MHT CET 2026 May 19 Shift 1 PCM Question Paper is available for download here. Maharashtra State CET Cell conducted MHT CET 2026 PCM Exam on May 19 in Shift 1 from 9 AM to 12 PM in CBT mode.

  • The MHT CET 2026 PCM Question Paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) totalling 200 marks divided into 3 sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with 50 questions in each subject.
  • Physics and Chemistry questions carry 1 mark each while Mathematics questions carry 2 marks each.
  • There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Also Check: Expected Percentile for MHT CET PCM May 19 2026 Shift 1

Download MHT CET 2026 May 19 Shift 1 PCM Question Paper with Solutions PDF from the links provided below.

MHT CET 2026 May 19 Shift 1 PCM Question Paper PDF Download

MHT CET 2026 May 19 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions


Question 1:

Which of the following compound is not in gaseous phase at \(25^\circ \mathrm{C}\)?

  • (1) \(ClF\)
  • (2) \(BrF_3\)
  • (3) \(IF_3\)
  • (4) \(ClF_3\)
Correct Answer: (2) \(BrF_3\)
View Solution




Concept: Interhalogen compounds are compounds formed by the combination of two different halogen atoms. These compounds are generally represented by formulas such as \(XY\), \(XY_3\), \(XY_5\), and \(XY_7\), where \(X\) is the larger and less electronegative halogen atom and \(Y\) is the smaller and more electronegative halogen atom.

The physical state of interhalogen compounds depends mainly on:

Molecular mass
Strength of intermolecular forces
Molecular size and polarity
Boiling point of the compound


Compounds having lower molecular mass and weaker intermolecular attractions generally exist as gases at room temperature, whereas compounds with larger molecular size and stronger intermolecular attractions tend to exist as liquids or solids.



Step 1: Analyzing the compound \(ClF\).

\(ClF\) (Chlorine monofluoride) is a small interhalogen molecule formed between chlorine and fluorine atoms.


It has relatively low molecular mass.
Weak intermolecular van der Waals forces act between its molecules.
Therefore, its boiling point is low.


As a result, \(ClF\) exists in gaseous state at \(25^\circ \mathrm{C}\).



Step 2: Analyzing the compound \(BrF_3\).

\(BrF_3\) (Bromine trifluoride) contains a heavier central bromine atom and three fluorine atoms.


Its molecular mass is considerably greater than \(ClF\).
The molecule is T-shaped and polar in nature.
Stronger intermolecular attractions are present between molecules.
Due to these stronger intermolecular forces, the boiling point becomes much higher.


Hence, at room temperature (\(25^\circ \mathrm{C}\)), \(BrF_3\) exists as a liquid rather than a gas.



Step 3: Analyzing the compound \(IF_3\).

\(IF_3\) (Iodine trifluoride) is another interhalogen compound.


Although iodine is heavier, \(IF_3\) is unstable under ordinary conditions.
In many standard chemistry references and competitive examinations, it is treated among gaseous interhalogen compounds.


Therefore, it is not the correct option for the compound that is definitely non-gaseous at room temperature.



Step 4: Analyzing the compound \(ClF_3\).

\(ClF_3\) (Chlorine trifluoride) is a volatile interhalogen compound.


It has comparatively lower molecular mass than \(BrF_3\).
It possesses relatively weaker intermolecular attractions.
Therefore, it remains gaseous at room temperature.




Step 5: Final comparison and conclusion.


Among all the given compounds: \[ ClF,\ IF_3,\ and\ ClF_3 \]
are considered gaseous at room temperature, whereas: \[ BrF_3 \]
exists as a liquid because of its stronger intermolecular forces and higher boiling point.

Hence, the compound which is not in gaseous phase at \(25^\circ \mathrm{C}\) is: \[ \boxed{BrF_3} \] Quick Tip: For interhalogen compounds, increasing molecular size generally increases intermolecular attraction and boiling point. Heavier interhalogens are therefore more likely to exist as liquids or solids at room temperature.


Question 2:

A solution is prepared by dissolving \(2\) gram of non-volatile solute in \(500\) mL solution at \(27^\circ \mathrm{C}\). The osmotic pressure of the solution is \(0.82\) atm. The molar mass of the solute is:

  • (1) \(100\ g mol^{-1}\)
  • (2) \(120\ g mol^{-1}\)
  • (3) \(150\ g mol^{-1}\)
  • (4) \(180\ g mol^{-1}\)
Correct Answer: (1) \(120\ \text{g mol}^{-1}\)
View Solution




Concept: Osmotic pressure is a colligative property that depends on the number of solute particles present in the solution. For dilute solutions, osmotic pressure is given by the van't Hoff equation:
\[ \pi = CRT \]

where:

\(\pi\) = osmotic pressure
\(C\) = molar concentration of solution
\(R\) = universal gas constant
\(T\) = absolute temperature


Since: \[ C = \frac{n}{V} = \frac{w}{MV} \]

the osmotic pressure equation becomes:
\[ \pi = \frac{wRT}{MV} \]

where:

\(w\) = mass of solute
\(M\) = molar mass of solute
\(V\) = volume of solution in liters




Step 1: Writing the given data.


From the question:
\[ w = 2\ g \]
\[ V = 500\ mL = 0.5\ L \]
\[ T = 27^\circ \mathrm{C} = 27 + 273 = 300\ \mathrm{K} \]
\[ \pi = 0.82\ atm \]

Gas constant: \[ R = 0.082\ L atm mol^{-1}K^{-1} \]



Step 2: Substituting values into osmotic pressure formula.


Using: \[ \pi = \frac{wRT}{MV} \]

Substituting all values:
\[ 0.82 = \frac{2 \times 0.082 \times 300}{M \times 0.5} \]



Step 3: Simplifying the numerator.

\[ 2 \times 0.082 \times 300 \]
\[ = 49.2 \]

Therefore:
\[ 0.82 = \frac{49.2}{0.5M} \]



Step 4: Solving for molar mass \(M\).


Multiply both sides by \(0.5M\):
\[ 0.82 \times 0.5M = 49.2 \]
\[ 0.41M = 49.2 \]

Now divide both sides by \(0.41\):
\[ M = \frac{49.2}{0.41} \]
\[ M = 120\ g mol^{-1} \]



Step 5: Identifying the correct option.


The molar mass of the non-volatile solute is:
\[ \boxed{120\ g mol^{-1}} \]

Hence, the correct answer is:
\[ \boxed{(2)\ 120\ g mol^{-1}} \] Quick Tip: For osmotic pressure problems, always convert: Temperature into Kelvin Volume into liters A commonly used formula is: \[ M = \frac{wRT}{\pi V} \] which directly gives molar mass.


Question 3:

What is the oxidation state of sulfur in Marshall's acid, \(H_2S_2O_8\)?

  • (1) \(+4\)
  • (2) \(+5\)
  • (3) \(+6\)
  • (4) \(+7\)
Correct Answer: (3) \(+6\)
View Solution




Concept: The oxidation state (oxidation number) of an element represents the apparent charge it would possess if all bonds were completely ionic. While calculating oxidation states in a compound, the following standard rules are commonly used:


Hydrogen generally has oxidation state \(+1\).
Oxygen generally has oxidation state \(-2\).
In peroxides and peroxide linkages \(( -O-O- )\), oxygen has oxidation state \(-1\).
The algebraic sum of oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral compound is zero.


Marshall's acid is also called peroxodisulfuric acid and has the molecular formula:
\[ H_2S_2O_8 \]

It contains a peroxide linkage \(( -O-O- )\), which is extremely important while calculating oxidation state.



Step 1: Identifying the special peroxide oxygen atoms.


In \(H_2S_2O_8\):


Two oxygen atoms are present in peroxide linkage \(( -O-O- )\).
These peroxide oxygen atoms each have oxidation state \(-1\).
The remaining six oxygen atoms have normal oxidation state \(-2\).




Step 2: Assigning oxidation states to all atoms.


Let oxidation state of each sulfur atom be \(x\).

Now calculate contribution from each atom:
\[ Hydrogen: 2(+1)=+2 \]
\[ Peroxide oxygen: 2(-1)=-2 \]
\[ Remaining oxygen: 6(-2)=-12 \]
\[ Sulfur: 2x \]



Step 3: Forming the oxidation number equation.


Since the molecule is neutral:
\[ 2x + 2 - 2 - 12 = 0 \]

Simplifying:
\[ 2x - 12 = 0 \]
\[ 2x = 12 \]
\[ x = 6 \]



Step 4: Final conclusion.


Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in Marshall's acid is:
\[ \boxed{+6} \]

Hence, the correct option is:
\[ \boxed{(3)\ +6} \] Quick Tip: Always check for peroxide linkage \(( -O-O- )\) in compounds like: \(H_2O_2\) \(H_2S_2O_8\) \(Na_2O_2\) In peroxide linkage, oxygen has oxidation state \(-1\), not \(-2\).


Question 4:

What is formed when an alkyl cyanide reacts with sodium in ether?

  • (1) Primary amine
  • (2) Secondary amine
  • (3) Alkene
  • (4) Alcohol
Correct Answer: (1) Primary amine
View Solution




Concept: Alkyl cyanides (also called nitriles) contain the functional group:
\[ -C \equiv N \]

When nitriles undergo reduction, the cyanide group is converted into an amino group \((-NH_2)\). Reduction of nitriles can be carried out using reducing agents such as:


Sodium in ether
Lithium aluminium hydride \((LiAlH_4)\)
Hydrogen gas in presence of catalysts like Ni or Pt


The reduction converts:
\[ R-C \equiv N \longrightarrow R-CH_2NH_2 \]

The product formed is a primary amine.



Step 1: Understanding the structure of alkyl cyanide.


An alkyl cyanide has the general formula:
\[ R-C \equiv N \]

where:

\(R\) represents an alkyl group.
\(-C \equiv N\) is the nitrile functional group.




Step 2: Reduction of nitrile group.


During reduction, the carbon-nitrogen triple bond gains hydrogen atoms and gets converted into:
\[ -CH_2NH_2 \]

Thus:
\[ R-C \equiv N \xrightarrow[ether]{Na} R-CH_2NH_2 \]



Step 3: Identifying the product formed.


The group \(-NH_2\) attached to one carbon atom represents a primary amine.

For example:
\[ CH_3CN \longrightarrow CH_3CH_2NH_2 \]

Ethyl cyanide gives ethylamine after reduction.



Step 4: Evaluating the options.



Primary amine: Correct, nitriles reduce to primary amines.
Secondary amine: Incorrect, no second alkyl group is attached to nitrogen.
Alkene: Incorrect, reduction does not form double bonds here.
Alcohol: Incorrect, nitriles do not reduce into alcohols under these conditions.




Step 5: Final conclusion.


Therefore, alkyl cyanides on reduction with sodium in ether form:
\[ \boxed{Primary amine} \]

Hence, the correct option is:
\[ \boxed{(1)\ Primary amine} \] Quick Tip: Remember the important conversion: \[ R-C \equiv N \xrightarrow[Reduction]{} R-CH_2NH_2 \] Thus: Nitrile \(\rightarrow\) Primary amine Number of carbon atoms increases by one compared to alkyl halide used in cyanide preparation.


Question 5:

Which of the following is not amphoteric in nature?

  • (1) \(NH_3\)
  • (2) \(HCl\)
  • (3) \(H_2O\)
  • (4) \(Cr_2O_3\)
Correct Answer: (2) \(HCl\)
View Solution




Concept: An amphoteric substance is one that can behave both as an acid and as a base depending upon the reacting species. According to the Brønsted-Lowry concept:


Acids donate protons \((H^+)\)
Bases accept protons \((H^+)\)


A substance capable of both donating and accepting protons is called amphoteric or amphiprotic.

Some metal oxides also show amphoteric behavior because they react with both acids and bases.



Step 1: Checking the nature of \(NH_3\).


Ammonia \((NH_3)\) mainly acts as a base because it accepts a proton:
\[ NH_3 + H^+ \rightarrow NH_4^+ \]

Under certain conditions, it can also donate a proton very weakly. Hence, it can exhibit amphoteric behavior in advanced acid-base chemistry.



Step 2: Checking the nature of \(HCl\).


Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid:
\[ HCl \rightarrow H^+ + Cl^- \]

It donates protons very easily but does not accept protons. Therefore, it behaves only as an acid and is not amphoteric.



Step 3: Checking the nature of \(H_2O\).


Water is a classic amphoteric substance.


It can donate a proton: \[ H_2O \rightarrow H^+ + OH^- \]

It can also accept a proton: \[ H_2O + H^+ \rightarrow H_3O^+ \]


Therefore, water is amphoteric.



Step 4: Checking the nature of \(Cr_2O_3\).


Chromium oxide reacts with both acids and bases.


With acids, it behaves as a base.
With bases, it behaves as an acid.


Hence, \(Cr_2O_3\) is amphoteric.



Step 5: Final conclusion.


Among the given compounds, \(HCl\) behaves only as an acid and does not show amphoteric nature.

Therefore, the correct answer is:
\[ \boxed{(2)\ HCl} \] Quick Tip: Common amphoteric substances include: \(H_2O\) \(Al_2O_3\) \(ZnO\) \(Cr_2O_3\) Strong acids like \(HCl\) and \(HNO_3\) are not amphoteric because they can only donate protons.


Question 6:

The rate of reaction \(A \rightarrow P\) is \(1.25 \times 10^{-2}\ mol dm^{-3}s^{-1}\) when \([A] = 0.5\ M\). Calculate the rate constant if the reaction is second order in \(A\).

  • (1) \(0.05\)
  • (2) \(0.04\)
  • (3) \(0.03\)
  • (5) \(0.01\)
Correct Answer: (1) \(0.05\)
View Solution




Concept: The rate law for a reaction relates the rate of reaction to the concentration of reactants. For a reaction that is second order with respect to reactant \(A\):
\[ Rate = k[A]^2 \]

where:

\(k\) = rate constant
\([A]\) = concentration of reactant
Rate = rate of reaction


To find the rate constant, we rearrange the equation:
\[ k = \frac{Rate}{[A]^2} \]



Step 1: Writing the given data.


Given:
\[ Rate = 1.25 \times 10^{-2}\ mol dm^{-3}s^{-1} \]
\[ [A] = 0.5\ M \]

Reaction order with respect to \(A = 2\)



Step 2: Writing the rate law equation.


Since the reaction is second order:
\[ Rate = k[A]^2 \]

Substituting the given values:
\[ 1.25 \times 10^{-2} = k(0.5)^2 \]



Step 3: Calculating \((0.5)^2\).

\[ (0.5)^2 = 0.25 \]

Thus:
\[ 1.25 \times 10^{-2} = k(0.25) \]



Step 4: Finding the value of rate constant \(k\).

\[ k = \frac{1.25 \times 10^{-2}}{0.25} \]
\[ k = 5 \times 10^{-2} \]
\[ k = 0.05 \]



Step 5: Final conclusion.


Therefore, the value of the rate constant is:
\[ \boxed{0.05} \]

Hence, the correct answer is:
\[ \boxed{(1)\ 0.05} \] Quick Tip: For reaction orders: First order: \[ Rate = k[A] \] Second order: \[ Rate = k[A]^2 \] Third order: \[ Rate = k[A]^3 \] Always substitute concentration carefully before solving for \(k\).


Question 7:

Identify the unit of rate constant for a first-order reaction.

  • (1) \(mol dm^{-3}s^{-1}\)
  • (2) \(s^{-1}\)
  • (3) \(mol^{-1}dm^3s^{-1}\)
  • (4) \(mol dm^{-3}\)
Correct Answer: (2) \(\text{s}^{-1}\)
View Solution




Concept: The unit of the rate constant depends upon the order of the reaction. The general rate law is:
\[ Rate = k[A]^n \]

where:

\(k\) = rate constant
\([A]\) = concentration of reactant
\(n\) = order of reaction


For a first-order reaction:
\[ Rate = k[A] \]

The rate of reaction has units:
\[ mol dm^{-3}s^{-1} \]

and concentration has units:
\[ mol dm^{-3} \]



Step 1: Writing the rate law for first-order reaction.


For first order:
\[ Rate = k[A] \]

Rearranging:
\[ k = \frac{Rate}{[A]} \]



Step 2: Substituting the units.

\[ k = \frac{mol dm^{-3}s^{-1}}{mol dm^{-3}} \]



Step 3: Cancelling the common concentration units.

\[ k = s^{-1} \]

Thus, the unit of rate constant for a first-order reaction is inverse second.



Step 4: Evaluating the options.



\(mol dm^{-3}s^{-1}\): Unit of reaction rate, not rate constant.
\(s^{-1}\): Correct unit for first-order rate constant.
\(mol^{-1}dm^3s^{-1}\): Unit of second-order rate constant.
\(mol dm^{-3}\): Unit of concentration only.




Step 5: Final conclusion.


Therefore, the correct unit is:
\[ \boxed{s^{-1}} \]

Hence, the correct option is:
\[ \boxed{(2)\ s^{-1}} \] Quick Tip: Remember the common units of rate constants: Zero order: \[ mol dm^{-3}s^{-1} \] First order: \[ s^{-1} \] Second order: \[ mol^{-1}dm^3s^{-1} \] The unit changes with reaction order.


Question 8:

The magnetic moment of \(Cr^{3+}\) ion is \(3.87\ BM\). The number of unpaired electrons present is:

  • (1) \(1\)
  • (2) \(2\)
  • (3) \(3\)
  • (4) \(4\)
Correct Answer: (3) \(3\)
View Solution




Concept: The magnetic moment of transition metal ions can be calculated using the spin-only formula:
\[ \mu = \sqrt{n(n+2)}\ BM \]

where:

\(\mu\) = magnetic moment in Bohr Magneton (BM)
\(n\) = number of unpaired electrons


This formula is commonly used for transition metal ions where orbital contribution is negligible.



Step 1: Writing the given magnetic moment.


Given:
\[ \mu = 3.87\ BM \]

Using the formula:
\[ \mu = \sqrt{n(n+2)} \]

Substitute the value of magnetic moment:
\[ 3.87 = \sqrt{n(n+2)} \]



Step 2: Squaring both sides.

\[ (3.87)^2 = n(n+2) \]
\[ 14.97 \approx n(n+2) \]



Step 3: Testing possible integer values of \(n\).


Check the options:

For \(n=1\):
\[ 1(1+2)=3 \]
\[ \sqrt{3}=1.73\ BM \]

Incorrect.



For \(n=2\):
\[ 2(2+2)=8 \]
\[ \sqrt{8}=2.83\ BM \]

Incorrect.



For \(n=3\):
\[ 3(3+2)=15 \]
\[ \sqrt{15}=3.87\ BM \]

This matches the given magnetic moment.



For \(n=4\):
\[ 4(4+2)=24 \]
\[ \sqrt{24}=4.90\ BM \]

Incorrect.



Step 4: Final conclusion.


Thus, the number of unpaired electrons present in \(Cr^{3+}\) ion is:
\[ \boxed{3} \]

Hence, the correct option is:
\[ \boxed{(3)\ 3} \] Quick Tip: Important spin-only magnetic moments: \(1\) unpaired electron \(\rightarrow 1.73\ BM\) \(2\) unpaired electrons \(\rightarrow 2.83\ BM\) \(3\) unpaired electrons \(\rightarrow 3.87\ BM\) \(4\) unpaired electrons \(\rightarrow 4.90\ BM\) \(5\) unpaired electrons \(\rightarrow 5.92\ BM\) These values are frequently used directly in competitive exams.


Question 9:

Oil of wintergreen is chemically known as:

  • (1) Methyl acetate
  • (2) Methyl salicylate
  • (3) Ethyl salicylate
  • (4) Salicylic acid
Correct Answer: (2) Methyl salicylate
View Solution




Concept: Oil of wintergreen is a naturally occurring aromatic compound obtained from plants such as wintergreen and sweet birch. It belongs to the class of esters and possesses a characteristic pleasant smell. Chemically, it is known as methyl salicylate.

Methyl salicylate is formed by esterification of salicylic acid with methanol.
\[ Salicylic Acid + Methanol \rightarrow Methyl Salicylate + H_2O \]



Step 1: Understanding the structure of methyl salicylate.


Methyl salicylate is an ester containing:

A benzene ring
An ester group \((-COOCH_3)\)
A hydroxyl group \((-OH)\)


Its IUPAC name is:
\[ Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate \]



Step 2: Identifying the common name.


The compound methyl salicylate is commonly known as:
\[ \boxed{Oil of wintergreen} \]

It is widely used in:

Pain relief balms
Liniments
Flavoring agents
Perfumes




Step 3: Evaluating the given options.



Methyl acetate: Simple ester with fruity smell, not oil of wintergreen.
Methyl salicylate: Correct chemical name of oil of wintergreen.
Ethyl salicylate: Different ester compound.
Salicylic acid: Parent acid used to prepare methyl salicylate.




Step 4: Final conclusion.


Therefore, oil of wintergreen is chemically known as:
\[ \boxed{Methyl salicylate} \]

Hence, the correct option is:
\[ \boxed{(2)\ Methyl salicylate} \] Quick Tip: Remember some important common names: Oil of wintergreen \(\rightarrow\) Methyl salicylate Vinegar \(\rightarrow\) Acetic acid Wood spirit \(\rightarrow\) Methanol Grain alcohol \(\rightarrow\) Ethanol Common names are frequently asked in organic chemistry questions.


Question 10:

Which of the following does not belong to Group 16 elements?

  • (1) Oxygen
  • (2) Sulfur
  • (3) Selenium
  • (4) Chlorine
Correct Answer: (4) Chlorine
View Solution




Concept: In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged into groups based on similarities in their electronic configuration and chemical properties.

Group 16 elements are collectively known as the Chalcogens. These elements have six electrons in their outermost shell and generally show the valence shell electronic configuration:
\[ ns^2 np^4 \]

The common members of Group 16 are: \[ O, S, Se, Te, Po \]



Step 1: Identifying the position of each element in the periodic table.



Oxygen (O) belongs to Group 16.
Sulfur (S) belongs to Group 16.
Selenium (Se) belongs to Group 16.
Chlorine (Cl) belongs to Group 17.




Step 2: Understanding why chlorine is different.


Chlorine belongs to the Halogen family which is Group 17 of the periodic table.

Its valence shell configuration is:
\[ ns^2 np^5 \]

Thus, chlorine contains seven valence electrons instead of six.



Step 3: Comparing the groups.

\[ Group 16 \rightarrow ns^2 np^4 \]
\[ Group 17 \rightarrow ns^2 np^5 \]

Therefore, chlorine does not belong to Group 16.



Step 4: Final conclusion.


Hence, the element which does not belong to Group 16 is:
\[ \boxed{Chlorine} \]

Therefore, the correct option is:
\[ \boxed{(4)\ Chlorine} \] Quick Tip: Important group names in the periodic table: Group 1 \(\rightarrow\) Alkali metals Group 2 \(\rightarrow\) Alkaline earth metals Group 16 \(\rightarrow\) Chalcogens Group 17 \(\rightarrow\) Halogens Group 18 \(\rightarrow\) Noble gases Remember: \[ O, S, Se, Te \rightarrow Group 16 \] \[ F, Cl, Br, I \rightarrow Group 17 \]

MHT CET PCM Exam Pattern 2026

Parameter Details
Conducting Body Maharashtra Common Entrance Test Cell (Maharashtra CET Cell)
Exam Mode Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration 180 minutes (3 hours)
Groups / Subjects PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for Engineering
Total Questions

150

Total Marks 200
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marks Distribution
  • Mathematics – 2 marks/question
  • Physics and Chemistry – 1 mark/question
Negative Marking No
Syllabus Weightage
  • Class 12 – 80%
  • Class 11 – 20%

MHT-CET 2026 Paper Analysis