Maharashtra's MHT CET 2026 has seen a 28% surge in registrations. Approximately 18.12 lakh students applied. This is an increase from the previous year. The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell manages these exams. The tests are for 17 professional courses. These include engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture.
Record Registrations for MHT CET 2026
The 18.12 lakh registration figure marks a substantial growth. This jump highlights increased interest in higher education. The CET Cell oversees tests for numerous professional fields. This includes popular courses like engineering and medicine.
Digital Initiatives Drive Rural Participation
Digital initiatives have expanded exam access. They bridge the gap between urban and rural areas. Students from rural regions now form a larger part of applicants. This supports the state's goal to improve Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER).
Expanded Infrastructure for Computer-Based Testing
To handle the large candidate volume, the CET Cell expanded its Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure. This ensures a fair and standardized testing process. Both Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) groups use CBT. The introduction of CET-ATAL assessment tests boosts student confidence. These include mock exams and psychometric tools.
Future Targets for MHT CET
The CET Cell aims for 18 lakh unique student participations annually by 2029-2030 . To achieve this, extension centers are planned. These will be in all 36 Maharashtra districts. These centers will help students without personal digital devices. This ensures the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) remains accessible.
Key MHT CET 2026 Statistics
| Category | Number of Candidates |
| Total Registrations (2026) | Approx. 18.12 lakh |
| Percentage Growth (Year-on-Year) | 28% |