Students in Maharashtra who plan to appear for the MHT CET 2026 exams might face higher application fees. The Maharashtra State CET Cell has proposed an increase in the fees for the MHT CET and other entrance tests it conducts. This means students could pay an extra INR 150 to INR 250 when applying this year.
The CET Cell has sent its proposal for these revised charges to the state’s higher and technical education department for final approval. This change would affect the application fees for all 19 Common Entrance Tests (CETs) that the Maharashtra CET Cell manages. These exams are important for admissions to 73 different degree courses in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and other fields across the state.
Details of the Proposed Fee Hike
Until last year, the application fees for MHT CET exams ranged from INR 500 to INR 1,000 . The exact fee depended on the exam format:
- For exams taken using pen and paper, the fee was typically between INR 500 and INR 600 .
- For computer-based tests, the fee was higher, usually between INR 800 and INR 1,000 .
If the proposed increase of INR 150 to INR 250 is approved, students can expect to pay more. For example, a pen-and-paper exam application might cost between INR 650 and INR 850 . Similarly, a computer-based exam application could go up to INR 950 to INR 1,250 . This increase aims to help cover the rising costs of conducting these major state-level entrance examinations.
MHT CET 2026: Two Chances to Score Better
In another significant update, the MHT CET 2026 for engineering and pharmacy admissions will be held twice a year for the first time. This new system offers students two opportunities to attempt the exam, allowing them to use their best score for college admissions. This change was recently announced by the CET Cell and is expected to benefit many students.
Key Exam Dates for MHT CET 2026
The dates for both sessions of the MHT CET 2026 have been released. Students should note these important dates:
| Exam Group | Session 1 Exam Dates | Session 2 Exam Dates |
| PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) | April 11 to April 19, 2026 | May 14 to May 17, 2026 |
| PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | April 21 to April 26, 2026 | May 10 to May 11, 2026 |
These dates are for admissions into various undergraduate professional courses in Maharashtra colleges for the academic year 2026-27. Planning studies around these dates is crucial for applicants.
When Will Registrations Start?
Based on previous years, the online registration process for MHT CET 2026 is expected to begin around the last week of December 2025 . The exact start date for applications, along with the deadline to apply, will be announced soon by the CET Cell. Students must regularly check the official website for the latest registration schedule and instructions.
Where to Find Official Updates
For all confirmed details about the application fees, registration schedule, exam guidelines, and other important announcements for MHT CET 2026, students should visit the official website of the Maharashtra State CET Cell: cetcell.mahacet.org . It is important to rely only on information from this official source to avoid confusion.
