Exam prep·India· 6 min read

MHT CET Exam Guide (Maharashtra)

What MHT CET is and how it works — the State CET Cell, the PCM route to engineering in Maharashtra, the computer-based format, the Class 11–12 syllabus base, and CAP counselling.

Key facts

Conducting body: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra
Used for: Engineering, pharmacy & other professional UG courses in Maharashtra
Engineering group: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
Admission: Maharashtra CAP (Centralised Admission Process)
Official site: cetcell.mahacet.org

What MHT CET is

MHT CET (the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra, for admission to professional undergraduate courses in the state — including engineering (B.E./B.Tech) and pharmacy. For engineering, candidates take the PCM group (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).

It is one of the main routes into engineering colleges in Maharashtra, used alongside JEE Main.

Who can apply

Candidates who have passed, or are appearing in, Class 12 with the required subjects can apply for the relevant MHT CET group — Physics and Mathematics are needed for the engineering (PCM) group, along with Chemistry, Biology or a vocational subject as applicable. Maharashtra domicile and category rules for state seats are set by the CET Cell, so confirm the exact eligibility for your group on the official site each year.

Passed or appearing in Class 12 with the required subjects
PCM group for engineering; biology-based groups for pharmacy and allied
Domicile and category rules for state admission set by the CET Cell
Confirm current eligibility on the official site

Exam pattern and syllabus

MHT CET is a computer-based test. The syllabus is based on the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum for the relevant subjects, with greater weight on Class 12. The number of questions, marks, time and marking scheme are published in the official information brochure each year, so confirm the current pattern before you plan.

Admission through CAP

An MHT CET score is used for admission through the state Centralised Admission Process (CAP), where seats in participating colleges are allotted based on your score, preferences and category, across rounds. The CAP rules and schedule are released by the CET Cell each cycle.

Where to confirm the rules

The official MHT CET information brochure on the State CET Cell website is the authoritative source for eligibility, pattern, syllabus, marking, CAP and dates. Treat this guide as an overview and verify every specific on the official site before you act.

Frequently asked questions

Is MHT CET only for Maharashtra students?

MHT CET is primarily for admission to Maharashtra colleges, and domicile and category rules for state seats are set by the CET Cell. Eligibility and the share of state versus other seats are defined in the official brochure — check it for your situation.

Do I need MHT CET or JEE Main for engineering in Maharashtra?

Both can be used for engineering admission in Maharashtra through the CAP process, and the CET Cell defines how each score is considered. Many candidates take both to keep options open. Confirm the current policy on the official site.

What is the MHT CET syllabus based on?

It is based on the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum for the relevant subjects. Use the official syllabus in the information brochure as your reference.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra — official site.

Last verified: 2026-06-06.