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MHT CET 2026 Registration: Dates, Eligibility, Fees, and Application Process

Engineering

Updated on April 17, 2026

The MHT CET 2026 registration window is a highly anticipated event for students aiming for undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture across Maharashtra. Prospective candidates must complete this online process accurately and within the stipulated deadlines to be eligible for the entrance examination. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the MHT CET 2026 application process, including key dates, eligibility criteria, fees, and required documents.

 

Table of Contents

MHT CET 2026 Application Process Overview

The MHT CET 2026 application form has been released on January 1, 2026, and candidates must complete the entire registration process online. Students applying for engineering, pharmacy, or related undergraduate programs in Maharashtra must submit their forms within the specified deadlines.

  • Application Release Date: December 30, 2025
  • Registration Activation: January 10, 2026
  • Application Mode: Online Only
  • Mandatory Requirements: Aadhaar authentication (optional) and APAAR ID (recommended but not compulsory in all cases)
  • Eligibility: Class 12 appearing (2026) students are eligible to apply
  • Official Websites:
    • cetcell.mahacet.org
    • mahacet.org
    • portal-2026.maharashtracet.org

Step-by-Step Guide to MHT CET 2026 Application Process

Candidates must carefully follow each step while completing the MHT CET 2026 application form to avoid errors or rejection.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official CET portal and click on “MHT CET 2026 Registration.”

Step 2: Register as a New User

Click on “New Registration” and enter:

  • Name
  • Email ID
  • Mobile Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Password

An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.

Step 3: Login and Fill Personal Details

Log in using your credentials and enter:

  • Personal details
  • Address
  • Gender
  • Category
  • Domicile details

Step 4: Enter Academic Details

Provide educational details such as:

  • Class 10 Board and Marks
  • Class 12 Board and Subjects
  • School Name
  • Course Preference (Engineering / Pharmacy / Both)
  • Subject Group Selection (PCM or PCB)

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

  • Passport-size photograph
  • Signature
  • ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN, etc.)
  • Domicile certificate (if applicable)
  • Caste/Income certificate (if applicable)
  • Class 10 marksheet
  • Class 12 marksheet or appearing certificate

Step 6: Pay Application Fee

Complete the payment using:

  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Net Banking
  • UPI

Download and save the payment receipt.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Carefully review all details before final submission. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Documents Required for MHT CET 2026 Application

Candidates must upload valid scanned copies of the following documents during registration.

DocumentRequirement
Passport-size PhotographRecent color photo
SignatureScanned signature
Identity ProofAadhaar / PAN / Passport
Class 10 MarksheetMandatory
Class 12 MarksheetRequired (if available)
Domicile CertificateFor Maharashtra quota
Caste CertificateIf applicable
Income CertificateIf claiming reservation

This section improves clarity and is ideal for SEO.

EventDate
Application Form ReleaseJanuary 1, 2026
Late Registration Window (Tentative)February 16 – February 28, 2026
Correction WindowMarch 10–12, 2026 (official expected window)

MHT CET 2026 Application Fee

A table works best here for clarity and readability.

 

CategoryApplication Fee
General / OMS / J&K Migrants₹1000
Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS – Maharashtra)₹800
Persons with Disability (PwD)₹800
Orphan Candidates₹0
Late Registration Fee₹500

MHT CET 2026 Correction Window Details

The correction window is usually opened for a limited time after the registration deadline. During this period, candidates can modify selected fields in their application forms.

Editable details may include:

  • Personal information
  • Academic data
  • Uploaded documents

However, not all fields are editable, so candidates should fill out the form carefully during the initial submission.

Important Instructions for MHT CET 2026 Applicants

Candidates should keep the following instructions in mind while applying.

  • Candidates appearing for JEE Main or NEET 2026 must still register for MHT CET separately to participate in CAP rounds.
  • No correction window is guaranteed every year.
  • Always double-check personal and academic details before submission.
  • Confirmation will be sent to the registered email ID and mobile number after successful registration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During MHT CET Registration

This section improves usability and reduces user errors.

  • Entering incorrect spelling of name or personal details
  • Providing inaccurate academic or board information
  • Selecting the wrong subject group (PCM/PCB)
  • Uploading blurred or incorrectly sized documents
  • Not completing payment successfully
  • Missing registration deadlines
  • Not saving the confirmation page

Tips to Avoid Errors in MHT CET 2026 Application

These tips help candidates complete the form smoothly.

  • Carefully review all entered details before final submission
  • Follow official document upload size and format guidelines
  • Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues
  • Save copies of payment receipts and confirmation pages
  • Use clear scanned documents for uploads

MHT CET 2026 Registration Dates & Deadlines

The MHT CET 2026 registration process began on January 1, 2026, with the application window opened by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. Candidates applying for engineering, pharmacy, and related courses must complete the online registration before the specified deadlines.

The registration timeline included deadline extensions and a reopened window for candidates who missed the earlier application period.

MHT CET 2026 Important Dates

This table combines all key dates into one structured format for better readability.

ParticularsDetails
Exam NameMaharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026
Conducting BodyState CET Cell, Maharashtra
Application ModeOnline Only
Official Websitemahacet.org / cetcell.mahacet.org
Courses OfferedB.E./B.Tech, B.Pharm, Pharm.D, Integrated M.Tech
Application Start DateJanuary 1, 2026 (Live)
Last Date to Apply (Extended)February 20, 2026
Late Registration Window (Tentative)February 16 – February 28, 2026
Correction WindowExpected March 2026
Admit Card ReleaseLate March or Early April 2026
PCM Exam Dates (Session 1)April 11 – April 19, 2026
PCB Exam Dates (Session 1)April 21 – April 26, 2026
PCM Exam Dates (Session 2)May 14 – May 17, 2026
PCB Exam Dates (Session 2)May 10 – May 11, 2026
Result DeclarationJune 2026
Counselling (CAP Rounds)July – August 2026

MHT CET 2026 Registration Deadline Extensions

The MHT CET 2026 application deadline was extended to provide additional time for candidates who had not completed their registration.

EventTimeline
Original Last DateFebruary 12, 2026
Extended Last DateFebruary 20, 2026
Last Date for Fee PaymentFebruary 20, 2026
Late Fee Amount₹500 (Tentative)

Candidates were advised to complete their applications before the extended deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

MHT CET 2026 Reopened Registration Window (Second Chance)

A special reopened registration window was introduced for candidates who missed the earlier deadlines. This provided another opportunity to submit the application form.

ParticularDetails
Reopened Registration Start DateApril 15, 2026
Reopened Registration End DateApril 16, 2026
Late Fee₹500 (All Categories)
Tentative Second Attempt Exam DatesMay 10 – May 16, 2026

This reopened window was specifically meant for candidates who were unable to apply during the initial or extended registration periods.

MHT CET 2026 Two-Attempt System (New Format)

Starting from 2026, MHT CET is conducted twice in a year, giving candidates two opportunities to improve their scores.

Key Highlights

  • Candidates can appear in Session 1 (April) and Session 2 (May)
  • The best percentile score from both attempts is considered for admission
  • Session 2 registration reopened from April 15, 2026
  • Additional late fee of ₹500 applies for second registration

This dual-attempt system helps reduce exam pressure and improves admission chances.

MHT CET 2026 Application Timeline Overview

The MHT CET 2026 registration cycle followed multiple phases to accommodate candidates and ensure maximum participation.

  • Registration began on January 1, 2026
  • Deadline was extended to February 20, 2026
  • Late registration window was expected in late February 2026
  • Correction window was expected in March 2026
  • A reopened application window was provided on April 15–16, 2026
  • Admit cards were expected in late March or early April 2026
  • The examination was scheduled between April and May 2026

Candidates should carefully track all deadlines to avoid missing important stages of the admission process.

MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age, Domicile, and Qualification

Candidates applying for MHT CET 2026 must meet the required eligibility criteria related to nationality, academic qualification, and minimum marks. The eligibility rules are defined by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra.

Students who do not meet these eligibility requirements may not be allowed to participate in the admission process.

CriteriaDetails
NationalityIndian Citizen
QualificationPassed/appearing 10+2 (HSC)
Required Subjects (Engineering)Physics & Mathematics compulsory
Third SubjectChemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Subject
Minimum Marks (General)45% aggregate
Minimum Marks (Reserved – Maharashtra)40% aggregate
Age LimitNo age limit
Attempts AllowedNo limit

This means students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 can apply, provided they meet the minimum academic requirements.

Diploma and B.Sc Candidates Eligibility

Candidates with diploma or B.Sc qualifications may also be eligible for certain MHT CET admissions.

Eligible Candidates Include:

  • Diploma holders in Engineering and Technology
  • B.Sc graduates with Mathematics as a subject
  • Candidates applying under lateral entry schemes

Such candidates must check the official eligibility rules before applying.

MHT CET 2026 Application Fees: Category-wise Breakdown

The MHT CET 2026 registration fee varies depending on category and subject group selection. Candidates must pay the required fee during the application submission process.

CategorySingle Group (PCM or PCB)Both Groups (PCM + PCB)Both Sessions (Single Group)
Open Category (OC), OMS, J&K Migrants₹1300 / ₹1800₹2000₹2600
Reserved Categories (Maharashtra)₹1000 / ₹1500₹1600₹2000
Orphan Candidates₹0₹0₹0

Important Notes:

  • All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
  • Reserved category benefits apply only to Maharashtra candidates
  • Orphan candidates are fully exempted from application fees

Maharashtra State Quota vs All India Quota in MHT CET

Candidates applying through MHT CET 2026 must understand the difference between Maharashtra State Quota and All India Quota, as this affects eligibility and seat availability.

Seat Allocation Under MHT CET

Quota TypeSeat Allocation
Maharashtra State Quota85% of seats
All India QuotaAbout 15% of seats (mainly private colleges)

Maharashtra State Quota Eligibility

Candidates are eligible under the Maharashtra quota if they meet domicile-related conditions such as:

  • Passing Class 10 and Class 12 from Maharashtra
  • Being born or residing in Maharashtra
  • Parents possessing Maharashtra domicile certificate
  • Parents working under Government of India or Maharashtra
  • Studying in Maharashtra-Karnataka border areas (Marathi-speaking region)

All India Quota Eligibility

Candidates from outside Maharashtra fall under the All India category.

Key points include:

  • Must be Indian citizens
  • Must have completed Class 12 with required subjects
  • Reservation benefits of Maharashtra are not applicable
  • Admission may be through MHT CET or JEE Main, though JEE Main scores are often preferred
  • Cutoffs are generally higher due to fewer seats

MHT CET 2026 vs JEE Main Eligibility: Key Differences

Many students compare MHT CET and JEE Main before applying. While both exams are engineering entrance tests, their eligibility requirements differ in several aspects.

Here, National Testing Agency conducts JEE Main, whereas the State CET Cell conducts MHT CET.

ParticularsJEE Main EligibilityMHT CET Eligibility
Educational Qualification10+2 from recognized board12th from recognized board
Age LimitNo fixed age limitNo age limit
SubjectsPCM compulsoryPhysics & Mathematics compulsory
Percentage CriteriaHigher aggregate requirementLower aggregate requirement
NationalityIndian / OCI / PIO / OthersIndian / NRI / OCI / PIO

Key Difference: MHT CET generally has lower percentage requirements, making it accessible to a wider range of students.

MHT CET vs JEE Main Exam Pattern Comparison

Both exams follow computer-based testing formats, but they differ in marking scheme and difficulty level.

ParticularsJEE MainMHT CET
Exam ModeComputer-Based TestComputer-Based Test
Duration3 Hours3 Hours
MediumMultiple regional languagesEnglish, Urdu, Marathi
SectionsPhysics, Chemistry, MathematicsPCM or PCB groups
Total Questions90 (Attempt 75)PCM: 150 / PCB: 200
Total Marks300200
Negative MarkingYesNo

Important Note: Unlike JEE Main, MHT CET has no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without penalty.

MHT CET vs JEE Main: Difficulty Level and Preparation Differences

Although both exams share similar syllabus foundations, their preparation strategies differ.

AspectComparison
Exam LevelMHT CET is state-level; JEE Main is national-level
Admission ScopeMHT CET: Maharashtra colleges
Difficulty LevelEasy to Moderate
Preparation OverlapJEE preparation helps in MHT CET
Syllabus DepthModerate
FocusSpeed and calculation

Overall, MHT CET is considered relatively easier than JEE Main, making it a strong alternative for students seeking admission to Maharashtra colleges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

    Candidates must visit the official CET portal and complete the registration process by filling personal details, uploading documents, paying the application fee, and submitting the form online.

    The application fee for open category candidates is ₹1300 for a single subject group.

    Reserved category candidates from Maharashtra must pay ₹1000 for a single subject group.

    The late registration fee for the reopened window (April 15–16, 2026) is ₹500 for all categories.

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