Students planning to appear for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 might face higher application fees. The Higher and Technical Education Department has put forward a plan to revise these fees. If approved, the MHT CET registration fee could increase by Rs 150 to Rs 250 compared to the fees charged until the 2025 exam cycle.
MHT CET is a crucial state-level entrance exam for admission to various undergraduate courses in Maharashtra. These include programs in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and other fields. The State CET Cell is the body responsible for conducting this exam, along with around 18 other entrance examinations for a total of 72 different undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the state.
The proposed fee increase is specifically for the MHT CET 2026 academic session. The proposal is currently with higher authorities for final approval. Once approved, the revised fees will be officially announced before the application window opens.
Understanding the Proposed Fee Changes
At present, the application fee for MHT CET varies depending on the exam format and category. For exams conducted in an offline mode, the fee generally falls between Rs 500 and Rs 600 . However, for Computer Based Tests (CBT), which are common for MHT CET, the current registration fee ranges from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 .
Under the new proposal, the fee structure for MHT CET 2026 would change as follows:
- For students applying for the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group, the application fee could be revised to Rs 1,200 .
- For students applying for the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group, the application fee could be revised to Rs 1,000 .
These revised amounts represent the potential new application costs for candidates in the general category. Reserved category students might have different fee structures, which will also be updated.
Previous Year MHT CET Application Fees for Reference
To give students a clear idea of the current fee structure, here are the MHT CET application fees that were applicable in the previous years. These fees were for different streams and categories:
| Stream | General Category | Reserved Category |
| PCM | Rs 1,000 | Rs 800 |
| PCB | Rs 1,000 | Rs 800 |
The fees shown in the table above are from previous years. The new proposed fees for MHT CET 2026 will replace these amounts after approval.
Why Fees May Be Increasing
The State CET Cell manages a wide range of entrance exams, requiring substantial resources for administration, technology, and logistics. Conducting 19 entrance exams for 72 different programs involves significant operational expenses. The suggested fee revision aims to help cover these increasing costs and ensure smooth conduct of all examinations. This adjustment helps the department maintain the quality and efficiency of the testing process.
What Students Need to Do
The new fees for MHT CET 2026 are still under review and need final approval. Students who plan to apply for MHT CET 2026 must stay informed. It is strongly advised to regularly visit the official website of the State CET Cell . The official website will publish the confirmed application fees, important dates, detailed eligibility criteria, and instructions for online registration. Relying only on unofficial sources for such critical information can lead to errors in the application process. Check for updates before starting your application.
