Maharashtra CET Registrations Climb Steadily Over Three Years
Nagpur reports a clear upward trend in student participation for Maharashtra's Common Entrance Tests. Over the past three years, more students have been appearing for these crucial exams. This growth highlights a rising demand for professional education across the state.
Engineering and Technology Courses See Sharp Rise
The MHT-CET PCM group serves as the gateway to engineering and technology programs. Registration numbers tell a compelling story. In the 2023-24 academic year, 3,13,731 candidates signed up. This figure jumped dramatically to 4,22,863 by 2025-26. The sustained interest in engineering fields remains strong even as colleges expand their offerings.
Science-Based Courses Maintain Robust Numbers
The PCB group covers admissions to pharmacy, life sciences, and agriculture courses. Participation levels have stayed consistently high. Registrations grew from 2,77,401 in 2023-24 to 2,95,577 the following year. For 2025-26, the numbers remained solid at 2,82,737. This indicates stable demand for science-based professional education in Maharashtra.
Management Education Attracts Large Numbers
Management courses continue to draw many aspirants. The MBA/MMS CET witnessed registration growth from 1,12,209 in 2023-24. It peaked at 1,38,683 in 2024-25 before settling at 1,29,131 in 2025-26. Education officials note that the overall trend points to strong and sustained interest. Minor year-to-year fluctuations do not change this positive picture.
Major Reform: Two Attempts Per Year Introduced
In a significant reform, the CET Cell has decided to conduct key exams twice a year. This change aligns Maharashtra with national testing patterns. The authority explained the decision clearly. They want Maharashtra students to have two opportunities, similar to the two attempts available for JEE (Main) at the national level.
Candidates must now appear for at least one examination. The second attempt will be optional. Applicants must make a crucial choice during registration. They need to decide whether they want to take one or both attempts. This choice cannot be revised later.
If a candidate appears for both exams, authorities will consider the higher score for admission. This policy aims to reduce pressure on students and provide a fair chance.
Officials Analyze the Growth Factors
Officials associated with the joint director of technical education in Nagpur shared their insights. They attribute the rising participation to several key factors. Demographic changes play a role, but so does growing student awareness about professional pathways within Maharashtra.
Expanded examination infrastructure has made a difference. The shift to computer-based testing and wider geographic access to test centers also contributed to higher participation. The government's decision to strengthen the CET framework helped retain students who might otherwise seek options outside the state.
The consistent rise, especially in PCM and management exams, suggests confidence in state-level admissions and institutions, the officials noted.
Future Expectations and Challenges
With the new multiple-attempt system, officials expect participation to remain strong in coming years. The sustained volume of candidates creates both opportunities and challenges. It underlines the pressure on policymakers and institutions to continue improving quality.
Capacity expansion remains crucial. More importantly, institutions must focus on employability outcomes across professional courses. The growing numbers signal that Maharashtra's youth are actively pursuing higher education within their home state.
