The State CET Cell, Maharashtra, has announced the important dates for the MAH B.Design CET 2026 exam. This entrance exam is for students who want to join Bachelor of Design (B.Des) courses in colleges across Maharashtra. The exam will take place on April 05, 2026 . Applications for the exam will start in the first week of January 2026 .
Students looking to build a career in design should note these dates. The test will be held offline, meaning students will go to an exam center to write it. There will be no negative marking, which means no marks will be cut for wrong answers.
Key Dates for MAH B.Design CET 2026
Here are the important dates for the MAH B.Design CET 2026 exam:
| MAH B.Design CET application starts | First week of January 2026 |
| Last date to apply for MAH B.Design CET | Last week of March 2026 |
| MAH B.Design CET Exam Date | April 05, 2026 |
About the MAH B.Design CET Exam
The MAH B.Design CET is a state-level entrance exam. It helps students get admission to various design programs in Maharashtra. The exam checks a student's creativity, problem-solving skills, and general knowledge. It is a key step for those wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Design degree.
Exam Pattern for MAH B.Design CET 2026
The MAH B.Design CET 2026 exam will be conducted in three different parts. The total exam duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes . The exam will be in English. There will be no penalty for incorrect answers.
Here is a detailed look at the exam structure:
| Paper | Subject | Paper Type | Number of Questions | Duration | Total Marks |
| Part A | Visualization and Illustration Ability | Sketching/Illustration using pencils, colour pencils, ink pens | 01 | 45 Minutes | 40 |
| Break | 15 Minutes | ||||
| Part B | Design Thinking & Problem Solving | Sketching Product/Idea using pencils, markers, sketch pens, etc. | 01 | 60 Minutes | 60 |
| Break | 30 Minutes | ||||
| Part C | General Knowledge – MCQ Type | Multiple choice and numerical answer type questions | 60 | 60 Minutes | 100 |
| Total | 62 | 2 hours 45 mins | 200 |
Understanding Each Part of the Exam
Part A: Visualization and Illustration Ability
This part tests a student's ability to draw and visualize ideas. Students will need to use pencils, colour pencils, or ink pens to create sketches and illustrations. This section checks how well a student can put their creative thoughts onto paper. It is for 40 marks and lasts for 45 minutes .
Part B: Design Thinking & Problem Solving
In this section, students must show their design thinking and problem-solving skills. They will need to sketch products or ideas using tools like pencils, markers, and sketch pens. This part aims to see how a student approaches and solves design challenges. It is for 60 marks and has a duration of 60 minutes .
Part C: General Knowledge
This part is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) section. It includes questions on general knowledge and numerical answers. This section tests a student's awareness of current affairs and basic knowledge across different subjects. It has 60 questions for 100 marks , to be completed in 60 minutes .
How to Apply
Students must apply online for the MAH B.Design CET 2026 exam. The application window opens in the first week of January 2026 and closes in the last week of March 2026 . Students should visit the official website of the State CET Cell, Maharashtra, during this period to complete their application. Make sure to fill out the form carefully and submit it before the last date.
Preparation Tips
To prepare for the exam, students should focus on improving their drawing and sketching skills for Parts A and B. Practicing different drawing techniques and thinking creatively about design problems will be helpful. For Part C, staying updated with general knowledge and current events is important. Solving previous year's papers can also give students a good idea of the exam format and question types.