHT-CET. Subject and minimum-mark rules for each course are set in the CET Cell's admission (CAP) information brochure.
Conducting body
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra
Registration fee
₹1,300 per group for one attempt (General/Open, Outside Maharashtra State and J&K migrant candidates) or ₹1,000 (Maharashtra reserved categories, PwD, orphan and transgender candidates); ₹2,600 / ₹2,000 for both attempts (MHT-CET 2026; payment service charges extra)
Source: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra. Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra — official site; MHT-CET 2026 Information Brochure (Technical Education courses, updated 11 Apr 2026); MHT-CET 2026 syllabus and marking scheme; MHT-CET 2026 Information Brochure (Agriculture Education courses); State CET Cell — final CET 2026 schedule (16 Mar 2026); State CET Cell — second-attempt exam dates (26 Apr 2026); State CET Cell — CAP information brochure, UG and PG technical courses 2026-27.
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
Related / Next steps
Explore studying in India →Guides that cover the MHT CET
9 min read
MHT-CET CAP Rounds & Seat Allotment Explained (Maharashtra)
How Maharashtra's Centralised Admission Process (CAP) works after MHT-CET — registration, option form, the CAP rounds, seat allotment and betterment/upgradation.
9 min read
Spot Round & Mop-Up Round in Counselling Explained
What spot rounds, mop-up rounds and stray-vacancy rounds are, how they fill leftover seats after regular counselling, and what students who missed earlier rounds should know.
10 min read
How to Fill Choices in Engineering Counselling (Strategy)
Ordering and locking choices in JoSAA and state engineering CAP counselling — branch vs college, safe/moderate/ambitious, and how to avoid common mistakes.
8 min read
Domicile & State-Quota Eligibility for Counselling Explained
Understand domicile and state-quota eligibility in Indian engineering and medical counselling — what state quota means, how states define domicile, and why rules vary.
7 min read
Entrance Exams After 12th: The Complete List
All the major national and state entrance exams Indian students can appear for after Class 12 — grouped by field, with links to dedicated guides for each.
Need prep advice for the MHT CET?
Ask GSB for a personalised study plan.
Ask GSB →Studying in India
Continue exploring India
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for India — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
Popular topics · India
Popular guides
View all →