The Maharashtra state government has announced a big change for the MHT CET exam . Starting from the year 2026 , this important entrance test will be held two times every year. Students planning to join engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and MBA courses in colleges across Maharashtra will now get two chances to appear for the exam. These attempts will be in April and May . For admissions, the government will consider the higher score out of the two exams given by a student. This new system aims to lower exam stress and offer more chances for students to do well.
Chandrakant Patil , the Minister for Higher & Technical Education in Maharashtra, shared this decision. He announced it after a review meeting with officials from the State Common Entrance Test Cell. The idea for this change comes from the successful model of the national-level JEE Main exam , which is also conducted twice a year. This move helps Maharashtra’s entrance process align with exam patterns followed at the national level, making it easier for students who might also appear for other country-wide entrance tests.
Understanding MHT CET
MHT CET stands for Maharashtra Common Entrance Test. It is a key state-level exam in Maharashtra. The State Common Entrance Test Cell is responsible for conducting this examination. Students who have completed their Class 12, especially those from the Science streams – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) – take this test. It serves as the main gateway for admission into various undergraduate courses. These include Engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Agriculture (B.Sc Agri), and also postgraduate courses like Master of Business Administration (MBA) in government and private colleges across the state.
Every year, a large number of seats are filled through the MHT CET exam. For instance, there are approximately 1.3 lakh engineering seats and around 25,000 pharmacy seats available through this single entrance test. This highlights the exam's importance for thousands of students each year who wish to pursue professional degrees in Maharashtra.
Key Changes for MHT CET from 2026
Here is a clear summary of the major changes students need to know about MHT CET:
| Feature | Before 2026 | From 2026 Onwards |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Twice a year |
| Exam Schedule | Specific dates, usually in a single window | One attempt in April , another in May |
| Score Used for Admission | The score from the single attempt | The higher score obtained from the two attempts |
| Courses Covered | Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, MBA | Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, MBA |
| Reason for Change | Standard state entrance | Reduce student pressure, offer flexibility, match national exam standards (like JEE Main) |
How This Helps Students
The decision to conduct MHT CET twice a year will bring several benefits for students:
- Reduced Stress: Students will feel less pressure as they have two chances to perform. A poor performance in one attempt will not be the final outcome, as they can try again.
- Better Preparation: Having two attempts allows students to learn from their first exam experience. They can identify weak areas, improve their study plan, and perform better in the second attempt.
- Increased Flexibility: If a student misses the first exam due to illness or other unavoidable reasons, they still have the second opportunity. This adds a layer of safety and convenience.
- Alignment with National Exams: This change brings MHT CET in line with major national entrance tests like JEE Main. This familiarizes students with such formats, especially those who plan to appear for multiple exams.
Next Steps for Students and Important Dates
Students should look out for official announcements from the State Common Entrance Test Cell for more specific details. The CET Cell will soon release information regarding:
- The exact dates for registration for both the April and May exams.
- Detailed schedule for each attempt.
- List of exam centres.
- Complete guidelines for applying and appearing for the test.
This reform marks a significant step towards making the admission process more student-friendly and fair in Maharashtra. Students are advised to regularly check the official MHT CET website for the latest updates to plan their studies accordingly.
