The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra, has announced the tentative schedule for the MHT CET 2026 exam. This year brings a major change: the MHT CET exam will now be held twice a year. Students aiming for admission to BTech (Engineering) and BPharma (Pharmacy) courses in Maharashtra will get two attempts, once in April and once in May.
This new system is good news for many students. It aims to reduce pressure and give candidates a better chance to improve their scores. This setup is similar to how national-level engineering exams like JEE Main are conducted. The first set of exams for MHT CET 2026 will happen in April, and the second set will take place in May.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)
Here are the expected dates for both sessions of the MHT CET 2026 exam:
| Exam Group | Session 1 Dates (April 2026) | Session 2 Dates (May 2026) |
| PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) | April 11 to April 19, 2026 | May 14 to May 17, 2026 |
| PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | April 21 to April 26, 2026 | May 10 to May 11, 2026 |
Students should remember that these dates are tentative. This means they are currently planned but might change slightly. It is important to always check the official website for the final confirmed schedule.
Why Two Exam Sessions?
The decision to hold the MHT CET exam twice a year is a big change by the State CET Cell. This new rule has been made for several reasons:
- Less Student Pressure: Taking a single exam can be very stressful. If a student has a bad day due to illness or other issues, it can affect their entire year's efforts. Having two attempts makes this pressure less.
- Chance to Improve: If a student does not perform well in the first attempt, they get a second chance to improve their score. They can learn from their mistakes, focus on weak areas, and perform better in the next session.
- Fairer Opportunity: This system gives all students a fairer chance. It makes sure that students are not judged only on one performance, giving them more room to show what they know.
- Like National Exams: This change makes MHT CET similar to national engineering entrance exams like JEE Main, which also offer multiple attempts to students.
This new policy helps students avoid the stress of a one-time exam and gives them a stronger chance to succeed in their studies.
What is MHT CET?
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) is an important state-level entrance exam in Maharashtra. The State CET Cell conducts this exam to admit students into various professional undergraduate courses. These mainly include:
- Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Engineering
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharma)
The MHT CET is an online exam. This means it is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Students go to special exam centres to take the test on computers.
MHT CET Exam Structure and Syllabus
The exam tests students on subjects taught in their Class 11 and Class 12. The specific subjects depend on the course a student wants to join:
- For BTech (Engineering): Students need to appear for the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) group.
- For BPharma (Pharmacy): Students need to appear for the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) group.
The syllabus for MHT CET is based on the Maharashtra State Board curriculum for Class 11 and Class 12. Students must study topics from both classes to prepare well. It is important to have a strong understanding of concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
It is also important to know that for BTech admissions in Maharashtra, some colleges also consider scores from the JEE Main exam.
How Students Can Use the Two Attempts Wisely
With two sessions available, students can plan their preparation smartly:
- First Attempt as Practice: Students can use the first session (April) to understand the exam pattern, manage their time, and find their strong and weak points.
- Improve for Second Attempt: After the first attempt, students can focus their studies. They can spend more time on topics where they scored less and practice more to improve for the second attempt (May).
- Reduce Worry: Knowing there is a second chance can help students relax more during the first exam. This can help them perform better without too much pressure.
This new system is made to help students get their desired college seats.
Important Advice for Students
Students should keep the following points in mind:
- Check Official Website: Always visit the official website of the Maharashtra CET Cell for the most correct and latest information.
- Start Preparation Early: Begin studying for the exam early, covering both Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus.
- Plan for Both Sessions: Make a study plan that covers preparation for both attempts. This will allow time for revision and improvement between the two sessions.
This change by the State CET Cell aims to make the MHT CET exam process easier and more effective for students.
