MHT CET Exam 2026 – Complete Guide

The MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) is one of the biggest entrance exams conducted every year for students seeking admission into undergraduate programs across Maharashtra. The 2026 exam is expected to witness a significant increase in applicants due to rising demand for professional courses in fields like Pharmacy, Engineering, Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Life Sciences.

MHT CET scores are accepted by hundreds of government, aided, and private colleges, making it an important exam for Class 12 (PCM/PCB) students.

This Part-1 gives you a complete introduction to the exam, structure, pattern, eligibility, and initial syllabus overview based on the expected format for 2026.

1. What is MHT CET?

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance exam conducted by:

👉 State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra

It is used for admissions into various undergraduate programs including:

• B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
• Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
• B.Tech / Engineering Programs
• Agriculture & Allied Programs
• Biotechnology & Life Science Courses

The exam is held separately for:

• PCM Group (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
• PCB Group (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

The 2026 exam will be fully computer-based, following the existing standardized CBT format.

2. Why MHT CET Matters in 2026?

Wide Acceptance Across Courses

MHT CET scores are valid for multiple academic programs, making it a versatile entrance exam for both science groups.

No Negative Marking

This remains a major benefit, allowing students to attempt all questions confidently.

Affordable Government Colleges

Top government and aided colleges offer seats at low fees through CET scores.

Large Number of Institutes Accept CET Scores

Over 350+ colleges participate each year.

Growing Competition

More than 6–7 lakh students are expected to appear in 2026 due to rising demand in technical and science-based courses.

3. Courses Offered Through MHT CET 2026

Students can apply to the following courses using CET 2026 scores:

For PCM Group:

• B.Tech (Engineering)
• B.Tech in AI/Data Science/ML
• B.Tech in IT, CSE, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.
• B.Tech Biotechnology (PCM eligible)

For PCB Group:

• B.Pharm
• Pharm D
• Agriculture & Allied Life Science Programs
• B.Sc Biotechnology
• Food Technology
• Microbiology
• Fisheries & Horticulture

4. MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026

The pattern is expected to remain similar to previous years.

A) PCM Group

Subject	Questions	Marks
Physics	50	50
Chemistry	50	50
Mathematics	50	100
Total Marks	150 Questions	200 Marks

• Physics & Chemistry: 1 mark each
• Mathematics: 2 marks each

B) PCB Group

Subject	Questions	Marks
Physics	50	50
Chemistry	50	50
Biology	100	100
Total Marks	200 Questions	200 Marks

• All questions = 1 mark
• No negative marking

Exam Mode

• Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Duration

• 3 Hours (No separate timing per subject)

5. Marking Scheme for MHT CET 2026

• No negative marking
• Full marks awarded for every correct answer
• Students can attempt all questions without losing marks

This makes smart guessing a valid strategy.

6. Syllabus Pattern for 2026

MHT CET syllabus is based on the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum.

Weightage Pattern:

• 20% questions from Class 11 syllabus
• 80% questions from Class 12 syllabus

Physics Overview

• Kinematics & Motion
• Work, Energy, Power
• Oscillations
• Heat & Thermodynamics
• Electrostatics & Current Electricity
• Magnetic Effects
• Optics
• Atoms & Nuclei

Physical Chemistry

• States of Matter
• Thermochemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Electrochemistry

Organic Chemistry

• Haloalkanes & Haloarenes
• Alcohols & Phenols
• Aldehydes, Ketones
• Amines
• Polymers and Biomolecules

Inorganic Chemistry

• p-block & d-block elements
• Coordination compounds
• Periodic classification

Mathematics Overview (PCM)

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Calculus
• Vectors & 3D Geometry
• Probability
• Matrices/Determinants

Biology Overview (PCB)

• Diversity of Living World
• Human Physiology
• Plant Physiology
• Reproduction
• Evolution & Genetics
• Ecology
• Biotechnology

7. Eligibility Criteria for MHT CET 2026

Below are the updated and expected eligibility rules:

A) Nationality

• Candidate must be Indian.

B) Age Limit

• No upper age limit
• Students must meet the minimum age as per their chosen course during admissions (usually 17+ for some programs)

C) Educational Qualification

Students must have passed Class 12 with:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics (for PCM)
• Biology (for PCB)

Minimum aggregate marks:

• 45% for General category
• 40% for Reserved categories (Maharashtra)

8. Maharashtra Domicile & Category Types

CET eligibility includes several seat reservation types.

🔹 Type A

Born in Maharashtra or completed SSC & HSC from Maharashtra.

🔹 Type B

Father or mother has Maharashtra domicile.

🔹 Type C

Parents are posted in Maharashtra on Central Govt. duty.

🔹 Type D

Government of Maharashtra employee or employee’s children.

🔹 Type E

Students from Maharashtra–Karnataka border area.

9. Expected Schedule for MHT CET 2026

Event	Expected Month
Notification Release	January 2026
Registration Opens	February 2026
Registration Closes	March 2026
Admit Card	April 2026
Exam Dates (PCM/PCB)	May 2026
Result Declaration	June 2026
Counselling (CAP Rounds)	July–August 2026

10. Registration Process for MHT CET 2026

Follow these steps:

1. Visit official site cetcell.mahacet.org
2. Click “Apply for MHT CET 2026”
3. Register using mobile number & email
4. Fill personal & educational details
5. Choose PCM or PCB
6. Upload documents
7. Pay registration fees
8. Submit and print confirmation page

Application Fee (Expected)

Category	Fee
General	₹800
Reserved (Maharashtra)	₹600

Syllabus, Subjects & Chapter-Wise Weightage

After understanding the basics of the MHT CET 2026 exam in Part-1, the next important step is to explore the detailed syllabus, subject pattern, and chapter-wise weightage for PCM and PCB (without healthcare discussion).
This section will help students plan their preparation with a clear roadmap and focus on the most scoring topics.

1. MHT CET 2026 Syllabus Overview

The syllabus of MHT CET 2026 is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 Maharashtra State Board textbooks, with 20% weightage from Class 11 and 80% from Class 12.

Included Subjects

✔ Physics
✔ Chemistry
✔ Mathematics (for PCM)
✔ Biology (for PCB)

Even though students choose PCM or PCB, the syllabus structure remains similar — only subject combinations differ.

2. MHT CET 2026 Physics Syllabus

Class 11 Physics (20% Weightage)

• Units & Measurements
• Motion in a Plane
• Laws of Motion
• Gravitation
• Mechanical Properties of Solids
• Mechanical Properties of Fluids
• Oscillations
• Thermodynamics
• Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Sound

Class 12 Physics (80% Weightage)

• Electrostatics
• Current Electricity
• Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
• Electromagnetic Induction
• Dual Nature of Radiation
• Atoms & Nuclei
• Semiconductor Electronics
• Communication Systems
• Wave Optics

Important Topics / High Weightage

⭐ emiconductors, Current Electricity, Electromagnetic Induction, Electrostatics
⭐Gravitation, Sound, Thermodynamics

3. MHT CET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus

Class 11 Chemistry (20% Weightage)

• Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
• Structure of Atom
• Chemical Bonding
• Redox Reactions
• States of Matter
• Thermodynamics
• Equilibrium
• Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles
• Hydrocarbons

Class 12 Chemistry (80% Weightage)

• Solid State
• Solutions
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Surface Chemistry
• p-Block Elements
• d & f Block Elements
• Coordination Compounds
• Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers
• Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids
• Amines
• Polymers
• Environmental Chemistry

High Scoring Topics

⭐Chemical Kinetics, Electrochemistry, p-Block, Coordination Compounds
⭐Alcohols, Polymers, Thermodynamics

4. MHT CET 2026 Mathematics Syllabus (for PCM students)

Class 11 Mathematics (20% Weightage)

• Trigonometric Functions
• Complex Numbers
• Probability
• Permutations & Combinations
• Binomial Theorem
• Sequence & Series
• Straight Lines
• Conic Sections

Class 12 Mathematics (80% Weightage)

• Matrices & Determinants
• Differentiation & Applications
• Integration & Applications
• Differential Equations
• Vectors
• 3D Geometry
• Linear Programming
• Probability Distribution

Most Important Topics

⭐Calculus (Derivatives + Integrals), Matrices, Vectors, 3D Geometry
⭐Complex Numbers, Conic Sections

5. MHT CET 2026 Biology Syllabus (for PCB students)

Class 11 Biology (20% Weightage)

• Diversity in Organisms
• Plant Physiology
• Human Physiology
• Biomolecules
• Cell Structure & Function

Class 12 Biology (80% Weightage)

• Reproduction in Organisms
• Genetics & Evolution
• Biotechnology
• Biology in Human Welfare
• Ecology & Environment

High Weightage Topics

⭐Genetics, Human Physiology, Biotechnology
⭐Reproduction, Plant Physiology

6. Chapter-Wise Weightage (Expected for 2026)

(Based on previous years’ question patterns)

Physics Weightage

• Semiconductors → 8–10 marks
• Current Electricity → 6–8 marks
• EM Induction → 6–7 marks
• Wave Optics → 5–6 marks
• Electrostatics → 5–6 marks

Chemistry Weightage

• Chemical Kinetics → 6–7 marks
• Coordination Compounds → 5–6 marks
• p-Block → 6–7 marks
• Polymers & Biomolecules → 4–6 marks
• Organic Chemistry (Class 12) → 10–12 marks

Mathematics Weightage

• Calculus (Differentiation + Integration) → 25–30 marks
• Matrices & Determinants → 8–10 marks
• Vectors & 3D Geometry → 10–12 marks
• Probability & P&C → 6–8 marks

Biology Weightage

• Human Physiology → 20–25 marks
• Genetics → 15–18 marks
• Biotechnology → 10–12 marks
• Ecology → 10–12 marks

7. Difficulty Level Analysis (Based on Past Papers)

Physics

Moderate but conceptual. Numerical-based questions dominate.

Chemistry

Easiest section for most students. More theory-oriented than numerical.

Mathematics

Highest difficulty level due to calculation-heavy questions.

Biology

Easy to moderate, memory-based.

8. MHT CET 2026 Question Pattern (Revised Structure)

PCM Pattern

Subject	Questions	Marks	Type
Physics	50	50	MCQ
Chemistry	50	50	MCQ
Mathematics	50	100	MCQ (2 marks each)

👉 Total Marks = 200
👉 No negative marking

PCB Pattern

Subject	Questions	Marks
Physics	50	50
Chemistry	50	50
Biology	100	100

👉 Total Marks = 200

9. Why Syllabus Understanding Matters

Students who start early and follow the official syllabus:
✔ avoid wasting time on non-MHT CET chapters
✔ focus on high-weightage topics
✔ create accurate revision plans
✔ improve accuracy and speed

Understanding the syllabus is the first step to scoring well!

Preparation Strategy, Timetable, Books, Cut-Off & Final Tips

This final part focuses completely on how to prepare, what study resources to use, how to attempt the exam efficiently, and what cut-off students can expect for MHT CET 2026.

1. MHT CET 2026 Preparation Strategy

1.1 Understand the Exam First

Before preparation begins, students must clearly understand:
✔ Format – PCM/PCB
✔ Syllabus weightage (20% Class 11, 80% Class 12)
✔ No negative marking
✔ Chapter-wise marks distribution

This clarity helps create a smart, targeted plan instead of random studying.

2. Subject-Wise Strategy for MHT CET 2026

2.1 Physics Strategy

Physics in MHT CET is more concept + formula based.

How to prepare:

• Maintain a formula notebook.
• Solve 30–40 numericals per chapter.
• Focus on high-weightage chapters: Semiconductors, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, EM Induction.
• Watch short concept videos instead of full lectures.

2.2 Chemistry Strategy

Chemistry is considered the easiest in the exam.

How to prepare:

• Focus strongly on Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, p-Block, Organic Chemistry (Class 12)
• Complete NCERT/SSC textbook theory line by line.
• Revise organic reaction mechanisms frequently.
• Make short notes for inorganic chemistry.

2.3 Mathematics Strategy

Maths is the highest scoring but toughest due to long calculations.

How to prepare:

• Practice calculus daily.
• Solve 150–200 questions per chapter.
• Focus on Matrices, Determinants, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability.
• Practice speed techniques for calculations.

2.4 Biology Strategy (For PCB Students)

Biology is theory-intensive and scoring.

How to prepare:

• Revise diagrams and definitions regularly.
• Learn Genetics, Human Physiology, Biotechnology in detail.
• Practice topic-wise MCQs from previous years.
• Focus more on Class 12 chapters (80% weightage).

3. 90-Day Preparation Plan for MHT CET 2026

Below is a simple and efficient 90-day plan:

Days 1–30: Foundation

• Complete full Class 12 syllabus.
• Cover high-weightage topics from Class 11.
• Solve 30 questions daily per subject.
• Make handwritten revision notes.

Days 31–60: Practice Phase

• Start practicing chapter-wise mock tests.
• Complete 50% of past-year question sets.
• Revise formulas weekly.
• Improve speed using a timer.

Days 61–90: Full Revision + Mock Tests

• Take 1 full mock test daily.
• Focus on weak chapters.
• Revisit notes for quick memory.
• Analyze mistakes after every mock test.

4. Daily Study Timetable for MHT CET 2026

PCM Students

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Maths (1.5 hrs)
8:00 AM	Physics (1 hr theory + 1 hr numericals)
12:00 PM	Chemistry (1.5 hrs)
5:00 PM	Topic-wise MCQs
9:00 PM	Revision

PCB Students

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Biology (2 hrs)
8:00 AM	Chemistry (1 hr theory + 30 min MCQs)
12:00 PM	Physics (1.5 hrs)
5:00 PM	Mixed MCQs practice
9:00 PM	Revision

5. Best Books for MHT CET 2026 (Based on Past Toppers)

(All are standard books used widely for CET preparation.)

Physics

• Maharashtra State Board Textbook
• H.C. Verma (selected chapters)
• Arihant MCQ Physics for CET

Chemistry

• Maharashtra Board Textbook
• O.P. Tandon (selected)
• MTG Objective Chemistry

Mathematics

• Maharashtra Board Textbook
• R.D. Sharma Objective
• Arihant Maths MCQ Book

Biology

• Maharashtra Board Textbook
• Trueman Biology
• MTG Objective Biology

6. Importance of Mock Tests

Mock tests define your CET score. Students must:
✔ attempt minimum 40 mock tests
✔ maintain a timer for every test
✔ analyze accuracy after each test

Mock tests help improve:

• Speed
• Time management
• Understanding of question patterns
• Weak chapter identification

7. MHT CET 2026 Expected Cut-Off Trends

Cut-off varies based on:
✔ number of seats
✔ question difficulty
✔ number of applicants

Expected Cut-Off (PCM Group)

College	Approx. MHT CET Percentile
COEP Pune	98–99.5%ile
VJTI Mumbai	98–99%ile
Walchand Sangli	95–97%ile
PICT Pune	97–98.5%ile
DY Patil (various campuses)	85–92%ile

Expected Cut-Off (PCB Group)

Field	Percentile (Approx.)
Top Agriculture Colleges	85–92%ile
Biotechnology Courses	80–88%ile
B.Sc Programs	60–80%ile

8. Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Studying without a timetable
❌ Ignoring Class 11 topics
❌ Not solving MCQs daily
❌ Not analyzing mock test mistakes
❌ Panicking during calculations

What You Should Do Instead

• Follow a fixed study plan.
• Give equal weightage to Class 11 & 12.
• Practice MCQs every day.
• Learn formulas thoroughly.
• Stay calm and focus on accuracy.

9. Last 30 Days Strategy for MHT CET 2026

Do These

✔ Solve 5–7 mock tests per week
✔ Revise important topics daily
✔ Stick to your strengths during exam
✔ Keep short notes for instant revision
✔ Focus more on high-scoring topics

Avoid These

❌ Starting new chapters
❌ Watching too many long lectures
❌ Practicing without a timer
❌ Stressing over low mock test scores

10. Final Exam Day Tips

• Sleep 7 hours before the exam
• Reach exam center 1 hour early
• Attempt easy questions first
• Time your sections wisely
• Avoid re-checking the same answer repeatedly
• Stay calm and use elimination technique

Conclusion

The MHT CET 2026 exam is highly competitive but completely achievable with a strategic approach. Understanding the syllabus, solving mock tests, revising regularly, and focusing on high-weightage topics can significantly boost your score. With consistent daily preparation and smart time management, students can secure top ranks and admissions into the best colleges across Maharashtra.

FAQs: