The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has announced a major change for students seeking admission to certain undergraduate courses from the 2026-27 academic year. A single, combined entrance examination, officially named MAH–B.HMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 , will now be conducted for admissions to five different degree programs across various colleges in Maharashtra.
This new system replaces the earlier practice where students had to appear for separate entrance exams. Previously, there was a dedicated test for hotel management courses (MAH HM CET) and another separate test for Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), and Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) programs. The decision aims to simplify the admission process for thousands of students across the state.
Understanding the Combined Entrance Exam
The new unified CET will cover admissions for the following popular undergraduate degree courses:
- Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT): This course prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and food services.
- Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA): This program focuses on computer science and software development, leading to jobs in the IT sector.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Students learn about business management, marketing, finance, and human resources. It is a stepping stone for various management roles.
- Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS): Similar to BBA, this course also focuses on management principles and business operations, often with a more in-depth look at specific management areas.
- Bachelor of Business Management (BBM): This program is designed to develop management skills and prepares students for leadership roles in different industries.
The official title for this comprehensive examination is MAH–B.HMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 .
Why a Single Exam?
The Maharashtra CET Cell decided to combine these exams because all the included courses have similar basic eligibility criteria for admission. By having one common test, the Cell can make the admission process more efficient and reduce the burden on students who might apply for more than one of these programs. This change helps students focus their preparation on a single exam structure, making it simpler to apply to various related fields.
Exam Details: Mode and Duration
The MAH–B.HMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 will be conducted entirely online. Candidates will take the test on computers at specified examination centers throughout Maharashtra. The total duration for completing the exam will be 120 minutes , which is two hours. This standardized online format ensures fairness and consistency for all test-takers.
Syllabus and Pattern: What to Expect
The detailed syllabus and the exact pattern of the questions for the MAH–B.HMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 are expected to be published very soon. Students preparing for these courses are strongly advised to regularly check the official Maharashtra CET Cell website. Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern early will be crucial for effective study and preparation. Timely updates will help students know which topics to focus on and what type of questions to expect.
Key Information for Aspirants
- From 2026 onwards, the separate MAH HM CET for Hotel Management admissions will no longer exist .
- Students aiming for BHMCT seats must now appear for the common MAH–B.HMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 .
- This new, unified exam structure is designed to simplify the overall preparation strategy for students interested in hospitality, computer applications, and various business management fields.
- All essential details, including application dates, registration process, release of admit cards, and announcement of results, will be available exclusively on the official CET Cell website.
How to Stay Informed
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the MAH–B.HMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 , students should visit the official website of the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell: cetcell.mahacet.org . Regularly checking this website will ensure students do not miss any important announcements or deadlines related to the exam and admissions for the 2026-27 academic session.
Starting preparation early and staying updated with official announcements will give students the best chance to succeed in securing admission to their desired courses.
