MHT-CET 2026: Exam Pattern, Cutoff & College Predictor

MHT-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) is the state-level entrance exam for admission to Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.), Pharmacy (B.Pharma), and Agriculture courses in Maharashtra. Conducted by the State CET Cell, MHT-CET is the gateway to over 350+ engineering colleges and 200+ pharmacy colleges across Maharashtra, including prestigious institutions like COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, and ICT Mumbai.

MHT-CET is the second-most important exam for Maharashtra students after JEE Main. With approximately 7 lakh registrations each year, it determines admissions to around 1,50,000+ engineering and 40,000+ pharmacy seats across government, aided, and private colleges in the state.

Based on previous year patterns, MHT-CET 2026 is expected to follow this schedule. The exam is typically conducted in April-May in multiple shifts over several days.

MHT-CET has two groups: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for Engineering aspirants, and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for Pharmacy and Agricultural course aspirants. Students can attempt both groups. Physics and Chemistry are common papers for both groups.

For PCM Group: Mathematics has 50 questions worth 2 marks each (100 marks), Physics has 50 questions worth 1 mark each (50 marks), Chemistry has 50 questions worth 1 mark each (50 marks). Total: 200 marks in 150 minutes. For PCB Group: Biology has 50 questions worth 2 marks each (100 marks), with the same Physics and Chemistry pattern. Crucially, there is NO negative marking in MHT-CET — attempt every question.

MHT-CET syllabus is based on Maharashtra State Board Class 11 (approximately 20%) and Class 12 (approximately 80%) textbooks. This is important — unlike JEE which follows NCERT, MHT-CET is aligned with the Maharashtra State Board curriculum. If you studied under CBSE, you'll need to review Maharashtra Board-specific topics.

Preparation tips: Master State Board textbooks first — especially the examples and exercises. Focus heavily on Class 12 topics as they carry 80% weightage. Mathematics is the scoring differentiator (2 marks per question), so prioritize topics like Integration, Differentiation, Probability, Vectors, and 3D Geometry. Practice previous 5 years' MHT-CET papers — question patterns repeat frequently. Take online mock tests on cetcell.mahacet.org to get comfortable with the CBT format.

MHT-CET uses percentile-based scoring (not raw marks). For top government colleges, you typically need 95+ percentile. Here's a rough college predictor based on percentile ranges:

After results, the DTE Maharashtra conducts the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) in multiple rounds. Register on fe2026.mahacet.org (for engineering) and fill your college and branch preferences. The CAP process has 3 main rounds plus an institutional-level round for remaining seats.

Pro tips for CAP rounds: Fill maximum choices (up to 300 options allowed). Always put your dream college-branch combinations first — there's no penalty. Lock choices after Round 1 if you're satisfied; otherwise, participate in Round 2 and 3 for possible upgrades. Keep originals ready — TC, migration certificate, HSC marksheet, CET scorecard, domicile certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and gap certificate (if applicable). At AdmissionMilega, our counselors help students optimize their CAP preference lists to maximize admission outcomes.

Government Colleges (Autonomous): COEP Technological University Pune (top choice for CS, IT, Electronics), VJTI Mumbai (strong for Mechanical, Electrical, CS), Government College of Engineering Pune, Walchand College of Engineering Sangli, SGGSIE&T Nanded. Fees: Rs 50,000-1,30,000 per year — exceptional value for money.

Top Private Colleges: MIT-WPU Pune (formerly MIT Pune, fees Rs 2-3 lakh/year), VIT Pune (Rs 1.5-2 lakh/year), Vishwakarma Institute PICT (Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh/year), DJ Sanghvi Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Mumbai, SCTR's Pune Institute of Computer Technology. These colleges have strong placement records with average packages of Rs 6-12 LPA for CS/IT branches.

If you're targeting B.Pharma through MHT-CET, the PCB group score is used. Top pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra include: ICT Mumbai (formerly UDCT — India's #1 pharmacy/chemical technology institute), Bombay College of Pharmacy, Poona College of Pharmacy, SNJB's SSDJ College of Pharmacy Nashik, and Government College of Pharmacy Aurangabad.

B.Pharma cutoffs are generally lower than engineering — 70+ percentile can get you into decent private pharmacy colleges. Government pharmacy college seats require 85+ percentile. ICT Mumbai is extremely competitive and needs 97+ percentile. After B.Pharma, you can pursue M.Pharma, MBA in Pharma Management, or appear for Drug Inspector examinations. AdmissionMilega also assists with D.Pharma and B.Pharma admissions across Maharashtra.