The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell) has increased the application fees for the MHT CET 2026 exam. This exam is important for students who want to join engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses in Maharashtra. The fee hike comes as the CET Cell has decided to hold the exam twice a year from now on.
Online registration for MHT CET 2026 began on January 10 . Students must apply by February 12 . Those from the general category will now pay INR 1,300 for one subject group, while reserved category students from Maharashtra will pay INR 1,000 .
MHT CET 2026 Application Fees: New Rates
Students applying for the MHT CET exam need to know the updated fees. For general category candidates, the fee for applying to one subject group (either Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics - PCM or Physics, Chemistry, Biology - PCB) has gone up by INR 300 . Last year, general category candidates paid INR 1,000 for one group. This year, they will pay INR 1,300 .
For reserved category candidates from Maharashtra, the fee for one subject group has increased by INR 200 . This means reserved category students, including SC, ST, OBC, SBC, and PwD (Persons with Disabilities) from Maharashtra State, will now pay INR 1,000 for one group. Last year, their fee was INR 800 .
If a student wishes to apply for both subject groups (PCM and PCB), the fees are higher:
- General category candidates: INR 2,600
- Reserved category candidates (Maharashtra State): INR 2,000
These new fees apply to all candidates, whether they are from Maharashtra, outside Maharashtra, or J&K Migrant candidates (for general category).
Revised Fee Structure at a Glance
| MHT CET 2026 Groups | For General Category (Maharashtra, Outside Maharashtra, J&K Migrant) | For Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC/SBC & PwD from Maharashtra State) |
| PCM (one group) | INR 1300 | INR 1000 |
| PCB (one group) | INR 1300 | INR 1000 |
| Both PCM and PCB (both groups) | INR 2600 | INR 2000 |
It is important to understand that the fee listed for 'both groups' covers the option to attempt both PCM and PCB, which will now be offered across two exam sessions.
Why the Fee Hike? Exams Now Held Twice a Year
The main reason for the increase in application fees is the CET Cell's decision to conduct the MHT CET exam twice a year. This change gives students two opportunities to appear for the exam and improve their scores. The best score from both attempts will be considered for admission.
The MHT CET 2026 will have two sessions. Here are the planned dates:
MHT CET 2026 Session 1 Exam Dates
- PCM Group: April 11 to April 19, 2026
- PCB Group: April 21 to April 26, 2026
MHT CET 2026 Session 2 Exam Dates
- PCB Group: May 10 to May 11, 2026
- PCM Group: May 14 to May 17, 2026
How to Apply for MHT CET 2026
The application process for MHT CET 2026 is entirely online. Students can fill out their application forms on the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org .
Here are the key steps to apply:
- Visit the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org .
- Find the link for MHT CET 2026 registration.
- Register by providing your basic details to create an new account.
- Fill out the detailed application form with personal, academic, and contact information.
- Upload required documents like photographs and signatures.
- Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit card, or debit card.
- After successful payment, a confirmation page will appear. Print this page and save it for future reference.
Remember, the last date to complete the online application, including fee payment, is February 12, 2026 .
Key Dates for MHT CET 2026
- Online Registration Starts: January 10, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: February 12, 2026
- Session 1 Exam - PCM: April 11 to April 19, 2026
- Session 1 Exam - PCB: April 21 to April 26, 2026
- Session 2 Exam - PCB: May 10 to May 11, 2026
- Session 2 Exam - PCM: May 14 to May 17, 2026
Students should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying and complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. This is a vital step towards securing admission to professional courses in Maharashtra.