The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially unveiled the schedule for the MHT-CET 2026, marking a significant shift in the exam's format. Registration for the crucial state-level entrance test will commence on January 10, 2026, and remain open until February 12, 2026. All details, including the information booklet and application forms, will be accessible on the CET Cell's official website.
Major Reform: MHT-CET Adopts Two-Session Format
In a landmark change aligning with national patterns, the MHT-CET will now be conducted in two separate sessions, similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). This reform aims to provide candidates with an additional opportunity to appear for the exam, potentially reducing performance pressure. Candidates can opt to appear for both sessions or just one, based on their convenience. If a candidate takes both attempts, the best of the two scores will be considered for admission, a policy already established for JEE-Main.
The first session for both the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups is scheduled from April 11 to 26, 2026. The second session for both groups will follow between May 10 and 17, 2026.
Mandatory APAAR ID and Key Eligibility Details
The CET Cell has issued a crucial mandate for all registrants. To apply for MHT-CET or any other CET, candidates must possess an APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID, linked with their Aadhaar. The Cell has urged students to generate their APAAR ID well before starting the registration process to avoid last-minute hurdles.
For candidates with disabilities, the requirement is to upload a valid disability certificate issued by a competent authority or a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card during the application process.
MBA-MMS CET Also Follows New Pattern
Parallel to the engineering and pharmacy entrance, the registration for the MBA-MMS CET will also begin on January 10 and close on February 12, 2026. Reflecting the new policy, this management entrance test will also offer two attempts in 2026. The first session is slated for April 6 to 8, 2026, with the second attempt scheduled for May 9, 2026. Last year, this test attracted registrations from over 1.16 lakh candidates.
The MHT-CET is the gateway for admission to a wide array of professional undergraduate courses in Maharashtra, including engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy. For the 2025 cycle, the test witnessed massive participation, with 4,64,263 registrations for the PCM group and 3,01,072 for the PCB group.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra CET Cell has already initiated the registration processes for several other entrance tests for the 2026 academic year, including those for BEd, MEd, and LLB courses.
