The MAH CET Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to be announced by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, in December 2025 on cetcell.mahacet.org. The pattern is expected to remain similar to the previous years.
- The MAH MBA CET 2026 will be conducted in online (computer-based) mode with a total duration of 150 minutes.
- The paper will include 200 MCQs from 4 sections: Logical Reasoning (75 questions), Abstract Reasoning (25), Quantitative Aptitude (50), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (50).
Each question carries 1 mark, and there’s no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions confidently. Since the exam is held in multiple sessions, a score normalization process is applied to ensure fairness for every test-taker.
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What is MAH CET Exam Pattern 2026?
The MAH MBA CET Exam Pattern 2026 defines the structure, duration, and marking scheme for the state-level MBA entrance test. The paper evaluates analytical, verbal, and quantitative aptitude through a single 150-minute online exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State CET Cell, Government of Maharashtra |
| Exam Level | State-level PG Entrance |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 150 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Question Type | MCQs (4 options each) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark per question, no negative marking |
| Sections | Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & RC |
Also read: MAH CET Exam Analysis
MAH CET 2026 Exam Pattern: Topic-Wise Paper Structure
The MAH CET paper is divided into 4 sections with varying question weightage. Logical Reasoning has the highest contribution (37.5%) to the total marks.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 75 | 75 | 37.5% |
| Abstract Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 12.5% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 25% |
| Verbal Ability & RC | 50 | 50 | 25% |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 100% |
Ques. How many questions are asked from each section in the MAH CET 2026 exam?
Ans. You can expect a total of 200 questions divided across four sections. Logical Reasoning usually carries the maximum weightage (75–80 questions), followed by Quantitative Aptitude (45–50), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (45–50), and Abstract Reasoning (20–25). This distribution may slightly vary across shifts.
Ques. Is there sectional timing or order restriction in the MAH CET 2026 exam?
Ans. No, there is no sectional time limit in MAH CET. You can freely navigate between sections and attempt questions in any order within the total time of 150 minutes. This flexibility allows you to plan your strategy based on your strengths and pacing.
Ques. Which section is considered the toughest in the MAH CET exam?
Ans. Based on recent test-taker feedback, Logical Reasoning is often the most time-consuming due to lengthy puzzles and multi-layered arrangements. Abstract Reasoning, while shorter, tests visual and pattern-based intelligence and can be tricky if you don’t practice enough. Quant and Verbal sections are considered moderate in difficulty.
Section-Wise MAH CET 2026 Exam Pattern
Each section targets a different skill area:
- Logical & Abstract Reasoning: analytical and diagrammatic logic
- Quantitative Aptitude: numerical calculation and DI
- Verbal Ability & RC: comprehension, grammar, and verbal reasoning
The sections can be attempted in any order as there is no sectional time limit.
Logical Reasoning Pattern & Topic-Wise Weightage (2026)
Logical Reasoning is the most scoring section with 75 questions. It includes analytical puzzles, data sufficiency, and critical reasoning.
| Topic | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Linear & Circular Arrangement | 15–20 | Moderate |
| Coding-Decoding | 6–8 | Easy |
| Input-Output | 5–8 | Moderate |
| Blood Relations | 4–6 | Easy |
| Syllogisms | 4–6 | Moderate |
| Data Sufficiency | 6–8 | Moderate |
| Critical Reasoning | 8–10 | Moderate–Difficult |
| Miscellaneous (Series, Directions, etc.) | 5–7 | Easy |
2025 papers included three major arrangement sets and two Input–Output puzzles, forming nearly 45% of this section.
Read: How to prepare for MAH CET Logical Reasoning (LR)
Abstract Reasoning Pattern & Topic-Wise Weightage
Abstract Reasoning tests visual pattern recognition through image-based questions. It carries 25 marks, often acting as a tie-breaker for high percentiles.
| Topic | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Series Completion | 8–10 | Easy |
| Analogies | 6–8 | Moderate |
| Odd-One-Out | 4–6 | Easy |
| Visual Matching | 3–5 | Moderate |
The 2025 paper featured more analogies and series-based sequences, requiring quick observation and timing.
Quantitative Aptitude Pattern & Question Distribution
Quantitative Aptitude tests mathematical concepts from class 10–12 level. The focus areas include arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation.
| Topic | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic (Ratio, Work, Profit & Loss) | 12–15 | Moderate |
| Algebra (Equations, Functions) | 8–10 | Moderate |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 5–7 | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation | 10–12 | Moderate |
| Number System | 4–6 | Easy |
| Modern Math (P&C, Probability) | 3–4 | Difficult |
In 2025, arithmetic & DI together formed nearly 50% of the section with 2 graph-based DI sets.
Check: How to Prepare for MAH CET Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Pattern
The VARC section has 50 questions on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Reading Comprehension (RC) passages are typically 600–800 words long.
| Topic | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 12–15 | Moderate |
| Grammar & Sentence Correction | 8–10 | Easy–Moderate |
| Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms) | 7–9 | Easy |
| Para Jumbles | 5–6 | Moderate |
| Critical Reasoning | 4–5 | Moderate |
| Sentence Completion | 4–5 | Easy |
2025 RCs focused on topics like Start-up Ecosystems and AI in Education, with 70% inference-based questions.
Also read: How to prepare for MAH CET Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension (VA/ RC)
The paper carries 200 marks in total, with each question valued at 1 mark. Candidates can attempt all sections in any sequence.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 75 | 1 | 75 |
| Abstract Reasoning | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| Verbal Ability & RC | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | ||
Ques. What is the total mark of the MAH CET 2026 exam?
Ans. The MAH CET 2026 exam carries a total of 200 marks, with each question worth 1 mark. Since there’s no negative marking, you can attempt all 200 questions without any penalty, which is why smart guessing can often boost your score.
Ques. How are MAH CET scores converted into percentile?
Ans. Your raw score out of 200 is normalized across all shifts using an equating process to maintain fairness. After normalization, the percentile score reflects your relative performance compared to other candidates, not the exact marks you scored.
Ques. What is a good score out of 200 in MAH CET for top MBA colleges?
Ans. For top institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA, you’ll typically need a score above 140–145 (around 99+ percentile). A score between 120–130 usually lands you in the 95–98 percentile range, which can still secure admission to strong mid-tier colleges.
MAH CET Marking Scheme 2026
The MAH MBA CET 2026 follows a straightforward and student-friendly marking system. You will receive +1 mark for every correct answer, while there is no deduction for wrong or unattempted questions.
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
| Negative Marking | None |
Ques. How does the marking scheme affect your percentile score?
Ans. Since the exam follows a no-negative-marking pattern, the final percentile depends entirely on accuracy and total correct attempts. Candidates who maximize attempts with fewer mistakes tend to achieve higher normalized percentiles across multiple shifts.
Changes in MAH MBA CET Exam Pattern (2023–2026)
Between 2023 and 2026, the MAH MBA CET exam pattern has mostly remained stable, but minor changes have occured every year. Since 2023, the exam has taken place in multiple shifts, and they introduced score normalization to keep things fair.
- In 2024 and 2025 exams, the difficulty of the Logical and Abstract Reasoning sections increased slightly, making up nearly 40% of the total marks.
- For 2026, the State CET Cell is likely to keep the same structure, but they may add AI-proctored monitoring and dynamic slot allocation to help reduce congestion on test day.
| Year | Total Questions | Duration | Marking Scheme | Sectional Timing | Key Changes/Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 200 | 150 min | +1, no negative marking | None | Expected CBT format with improved normalization and tighter slot security |
| 2025 | 200 | 150 min | +1, no negative marking | None | Slight rise in reasoning difficulty; better balance in Verbal & Quant |
| 2024 | 200 | 150 min | +1, no negative marking | None | Introduced more abstract reasoning puzzles; interface upgraded |
| 2023 | 200 | 150 min | +1, no negative marking | None | First year with multiple shifts and score normalization |
MAH CET 2026 Syllabus
The MAH MBA CET 2026 syllabus is designed to evaluate your logical reasoning, abstract thinking, problem-solving, and verbal comprehension abilities.
| Section | Key Topics (Based on 2025 Paper Trends) | Weightage Trend (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Input–Output, Blood Relation, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Statement–Assumption | 75–85 Questions |
| Abstract Reasoning | Series, Analogy, Mirror Image, Visual Pattern Completion | 25 Questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic (T&W, Time-Speed, SI/CI, Profit-Loss), Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts) | 50 Questions |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | RC passages, Para Jumbles, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Synonyms, Antonyms, Critical Reasoning | 40–50 Questions |
For more information, check: MAH MBA CET 2026 Syllabus PDF
FAQs
Ques. If I attempt all 200 questions, will I automatically get a high score in MAH CET 2026?
Ans. Not necessarily. While you can attempt all 200 questions because there’s no negative marking, the key is accuracy and time-management. Every correct answer gives +1 mark, but incorrect or skipped answers don’t add or subtract marks.
So if you rush and make many mistakes, you might end up with fewer correct answers than someone who attempted fewer questions but with high accuracy. Aim to attempt the questions you’re confident about first, then move on to trickier ones.
Ques. Does the “no sectional time limit” mean I can spend all 150 minutes on just one section like Logical Reasoning?
Ans. In theory, yes. You can allocate your full 150 minutes to one section like Logical Reasoning because the exam doesn’t enforce fixed time slots for each section. However, this approach can be risky because the paper tests across four sections (Logical, Abstract, Quant, VARC). If you neglect one section, you might miss out on marks from that part. A balanced approach is usually safer for a high percentile.
Ques. How important is the Abstract Reasoning section if it has only 25 questions out of 200?
Ans. It’s more important than you might think. Although it carries only ~12.5% of the total questions, the Abstract Reasoning section is often one of the faster sections for those who are well-prepared in visual/pattern reasoning.
You can use it to boost your score early and build confidence. Neglecting it because of its smaller size could mean missing out on “easy/quick” marks that differentiators between percentiles.
Ques. What happens if one slot of the MAH CET is tougher than another? Will my score suffer?
Ans. No. The exam uses a normalisation process across multiple shifts to ensure fairness. This means if one slot is slightly tougher, your raw score will be adjusted (equated score) so that percentile ranking reflects that difficulty.
Because the test is held in multiple sessions, you don’t need to worry that you’ve been disadvantaged just because you were in a “harder” slot.
Ques. Is there any negative marking in the MAH CET 2026?
Ans. No. You’ll get +1 mark for each correct answer, and 0 marks for wrong or unattempted questions. Because there’s no negative marking, guessing smartly when you’re unsure can make sense but remember, guess only if you can eliminate some options or have partial confidence.
Ques. How many questions should I attempt to aim for a high percentile (say 95 +)?
Ans. A rough benchmark is 120–140 correct answers out of 200, based on past trends and target percentiles. But this is not a guarantee; your final percentile depends on the difficulty of your specific slot and how others performed. So focus on accuracy + consistent attempt rather than chasing a single number.
Ques. Since Logical Reasoning has 75 questions, should I devote more time to it than other sections?
Ans. Yes. You should give it strong priority, because it carries the largest chunk of questions (~37.5%). But “more time” doesn’t mean ignoring other sections. A strategy might be: spend ~45-60 minutes on Logical Reasoning (for example), then allocate the rest to Quant, VARC and Abstract by your strength. If you’re very strong in one other section, adjust accordingly.
Ques. If I’m weak in one section (say Quant), can I still score well by boosting my performance in the other three?
Ans. Yes, that’s possible but it’s risky. Since the paper has four sections, doing very well in three can offset a weak fourth, but the competition is tight. You should strengthen your weak section enough to avoid very low scores there, while maximizing your strengths. Balanced performance plus strong showings in strong sections is a safer path to a high percentile.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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