MHT-CET (Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test) is the state-level entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admission into engineering, pharmacy, and related undergraduate courses. This guide provides the full breakdown of eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus weightage, important dates, application steps, and preparation strategies for both PCM and PCB aspirants.
What is MHT-CET?
MHT-CET is a computer-based entrance examination for undergraduate admissions in Engineering (BTech), Pharmacy (BPharm), Agriculture, and related programmes. The exam is open to both Maharashtra and out-of-state candidates under specific quotas.
Eligibility Criteria (2026 Expected)
- Must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 with the required subjects: PCM for Engineering and PCB for Pharmacy.
- Minimum marks required: 45% aggregate for General category and 40% for reserved categories.
- Students appearing for Class 12 board exams are also eligible.
- Diploma holders or B.Sc degree holders with Mathematics background may be eligible under lateral entry provisions.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026 (PCM / PCB)
PCM Group (Engineering / BTech)
| Subject | Questions | Marks / Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 50 MCQs | 1 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 MCQs | 1 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 MCQs | 2 | 100 |
| Total | 150 MCQs | — | 200 Marks |
Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours). Physics + Chemistry (90 min) and Mathematics (90 min) conducted separately.
PCB Group (Pharmacy / BPharm)
| Subject | Questions | Marks / Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 50 MCQs | 1 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 MCQs | 1 | 50 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 100 MCQs | 2 | 200 |
| Total | 200 MCQs | — | 300 Marks |
Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours). PCB exam includes Physics + Chemistry (90 min) and Biology (90 min).
Syllabus Weightage
The MHT-CET syllabus is based on Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and 12. Approximately 20% questions are from Class 11 and 80% from Class 12.
Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)
- Application Start Date: December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: February 2026
- Exam Dates (PCM): 11–19 April 2026 & 14–17 May 2026 (tentative)
- Exam Dates (PCB): 21–26 April 2026 & 10–11 May 2026 (tentative)
- Admit Cards: Few days before exam
- Results & Counselling: June–July 2026
Application Process
- Visit the official CET Cell website: cetcell.mahacet.org
- Register and fill the online application form.
- Upload documents (photo, signature, marksheets etc.).
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit and download confirmation slip.
- Download admit card once released and attend exam.
Eligibility for Diploma / B.Sc Candidates
Diploma in Engineering/Technology holders and B.Sc graduates with Mathematics may apply through lateral entry or specific quota rules as per CET Cell guidelines.
Why Students Prefer MHT-CET?
- State-level exam familiar to Maharashtra Board students.
- Entry to top engineering & pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra.
- No negative marking, making scoring easier.
- Separate PCM and PCB groups based on student interest.
Smart Preparation Strategy for 2026
- Complete Class 12 syllabus early; revise Class 11 topics regularly.
- Practice large volumes of MCQs to build accuracy and speed.
- Take full-length mock tests weekly to improve time management.
- Revise formulas, important reactions, and high-weightage topics.
- Analyze previous year weightage patterns and trends.
Official Contact
All updates, notifications, syllabus PDFs, and admit cards are published on the State CET Cell’s official website: cetcell.mahacet.org.
Conclusion
MHT-CET 2026 is one of Maharashtra’s most important entrance exams, opening pathways to Engineering, Pharmacy, and allied science courses. With a well-planned strategy—focused on syllabus mastery, consistent MCQ practice, and regular mock tests—students can achieve strong scores.
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