MHT-CET

Overview

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra, for admission to undergraduate Engineering and Technology, Pharmacy, and Agriculture-related degree courses in the state. It is the main route for Maharashtra state-quota seats in these programmes.

Who can apply

Candidates need to have passed or be appearing for Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (the PCM group, for Engineering/Technology) or Physics, Chemistry and Biology (the PCB group, for Pharmacy and Agriculture-related courses). A candidate can also appear for both Mathematics and Biology papers to remain eligible for both groups. Maharashtra state-quota seats additionally require candidates to meet the CET Cell's domicile and category rules published in the information brochure each year.

Exam pattern

MHT-CET is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions, held separately for the PCM and PCB groups across two sessions.

Physics and Chemistry are combined into one 90-minute section common to both groups, while Mathematics or Biology is a separate 90-minute section depending on the candidate's chosen group, making the total test duration 180 minutes.

Syllabus

The syllabus is drawn from the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, with some weightage also given to Class 11 topics. The CET Cell publishes the exact syllabus on its website each year.

Marking and results

The CET Cell releases provisional and final answer keys online, with a window for candidates to raise objections before scores are finalised. MHT-CET scores are used, along with Class 12 marks as applicable, in the state's centralised admission process (CAP) for engineering, pharmacy and agriculture courses.

Important dates

For the 2026 cycle, the CET Cell published a tentative schedule with the PCM and PCB sessions spread across April and May 2026; the application form was expected to open in December 2025. The CET Cell revises and confirms exact test dates through notices on cetcell.mahacet.org, so candidates should check the current notification before applying.

Fees

The CET Cell notifies the MHT-CET application fee for each cycle in its official information brochure. Candidates should refer to the current year's notification on cetcell.mahacet.org for the exact amount, since it can change between cycles.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the CET Cell's portal (cetcell.mahacet.org). Candidates register, enter academic and category details, upload the required photograph, signature and documents, and pay the fee online before the deadline in the notification.

After the exam

Candidates who qualify take part in the state's Centralised Admission Process (CAP), conducted by the CET Cell, where they fill in college and course preferences online. Seats are allotted round by round based on the MHT-CET score, category and preferences, and candidates confirm admission at the allotted institute within the given schedule.

Preparation tips

Since Physics and Chemistry are common to both PCM and PCB candidates, strengthening these two subjects benefits either track. Solving past MHT-CET papers under the 90-minutes-per-section format helps build the pace needed for the test, and revising directly from the Maharashtra State Board textbooks keeps preparation aligned with the actual syllabus.

FAQs