MAH AAC CET 2027 (Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for admission to the 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in 89 government, government-aided, and private unaided colleges across Maharashtra. The official notification for the 2027 cycle is expected by November-December 2026, with registration likely opening in January 2027 and the practical-based exam expected in April 2027. Admission to prestigious institutions like Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai is also through this exam.

  • Notification: The MAH AAC CET 2027 official notification is expected in November-December 2026. In 2025, the tentative schedule for the 2026 cycle was published on November 21, 2025 on cetcell.mahacet.org.
  • Registration: MAH AAC CET 2027 registration is expected to open in the last week of January 2027. In 2026, the application window ran from January 29 to March 16, 2026 — a 47-day window.
  • Exam Date: The MAH AAC CET 2027 exam is expected in the first or second week of April 2027. In 2026, it was held on April 12; in 2025, on April 5 — consistent April scheduling for both years.
  • Result: MAH AAC CET 2027 result is expected in late May or early June 2027. In 2026, the provisional result came on June 8 and the final result on June 12 — about 57 days after the exam.

What is MAH AAC CET 2027?

MAH AAC CET stands for Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test. The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra (CET Cell Maharashtra) conducts this exam once a year for admission to the first year of the 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program. It is the only centralised gateway for BFA admissions in Maharashtra and covers government, government-aided, and private unaided colleges.

What makes MAH AAC CET different from most state entrance exams is its practical-heavy format. Three of its four papers are offline drawing tests — Design Practical, Object Drawing Practical, and Memory Drawing Practical — which together carry 150 of the total 190 marks. Only one paper (General Knowledge Theory) is an online MCQ test. So artistic skill and practice matter far more than bookwork.

Around 89 colleges across Maharashtra participate in the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) for MAH AAC CET. These are spread across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, Jalgaon, and other cities. Top institutions like Sir JJ School of Art (India’s oldest fine arts college) and Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art and Craft, both in Mumbai, admit students through this exam.

Particulars Details
Exam Name MAH AAC CET 2027
Full Form Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test
Conducting Body State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
Course Offered Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — 4 years
Exam Level State-level
Exam Mode Mixed — Practical papers: Offline; Theory paper: Online
Total Marks 190
Total Papers 4 (3 Practical + 1 Theory)
Total Duration 5 hours (across all papers)
Negative Marking No
Frequency Once a year
Participating Colleges 89
Exam Language English
Official Website cetcell.mahacet.org

Source: State CET Cell, Maharashtra — Official Website

MAH AAC CET 2027 Important Dates

CET Cell Maharashtra has not released the official schedule for MAH AAC CET 2027 yet. All dates below are expected based on the 2025 and 2026 cycles. The 2027 notification is expected by November-December 2026.

Once the official MAH AAC CET 2027 notification is released on cetcell.mahacet.org, this table will be updated with confirmed dates.

Event MAH AAC CET 2027 (Expected) MAH AAC CET 2026 (Actual)
Official Notification Released November–December 2026 (Over) November 21, 2025
Registration Opens Last week of January 2027 (Over) January 29, 2026
Registration Closes Mid-March 2027 (Over) March 16, 2026
Application Form Edit Window 3rd week of March 2027 (Over) March 17–19, 2026
Admit Card Release First week of April 2027 (Over) April 5, 2026
MAH AAC CET 2027 Exam First–Second week of April 2027 (Over) April 12, 2026
Provisional Result Late May–Early June 2027 (Over) June 8, 2026
Objection Window 2–3 days after provisional result (Over) June 9–11, 2026
Final Result ~1 week after provisional result (Over) June 12, 2026
Counselling Registration July 2027 (Over) By July 19, 2026
CAP Round 1 Seat Allotment Late July 2027 (Over) July 30, 2026
Mop-Up Round August 2027 (Over) August 15–19, 2026
Institute-Level Admissions Late August 2027 (Over) August 24–28, 2026
CAP Against Vacancy September 2027 (Over) September 7–9, 2026

Note: All 2027 dates are expected and subject to official confirmation. CET Cell Maharashtra releases the final schedule on cetcell.mahacet.org.

MAH AAC CET 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Before you apply for MAH AAC CET 2027, you must check the eligibility conditions set by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. Here are the key requirements:

Educational Qualification

You must have passed the 10+2 examination (HSC or equivalent) from a recognized board in any stream — Arts, Commerce, or Science. There is no stream restriction. However, English must be one of the language subjects in your 10+2 curriculum — this is a mandatory condition.

Students who are appearing for their 10+2 final exams in 2027 can also apply. They must submit proof of passing the qualifying examination before the final admission process.

Minimum Marks Required

Category Minimum Aggregate in 10+2
General (Maharashtra) 45%
OBC / VJNT / SBC (Maharashtra) 45%
SC / ST (Maharashtra) 40%
OMS — Outside Maharashtra State (Open Category) 45%
PWD (Persons with Disability) 40%

Age Limit

There is no age limit for MAH AAC CET 2027. Candidates of any age can apply, as long as they meet the educational qualification criteria.

Domicile

Both Maharashtra residents and OMS (Outside Maharashtra State) candidates can apply. OMS candidates compete in the OMS quota — typically a limited percentage of total seats in each college. Maharashtra domicile candidates have access to all category-wise reserved seats.

Important: English as a language subject in 10+2 is non-negotiable. If your 10+2 did not have English as a subject, you are not eligible for MAH AAC CET 2027.

How to Apply for MAH AAC CET 2027

The MAH AAC CET 2027 application form will be available at cetcell.mahacet.org when registration opens (expected January 2027). The entire process is online. Here is the step-by-step application process based on the 2026 cycle:

Step-by-Step Application Process

  • Step 1 – New Registration: Go to cetcell.mahacet.org and click on the MAH AAC CET 2027 registration link. Enter your mobile number and email ID to create a new login. You will receive your application number and password.
  • Step 2 – Fill the Application Form: Log in with your credentials and fill in your personal details (name, date of birth, address), educational qualifications (10+2 marks, board, year of passing), and category details. Keep your marksheet ready.
  • Step 3 – Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents in the specified format and file size. Typically you need: recent passport-size photograph (JPG), your signature (JPG), 10th marksheet, 12th marksheet or passing certificate, and category certificate if applicable.
  • Step 4 – Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
  • Step 5 – Submit and Save: After successful payment, click the final submit button. Download and print the confirmation page. Keep it safe — you will need your application number for all future logins.

CET Cell Maharashtra usually opens a short form edit window (2–3 days) after the registration deadline, where you can correct minor errors in your form. In 2026, this window was March 17–19. No corrections are allowed after this window closes.

Do not wait until the last day to apply. Server load on the deadline day often causes slowdowns. Apply at least 5–7 days before the closing date.

MAH AAC CET 2027 Application Fee

The MAH AAC CET 2027 application fee is paid online at the time of form submission. The fee varies by category:

Category Application Fee
General (Maharashtra) / OMS (Outside Maharashtra State) ₹2,200
SC / ST / OBC / VJNT / SBC / EWS / PWD (Maharashtra) ₹1,700

Note: The fee shown is based on the 2026 cycle. The exact fee for 2027 will be confirmed in the official notification. The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

MAH AAC CET 2027 Exam Pattern

MAH AAC CET 2027 consists of four papers — three offline practical drawing tests and one online theory paper. This format has been consistent across the last several years. The total duration is 5 hours and the total marks are 190.

Paper Subject Mode Duration Marks
Paper 1 Design Practical Offline 90 minutes 50
Paper 2 Object Drawing Practical Offline 60 minutes 50
Paper 3 Memory Drawing Practical Offline 90 minutes 50
Paper 4 General Knowledge (Theory) Online (MCQ) 60 minutes 40
Total 5 hours 190

Key Points About the Exam Pattern

  • There is no negative marking in any of the four papers.
  • You must appear in all four papers to be eligible for the merit list.
  • The practical papers are evaluated by art experts on criteria like creativity, composition, proportion, and presentation quality.
  • Paper 4 (Theory) has 40 MCQs of 1 mark each, conducted online at the same exam centre.
  • Practical papers use drawing sheets, pencils, and colours that candidates must bring as per the official brochure instructions.

What Are Examiners Looking For?

In practical exams, examiners do not just check artistic perfection. They look for specific qualities in each paper:

  • Design Practical: Clear concept, neat composition, logical colour usage, and originality. A simple but confidently executed design scores better than an overcomplicated one with messy execution.
  • Object Drawing Practical: Accurate proportions, correct perspective, clean line work, and effective shading. Structural correctness matters more than fine artistic detailing.
  • Memory Drawing Practical: How well you recall and present a scene — human figures, spatial arrangement, background and foreground treatment. Observers check if the drawing tells a clear visual story from memory.

Source: MAH AAC CET 2026 Information Brochure — CET Cell Maharashtra

MAH AAC CET 2027 Syllabus

The MAH AAC CET 2027 syllabus covers four areas — one for each paper. Since the exam is practical-heavy, three of the four syllabus areas require hands-on drawing skills, not textbook study. Here is the detailed breakdown:

Paper 1: Design Practical Syllabus

  • Basic design principles: balance, symmetry, rhythm, contrast, and unity
  • Colour theory: primary, secondary, tertiary, complementary, and analogous colour relationships
  • Abstract and geometric compositions
  • Pattern and texture creation using repetition and variation
  • Decorative and applied design for craft objects
  • Poster and layout design: use of text and image together

Paper 2: Object Drawing Practical Syllabus

  • Still life drawing from actual objects placed in front of you at the exam hall
  • Proportion and perspective of everyday objects (bottles, vessels, boxes, fruits, etc.)
  • Light and shadow using pencil shading and hatching techniques
  • Line quality and contour drawing accuracy
  • Observation-based rendering — you draw only what you see, not from imagination

Paper 3: Memory Drawing Practical Syllabus

  • Drawing a given theme entirely from memory — no reference material or observation allowed
  • Typical themes: rural life, festivals, markets, sports events, nature scenes, travel/transport
  • Human figures in action and in group settings
  • Landscapes: fields, trees, rivers, hills
  • Composition with foreground, middle ground, and background treatment
  • Colour usage to convey mood and atmosphere

Paper 4: General Knowledge Theory Syllabus

  • History of Indian art: Mughal miniatures, Rajput painting, Pahari, Tanjore, Madhubani, Warli, and other folk arts
  • Cave paintings: Ajanta and Ellora (themes, technique, period)
  • Famous Indian artists: Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, S.H. Raza
  • Western art movements: Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism
  • Famous international artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse
  • Indian handicrafts: Bidri work, Pattachitra, Dhokra, Kalamkari, Phulkari, Channapatna toys
  • Indian architecture: temple styles (Nagara, Dravida), Mughal architecture (Taj Mahal, Red Fort)
  • Art terms and vocabulary: chiaroscuro, fresco, tempera, oil painting, watercolour, mosaic
  • Current affairs in art and culture (recent national and international art events)

MAH AAC CET 2027 Admit Card

The MAH AAC CET 2027 admit card will be released on cetcell.mahacet.org around 7 days before the exam. Based on past years — in 2026, the admit card was released on April 5 for an April 12 exam; in 2025, a similar gap was maintained — the 2027 admit card is expected in the first week of April 2027.

How to Download MAH AAC CET 2027 Admit Card

  • Go to cetcell.mahacet.org
  • Click on the MAH AAC CET 2027 Admit Card link
  • Log in using your application number and date of birth
  • Download and print your admit card on A4 paper

Details Printed on the Admit Card

  • Candidate name, application number, and photograph
  • Exam centre name and address
  • Reporting time and exam schedule for all four papers
  • Instructions for the exam day

Documents to Carry on Exam Day

  • Printed admit card (mandatory — entry will not be allowed without it)
  • One valid original photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport)
  • 2 recent passport-size photographs
  • Drawing materials as specified in the official brochure: pencils, eraser, sharpener, poster colours or watercolours, brushes, water container

Do not bring mobile phones, electronic devices, or notes to the exam hall. These are strictly prohibited during the practical papers.

MAH AAC CET 2027 Result

The MAH AAC CET 2027 result will be declared on cetcell.mahacet.org. Based on the 2025 and 2026 timelines, the provisional result is expected in late May or early June 2027 — roughly 7–8 weeks after the April exam date.

Result Timeline Pattern

Year Exam Date Provisional Result Final Result
2025 April 5, 2025 May 28, 2025 June 3, 2025
2026 April 12, 2026 June 8, 2026 June 12, 2026
2027 (Expected) April 2027 May–June 2027 ~1 week after provisional

Objection Process After Provisional Result

After the provisional result is out, CET Cell Maharashtra opens an objection window for 2–3 days. If you think your marks are incorrect or an answer key has an error, you can raise an objection online during this period. In 2026, the objection window was June 9–11 and the redressal was announced as the final result on June 12.

How to Check MAH AAC CET 2027 Result

  • Visit cetcell.mahacet.org and click on the MAH AAC CET 2027 Result link
  • Log in with your application number and date of birth
  • View your paper-wise marks and overall merit rank
  • Download and save your scorecard

Your scorecard shows marks for each of the four papers and your overall rank in the merit list. This rank is used for counselling and seat allotment.

MAH AAC CET 2027 Cutoff and Merit List

CET Cell Maharashtra does not publish a separate qualifying cutoff mark for MAH AAC CET. Instead, a merit list is prepared after the final result, ranking all eligible candidates by their total score out of 190. Your position in this merit list determines your counselling eligibility and seat allotment in the CAP rounds.

What Affects Your Rank in the Merit List?

  • Your total marks in all four papers combined
  • In case of a tie, tiebreaking rules apply — typically based on marks in specific papers in a defined order
  • Your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, OMS, PWD) — separate merit lists are prepared for each category

Effective Cutoff: What Scores Get Seats in Top Colleges?

While there is no officially declared cutoff score, the seat allotment data from previous years gives an idea of competitive scores. Sir JJ School of Art, being the most prestigious, fills its seats in CAP Round 1 with top-ranked candidates. The 40 marks GK theory paper gives well-prepared candidates a scoring edge that can make a difference in the final rank.

2025 Mop-Up Round Insight

In 2025, only 648 candidates appeared in the mop-up round provisional merit list — indicating that the main CAP rounds had already absorbed most eligible candidates. Sir JJ School of Art had just 1 CAP seat (BFA Textile Design) available in the mop-up round, while colleges like KCE Moolji Jaitha College, Jalgaon still had 24 vacant seats in Painting. This clear hierarchy — high demand at premier government colleges, vacant seats at newer private colleges — is expected to continue in the 2027 cycle.

Category-wise Merit Lists

CET Cell Maharashtra releases separate merit lists for each category under the CAP process. Here are the categories for which separate lists are prepared:

  • General (Open) — Maharashtra
  • SC (Scheduled Caste) — Maharashtra
  • ST (Scheduled Tribe) — Maharashtra
  • OBC / VJNT / SBC — Maharashtra
  • EWS (Economically Weaker Section) — Maharashtra
  • PWD (Persons with Disability)
  • OMS (Outside Maharashtra State)

MAH AAC CET 2027 Counselling Process

After the final result, admission to BFA colleges through MAH AAC CET follows a Centralised Admission Process (CAP). The CET Cell Maharashtra manages this process through the portal fn.mahacet.org. You must register separately for counselling — your exam registration does not automatically enrol you in the CAP.

Counselling Steps (Based on 2026 Process)

  • Step 1 — Counselling Registration: After the final result, register for CAP at fn.mahacet.org within the announced window. In 2026, the registration window closed on July 19.
  • Step 2 — Document Verification: Upload your documents online for verification. Required documents typically include your 10th and 12th mark sheets, MAH AAC CET 2027 scorecard, domicile certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and transfer certificate.
  • Step 3 — Choice Filling: Log in to fn.mahacet.org and fill your college and course preferences in order of priority. You can fill multiple choices — arrange them carefully by your preference. Research the specializations available (Painting, Sculpture, Applied Art, Textile Design, Interior Decoration, etc.) at each college before filling choices.
  • Step 4 — CAP Round 1 Allotment: CET Cell processes your choices against merit rank, category, and seat availability. The allotment result shows the college and BFA specialization allotted to you.
  • Step 5 — Seat Acceptance: If you are satisfied with the allotment, accept the seat online and report to the allotted college with original documents within the deadline. In 2026, the acceptance deadline for CAP Round 1 was August 3.

2026 Counselling Rounds and Dates (Reference for 2027)

Round Purpose 2026 Date
CAP Round 1 Main allotment based on merit and choices July 30, 2026
Mop-Up Round Registration Fills seats left vacant after CAP Round 1 August 15–19, 2026
Mop-Up Merit List Allotment for mop-up round candidates August 20, 2026
Institute-Level Admissions Colleges fill remaining seats directly August 24–28, 2026
CAP Against Vacancy Final centralised round for leftover seats September 7–9, 2026

For MAH AAC CET 2027, a similar counselling schedule is expected, with the entire process running from July to September 2027.

If you do not accept the allotted seat within the deadline or fail to report to the college on time, your allotment gets cancelled automatically. You must stay alert during each round’s acceptance window.

Top Colleges Accepting MAH AAC CET 2027 Score

Around 89 colleges across Maharashtra participate in the MAH AAC CET CAP for BFA admissions. Admission to all these colleges is through the centralised counselling portal fn.mahacet.org — you do not apply to colleges individually. Here are the key institutions:

Government and Premier Institutions

College Location BFA Specializations Available
Sir JJ School of Art Mumbai Painting, Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, Textile Design, Interior Decoration
Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art and Craft Mumbai Applied Art, Fine Art
SNDT Women’s University (Faculty of Fine Arts) Mumbai Painting, Applied Art
Government College of Art Nagpur Painting, Applied Art
Government College of Art Aurangabad Painting, Applied Art

Other Notable Participating Colleges

College Location
KCE’s Moolji Jaitha College of Fine Art Jalgaon
Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of Visual Art and Design Pune
DY Patil College of Fine Arts Pune
Savitribai Phule Pune University (Fine Art) Pune
Nagpur University Faculty of Fine Arts Nagpur

About Sir JJ School of Art

Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai is India’s oldest and most prestigious fine arts college, established in 1857. It offers BFA seats across 6 specializations with a total of around 75 seats: Painting (30 seats), Sculpture (5 seats), Metalwork (5 seats), Ceramics (5 seats), Textile Design (15 seats), and Interior Decoration (15 seats). Because of its reputation and faculty quality, seats here are filled in CAP Round 1. Competition for a seat at Sir JJ is intense — only candidates with the highest MAH AAC CET ranks get through in the main round.

The BFA program across all participating colleges is a 4-year undergraduate degree. Specialization options vary by college — some offer only Painting while others offer multiple specializations. Always check the specializations available at each college before filling your choices during counselling.

Source: fn.mahacet.org — Maharashtra Fine Arts Admission Portal

MAH AAC CET 2027 Preparation Tips

Since 79% of MAH AAC CET marks (150 out of 190) come from three practical papers, your preparation must focus heavily on drawing and design practice. Here is how to approach each paper:

Preparing for Design Practical (50 marks)

  • Practice creating balanced, symmetrical, and asymmetrical compositions daily
  • Work with poster colours and watercolours — know how to mix colours and create gradients
  • Study colour harmony: complementary, analogous, and triadic colour schemes
  • Look at examples of good design in advertisements, book covers, and Indian craft work
  • Practice filling large areas with flat, even colour — a messy fill can cost you marks
  • Focus on neatness and clean edges in your compositions

Preparing for Object Drawing Practical (50 marks)

  • Set up simple still life arrangements at home — a few bottles, a pitcher, some fruits, books — and draw them daily
  • Focus on getting the proportions right before adding any shading
  • Practice one-point and two-point perspective for box-like objects
  • Work on pencil shading to show light and shadow convincingly
  • Draw the same object from different angles to sharpen your observation

Preparing for Memory Drawing Practical (50 marks)

  • Practice drawing common themes: a village fair, a crowded market, a school playground, a harvest scene, a railway platform
  • Include at least 5–6 human figures in action in each memory drawing
  • Work on your foreground, middle ground, and background — a flat composition loses marks
  • Observe everyday scenes consciously — the way people stand, walk, and interact
  • Practice quick sketches of people and objects from life — this builds your visual memory

Preparing for General Knowledge Theory (40 marks)

  • Study the history of Indian art chronologically: ancient cave art, classical sculpture, medieval miniature painting, colonial-era and modern Indian art
  • Learn the names and key works of major Indian artists — Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza
  • Study the key Western art movements: Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism
  • Learn about Indian handicrafts region-by-region: Maharashtra (Warli, Paithani), Rajasthan (Phad), Odisha (Pattachitra), Bihar (Madhubani), etc.
  • Keep up with national art events — major exhibitions, awards, and cultural policy announcements

Suggested Weekly Study Plan

Activity Frequency Duration
Design Practical practice 4 days a week 45–60 minutes
Object Drawing practice (still life) 5 days a week 30–45 minutes
Memory Drawing practice 3 days a week 60 minutes (timed)
Art History and GK reading 3 days a week 30 minutes
Full mock session (all 3 practical papers) Weekends 5 hours (exam simulation)

Many coaching institutes in Mumbai (Silica Institute, ARCH Academy) and Pune offer structured MAH AAC CET preparation classes. Regular self-practice is the single most important factor — candidates who draw daily for 3–4 months before the exam consistently perform better in all three practical papers.

MAH AAC CET Previous Year Analysis: 2025 vs 2026

Looking at the last two cycles gives you a reliable picture of what to expect for MAH AAC CET 2027. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Parameter MAH AAC CET 2025 MAH AAC CET 2026
Application Window Opens January 2025 January 29, 2026
Application Window Closes March 2025 March 16, 2026
Exam Date April 5, 2025 April 12, 2026
Provisional Result May 28, 2025 June 8, 2026
Final Result June 3, 2025 June 12, 2026
CAP Round 1 Allotment July 2025 July 30, 2026
Mop-Up Round Candidates 648 Data not yet published
Participating Colleges ~89 89
Institute-Level Admissions August 2025 August 24–28, 2026
Process Concluded September 2025 September 2026

Key Observations for 2027 Planning

  • The exam has been held consistently in April every year — this is the most reliable planning anchor for 2027 preparation.
  • The result takes approximately 7–8 weeks after the exam — so candidates have a waiting period before counselling begins.
  • The entire admission cycle — from exam to final seat allotment — is completed within the same calendar year, typically concluding by September.
  • The number of participating colleges has been stable at 89, suggesting no major expansion is expected for 2027.
  • In 2025, only 648 candidates reached the mop-up round — meaning the main CAP round filled most seats. If you are in the top half of the merit list, you should get a seat in the main round.

MAH AAC CET 2027 FAQs

Ques. What is MAH AAC CET 2027?

Ans. MAH AAC CET 2027 is the Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test, a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. It is held for admission to the 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in 89 colleges across Maharashtra, including Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai.

Ques. Who conducts MAH AAC CET?

Ans. The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra (CET Cell Maharashtra) conducts MAH AAC CET every year. The official website is cetcell.mahacet.org and the admission portal for counselling is fn.mahacet.org.

Ques. What is the eligibility for MAH AAC CET 2027?

Ans. You must have passed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board, with English as one of the language subjects. The minimum aggregate required is 45% for General and OMS category candidates, and 40% for SC/ST (Maharashtra) and PWD candidates. There is no age limit.

Ques. How many papers are in MAH AAC CET, and what are the total marks?

Ans. MAH AAC CET has four papers: Design Practical (50 marks, 90 minutes), Object Drawing Practical (50 marks, 60 minutes), Memory Drawing Practical (50 marks, 90 minutes), and General Knowledge Theory (40 marks, 60 minutes). The total is 190 marks over 5 hours. There is no negative marking in any paper.

Ques. When will MAH AAC CET 2027 registration start?

Ans. The official notification and registration dates for MAH AAC CET 2027 have not been released yet (as of September 2026). Based on previous years, registration is expected to open in the last week of January 2027. In 2026, registration opened on January 29 and closed on March 16. Check cetcell.mahacet.org for the official announcement.

Ques. What is the application fee for MAH AAC CET 2027?

Ans. Based on the 2026 fee structure, the application fee is ₹2,200 for General (Maharashtra) and OMS candidates, and ₹1,700 for SC/ST/OBC/VJNT/SBC/EWS/PWD (Maharashtra) candidates. The exact 2027 fee will be confirmed in the official notification. The fee is paid online and is non-refundable.

Ques. Is MAH AAC CET conducted online or offline?

Ans. MAH AAC CET is a mixed-mode exam. The three practical papers — Design Practical, Object Drawing Practical, and Memory Drawing Practical — are conducted in offline (pen/pencil and paper) mode. Only the General Knowledge Theory paper (40 marks) is conducted online as an MCQ test. Both modes happen at the same exam centre on the same day.

Ques. Which are the top colleges accepting MAH AAC CET score?

Ans. The most prominent college accepting MAH AAC CET score is Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai — India’s oldest fine arts college, established in 1857. Other notable institutions include Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art and Craft (Mumbai), SNDT Women’s University (Mumbai), Government College of Art (Nagpur), and Government College of Art (Aurangabad). In total, 89 colleges across Maharashtra participate in the MAH AAC CET CAP.

Ques. How is the MAH AAC CET merit list prepared?

Ans. The MAH AAC CET merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s total marks out of 190 across all four papers combined. In case of ties, a tiebreaking formula (based on marks in specific papers in a defined order) is applied. Separate merit lists are released for each category — General (Maharashtra), SC, ST, OBC/VJNT/SBC, EWS, PWD, and OMS.

Ques. Can students from outside Maharashtra apply for MAH AAC CET?

Ans. Yes. Students from outside Maharashtra can apply for MAH AAC CET under the OMS (Outside Maharashtra State) category. OMS candidates must have at least 45% aggregate in their 10+2 and must have studied English as one of their language subjects. OMS candidates compete in the OMS quota seats available at each participating college.

Ques. What materials can I bring to the MAH AAC CET exam?

Ans. You can bring drawing materials as specified in the official information brochure. Typically, candidates bring pencils (HB, 2B, 4B), erasers, sharpeners, poster colours or watercolours, brushes (different sizes), a water container, and a palette. The specific list is always given in the official brochure — check it carefully before the exam. Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly not allowed inside the exam hall.

Ques. How do I get admission to Sir JJ School of Art through MAH AAC CET?

Ans. After your MAH AAC CET 2027 result is declared, register for the CAP at fn.mahacet.org. During choice filling, add Sir JJ School of Art and your preferred BFA specialization (Painting, Sculpture, Textile Design, etc.) as your top choice. Seat allotment is purely merit-based — only candidates with the highest MAH AAC CET ranks will be allotted seats at Sir JJ in CAP Round 1, as it is the most competitive college. The total BFA seats at Sir JJ are approximately 75 across 6 specializations.

Disclaimer: The information above is based on the MAH AAC CET 2026 cycle and publicly available official sources. All dates and details for MAH AAC CET 2027 are expected/projected and subject to change upon the official notification from CET Cell Maharashtra. Candidates should always verify the latest information at cetcell.mahacet.org before taking any action.