Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Maharashtra CETs for Engineering, MBA to be Held Twice Annually from 2026
Imagine a big test for getting into college or getting a master's degree in Maharashtra.
Right now, you usually only get one chance each year to take this test.
But starting in 2026, students will get two chances to take the test, similar to how some big national tests work!
The first test will be in April, and the second will be in May.
It's important to take the first test, but the second one is optional.
If you take both, whichever score is higher will be used to decide if you get into the course you want.
This is being done to make things less stressful for students and give them more chances to show what they know.
This change will apply to tests for engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and MBA programs.
Maharashtra's MHT-CET for Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and MBA courses will be conducted twice a year starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
The first exam session in April is mandatory, while the second session in May is optional for students.
The best score obtained by a student across the two exams will be considered for admission to professional courses.
This change aims to reduce student stress, provide more opportunities, and align with national examination patterns like JEE Main.
The decision was made in a meeting chaired by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil with the State CET Cell.
- Who
- Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil and the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell
- What
- Decided to conduct MHT-CET exams for PCM, PCB, and MBA courses twice a year.
- When
- Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, with exams in April and May.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To reduce exam pressure, increase flexibility, provide more opportunities for students, and align with national exam patterns like JEE Main.
Arguments For Holding CETs Twice a Year
Potential Concerns with Holding CETs Twice a Year
Student Opportunity and Fairness
Arguments For Holding CETs Twice a Year
Provides students with two chances to take the exam, with the best score considered, increasing fairness and opportunity.
Potential Concerns with Holding CETs Twice a Year
The introduction of two exams might add to student pressure or logistical challenges, though the second is optional.
Stress Reduction and Flexibility
Arguments For Holding CETs Twice a Year
Aims to reduce exam pressure and stress by offering flexibility and a chance for improvement.
Potential Concerns with Holding CETs Twice a Year
While intended to reduce stress, managing preparation for two sessions could inadvertently increase it for some.
Alignment with National Standards
Arguments For Holding CETs Twice a Year
Aligns the MHT-CET pattern with national entrance exams like JEE Main, which also offers multiple attempts.
Potential Concerns with Holding CETs Twice a Year
State-specific needs and established formats should be carefully balanced with national alignment.
- Exam Name
- Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) for Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, MBA, etc.
- Implementation Year
- From the 2026-27 academic session
- Exam Frequency
- Twice a year
- Exam Schedule
- First exam in April, second in May
- Scoring
- The best score from the two attempts will be considered for admission.
- First Exam
- Mandatory for all students
- Second Exam
- Optional for students
- Exam Groups
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), MBA
