MHT CET 2026: Exam Twice a Year, Dates & Eligibility

The **MHT CET exam** will now happen **twice a year** from **2026**. Maharashtra is the first state to conduct this state-level engineering and pharmacy entrance exam two times annually. This big change aims to give students more chances to perform well. The State CET Cell plans to open the application window for MHT CET 2026 this **December 2025**. Students should get ready to apply soon.

Following the pattern of the national **JEE Main** exam, MHT CET 2026 will have two separate sessions. These sessions will take place in **April** and **May 2026**. This new format means students can appear for the exam twice and use their best score for admission. This reduces pressure and offers a second chance if the first attempt does not go well.

MHT CET 2026 Application Dates

The application forms for MHT CET 2026 are expected to be released by the **last week of December 2025**. Last year, the application process began on **December 30**. Students must keep an eye on the official website for the exact start date.

Once the forms are out, students can visit **cetcell.mahacet.org** to fill out their applications. More detailed information about the application process and other important updates will also be shared on this website by the State CET Cell.

MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates

The dates for both the April and May sessions of the MHT CET 2026 exam have been announced. The exam is divided into two groups: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for engineering courses, and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for pharmacy and agriculture courses. Here are the important dates:

Eligibility Criteria for MHT CET 2026

Students must meet certain conditions to be able to apply for the MHT CET 2026 exam. These rules ensure that only eligible candidates appear for the test. Here are the main requirements:

Age Limit

• There is **no age limit** to apply for MHT CET 2026. This means students of any age can appear for the exam if they meet other criteria.

Nationality

• Candidates must be **Indian nationals**.
• However, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates are **not required** to take the MHT CET exam. They can seek admission based on their Class 12 or equivalent exam results. A separate counseling process is held for these candidates.

Qualifying Exam and Year

• Students must have either **passed Class 12** or an equivalent examination.
• Students who are **appearing for their Class 12** examination in **2026** are also eligible to apply.

Required Subjects and Marks for B.Tech Courses

For students applying to **Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)** courses, specific subjects and marks in Class 12 are necessary:

• **Compulsory Subjects:** Students must have studied **Physics** and **Mathematics** in Class 12.
• **One Additional Subject:** Along with Physics and Mathematics, students must have any **one** of these subjects:
  • Chemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Biology
  • Technical Vocational Subject
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Informatics Practices
  • Agriculture
  • Engineering Graphics
  • Business Studies
• **Minimum Marks:**
  • General category students must score at least **45%** marks in their Class 12 examination.
  • Students from Backward Class, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories must score at least **40%** marks in their Class 12 examination.

Benefits of Two Attempts

Holding the MHT CET exam twice offers several advantages to students. If a student is unwell during the first attempt or faces any unexpected problem, they have a second chance to improve their score. This system also allows students to learn from their first experience, understand the exam better, and prepare more effectively for the next attempt. This is expected to reduce stress and give students a fair opportunity to achieve their best results.

Next Steps for Students

All interested students should regularly check the official website, **cetcell.mahacet.org**, for the latest updates. It is important to read all instructions carefully when the application forms are released. Prepare well for both sessions of the exam to secure a good score for admissions.