The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell is set to announce the official examination dates for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 . While the exact schedule has not been officially released, students should expect the entrance exam to be conducted primarily in April 2026 . The complete official notification, including specific exam dates and other details, is expected to be published by December 2025 on the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org .
MHT CET is a crucial state-level entrance examination for students seeking admission to first-year undergraduate degree courses. These include Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and other professional programs offered by colleges in Maharashtra. Understanding the likely timeline helps students plan their study schedule effectively.
MHT CET Exam Date Trends: Last 3 Years
Looking at the pattern of MHT CET exams over the past three years provides a good idea of when the 2026 exam might be announced and conducted. This historical data helps students prepare:
| Examination Year | Exam Date Announcement | Exam Dates |
| 2025 | December 30, 2024 | April 9 to 27, 2025 |
| 2024 | January 10, 2024 | April 22 to May 17, 2024 |
| 2023 | March 2, 2023 | May 9 to 20, 2023 |
As seen from the table, exam date announcements usually happen in late December or early January for the following year's exam. The exams themselves consistently fall in April and May.
Expected MHT CET 2026 Key Dates
Based on consistent trends, students can note these expected timelines for MHT CET 2026:
- Official Notification Release: The Maharashtra CET Cell is projected to issue the detailed official notification for MHT CET 2026 in December 2025 . This notification will contain all necessary information, like application dates, eligibility, syllabus, and the exact exam schedule.
- MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates: The entrance examination is widely expected to be held in April 2026 . It is also possible for some exam sessions to extend into May 2026 , aligning with the typical academic calendar.
Understanding MHT CET Exam Sessions
The MHT CET exam is typically held in multiple sessions. For MHT CET 2026, it is highly likely the exam will be held in two distinct sessions across April and May 2026 . This approach offers a significant advantage to students: they can appear for the test twice.
If a student takes the exam in both sessions, only their higher score from the two attempts will be used for the final merit list and college admissions. This 'best of two' scoring method aims to reduce pressure and gives students a better chance to perform well for college admission.
Important Steps for Students: How to Stay Updated
To ensure students do not miss any critical updates regarding MHT CET 2026, it is essential to follow official sources. Students must regularly visit the official website of the Maharashtra CET Cell: cetcell.mahacet.org .
All confirmed announcements, including application forms, exact exam dates, admit card release, and result declarations, will only be published on this official portal. Students should avoid relying on unverified news. Checking the official website frequently will help students stay informed and complete all necessary steps on time for MHT CET 2026.
Planning ahead and staying informed are vital for students preparing for such competitive exams. By understanding the expected timeline and knowing where to find official updates, students can focus better on their studies.
