The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has announced the exam dates for the MHT CET 2026 . This exam is for students who want to join engineering (B.E./B.Tech) or pharmacy courses in colleges across Maharashtra. The dates for both engineering and pharmacy entrance exams are now available for students to plan their studies.
For students taking the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) group exams, tests will start from April 11, 2026 . Students taking the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) group exams will begin their tests from April 21, 2026 . The online application process for MHT CET 2026 is expected to begin in December 2025 .
Who Can Apply for MHT CET 2026?
Students who have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognised board can apply for the MHT CET 2026. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Biology in their 10+2 exams. This means students from both PCM and PCB streams are eligible to take the test.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates and New Pattern
From 2026 onwards, the MHT CET exam will happen in two separate sessions, much like the JEE exam. This change aims to give students more flexibility. Students can choose to appear for one session or both sessions, depending on their choice. Here are the detailed dates for both Session 1 and Session 2:
Session 1 Exam Schedule
| Stream | MHT CET Start Date | MHT CET End Date |
| PCM Group | April 11, 2026 | April 19, 2026 |
| PCB Group | April 21, 2026 | April 26, 2026 |
Session 2 Exam Schedule
| Stream | MHT CET Start Date | MHT CET End Date |
| PCM Group | May 14, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| PCB Group | May 10, 2026 | May 11, 2026 |
How the Two Sessions Work
The introduction of two sessions for MHT CET is a new rule starting from 2026. This allows students to have two attempts at the exam within the same year. If a student is not happy with their score in Session 1, they can appear for Session 2. This new pattern gives students a better chance to score well for their desired courses.
- Students can choose to appear for Session 1 only.
- Students can choose to appear for Session 2 only.
- Students can choose to appear for both Session 1 and Session 2.
If a student appears for both sessions, the better score out of the two attempts will be considered for admission purposes. This system is similar to how other national-level entrance exams work, offering students a valuable second opportunity to perform their best.
How to Apply for MHT CET 2026
The online application form for MHT CET 2026 will likely be available from December 2025 . Students must fill out this form on the official website of the Maharashtra CET Cell to take part in the entrance exam. It is important to complete the application process before the deadline to avoid any issues and ensure their eligibility to appear for the test.
Next Steps for Students
Students planning to take the MHT CET 2026 should start their preparation based on these released dates. They should regularly check the official website of the Maharashtra CET Cell for any further announcements. This includes detailed information about the application process, syllabus, exam pattern, and any other important updates. Preparing well in advance will help students perform their best in the entrance examination.
