Engineering is a popular career choice for many Indian students. To get into top engineering colleges, students take competitive exams. Two such important exams are the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test ( BITSAT ) and the Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test ( MHT CET ). News for students appearing in 2026: the first sessions of both these exams have overlapping dates. This means students planning to take both tests need to be careful with their schedules.
BITS Pilani, which conducts BITSAT, has provided a solution for this date clash. Students can choose their exam dates for BITSAT through a process called slot booking. This helps ensure that serious candidates do not miss out on either exam.
Understanding the Exam Date Clash for 2026
BITS Pilani has announced the dates for BITSAT 2026 Session 1. These exams will be held from April 15 to April 17, 2026 . Simultaneously, the State CET Cell has released the tentative MHT CET 2026 exam dates. MHT CET will be conducted in two sessions for the first time.
The MHT CET PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) exam dates for Session 1 are from April 11 to April 19, 2026 . When we compare these dates, we see a clear overlap. For example, if a student has their MHT CET PCM exam on April 15 or 16, they cannot take BITSAT on those same days. This clash affects many students who apply for both national-level and state-level engineering admissions.
Fortunately, the MHT CET PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) exam dates, from April 21 to April 26, 2026 , do not overlap with BITSAT Session 1. Also, the second session of BITSAT and MHT CET are not clashing. However, the first attempt often helps students gauge their preparation and perform better in subsequent attempts. So, managing the first session clash is crucial.
BITSAT Slot Booking: Your Solution to Avoid the Clash
To help students overcome this problem, BITS Pilani offers a feature called BITSAT Slot Booking 2026 . This allows students to choose their preferred date and time for the BITSAT exam. This flexibility is a big relief for students who want to attempt both BITSAT and MHT CET PCM Session 1.
Here is how it works: Once a student knows their MHT CET PCM exam date, they can use the BITSAT slot booking option to select a BITSAT exam date that falls outside their MHT CET schedule. For instance, if a student has an MHT CET exam on April 15, they can try to book a BITSAT slot for April 17, if available. This way, they can appear for both exams without any conflict.
The dates for BITSAT slot booking will be announced online by BITS Pilani. Students must complete their BITSAT registration and form correction processes before the slot booking begins.
Key Dates for BITSAT 2026 and MHT CET 2026
Students must note these important dates:
| Event | Date |
| Last Date for BITSAT Session 1 Registration 2026 | March 16, 2026 |
| BITSAT Form Correction Window | March 18 to March 20, 2026 |
| BITSAT Slot Booking 2026 Dates | Expected after March 20, 2026 |
| BITSAT Session 1 Exam Dates | April 15 to April 17, 2026 |
| MHT CET PCM Session 1 Exam Dates | April 11 to April 19, 2026 |
| MHT CET PCB Exam Dates | April 21 to April 26, 2026 |
Next Steps for Students
- Register on Time: Ensure you complete your BITSAT 2026 Session 1 registration by the deadline, March 16, 2026 .
- Correct Your Form: If needed, use the form correction window from March 18 to 20, 2026 .
- Stay Updated: Keep checking the official BITS Pilani website (admissions.bits-pilani.ac.in) for the exact BITSAT slot booking dates, which are expected after March 20, 2026 .
- Plan Your Schedule: Once the MHT CET PCM dates are confirmed for you, use the BITSAT slot booking option to select a non-clashing date.
By carefully planning and using the BITSAT slot booking option, students can successfully appear for both BITSAT and MHT CET 2026 exams.
