MHT CET 2026 Adopts JEE Main Model; State Cell to Conduct Exams Twice in April and May

The Maharashtra government has announced a major change in the MHT CET exam pattern. Starting from 2026, the state will conduct the MHT CET twice a year on the lines of JEE Main. The two sessions will be held in April and May. The decision has been approved and officially confirmed by state authorities.

The government has also approved conducting the MBA CET twice a year from 2026, offering additional flexibility to management aspirants.

From 2026 onwards, students will get two attempts at the exam, one in April and another in May. This pattern will be followed for both Engineering (PCM) and Pharmacy (PCB) and MBA courses.

Key Summary

• MHT CET 2026 will be held twice a year - April & May
• Applies to Engineering (PCM), Pharmacy (PCB).
• MBA CET will also be conducted twice annually.
• Students can take one or both attempts.
• Best score likely to be used for admission.

Why the Change?

The state has adopted this new format to give students more chances, reduce exam pressure, and allow them to improve their score if they are unhappy with their first attempt. Officials said that this system will make the CET exams more student-friendly and aligned with national-level tests like JEE Main.

The decision aims to modernise the state’s entrance examination structure and provide equal opportunities to all candidates across Maharashtra.

Also Read

Read More About the MAH CET 2026

How Will the New System Work?

Each session, April and May, will be conducted separately. Students can appear for one or both sessions. The best score among the two attempts is expected to be considered for admission, similar to the JEE Main model, although final details will be announced later.

Also Read

JEE Main 2026 Registration (Begins), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Preparation and Cutoff

Registration for each attempt will be done separately. It aims to reduce examination pressure, allow more flexibility in preparation and align Maharashtra’s entrance process with national standards. Implementation details, including registration schedule, exam centres and exact dates, will be issued by the CET Cell soon.

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आज माझ्या अध्यक्षतेखाली सीईटी परीक्षा संदर्भात आढावा बैठक घेण्यात आली.

राज्य सामाईक प्रवेश परीक्षा कक्षाकडून पीसीएम, पीसीबी आणि एमबीए या अभ्यासक्रमांच्या प्रवेश परीक्षा (सीईटी) वर्षातून दोन वेळा घेण्याचा महत्त्वपूर्ण निर्णय घेण्यात आला आहे.

पहिली… pic.twitter.com/ueIHD72Sdp

— Chandrakant Patil (@ChDadaPatil) November 11, 2025

Impact on Students

This decision is seen as a positive move for lakhs of students. If a student performs poorly in the first session, they will get a second chance soon after, without waiting for the next year. Coaching centres and teachers believe that this will help reduce stress and allow students to plan their preparation better.

However, students will need to manage their time wisely, as the gap between the two sessions will be short. Proper planning and consistent preparation will be important.

The restructuring of MHT CET into a twice-a-year format marks a significant step toward a more flexible and student-focused exam system in Maharashtra. Detailed schedules, registration dates, and guidelines will be released by the State CET Cell in the coming months.

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