Archive · 12 Nov 2025
MHT CET Exams to Be Held Twice Annually Starting 2026
Imagine a big test in Maharashtra for getting into college, called MHT CET.
Soon, students will get to take this test two times a year, just like another big test called JEE.
The first test will be in April and the second in May, starting in 2026.
Students have to take at least one test, but they can choose to take both if they want.
If a student takes both tests, the one where they get a higher score will be used for their college application.
This change is meant to give students more chances to show what they know and help them get into the courses they want, like engineering and management.
MHT CET exams will now be conducted twice annually starting from the 2026-27 academic year.
The exams will be held in April and May 2026, with a detailed schedule to be released later.
Students will have the option to appear for one or both exam sessions.
For students taking both sessions, the higher score will be used for admissions.
This reform aims to provide students with more opportunities to improve their scores, similar to the JEE model.
- Who
- Engineering and management aspirants in Maharashtra
- What
- MHT CET will be conducted twice annually, with the higher score used for admissions.
- When
- Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, with exams in April and May 2026.
- Where
- Maharashtra
- Why
- To provide students with two opportunities to take the exam, similar to the JEE, and allow for score improvement.
Arguments for Two MHT-CET Attempts
Potential Concerns or Counterarguments
Student Opportunity and Flexibility
Arguments for Two MHT-CET Attempts
The reform aims to provide students with two opportunities to appear for the exam, similar to the JEE, allowing for score improvement and greater flexibility.
Potential Concerns or Counterarguments
While not explicitly stated, concerns could arise regarding increased student pressure to perform well in two exams, potential for students to focus more on test-taking strategies rather than learning, and the administrative effort required for conducting two sessions.
Alignment with National Standards
Arguments for Two MHT-CET Attempts
Conducting MHT CET twice a year aligns it with the JEE model, which is a nationally recognized standard.
Potential Concerns or Counterarguments
The specific educational needs and context of Maharashtra might differ from the national JEE system, and a direct replication might not be perfectly optimal.
- Exam Name
- MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
- New Format
- Will be conducted twice a year
- Academic Session
- Starting 2026-27
- Exam Sessions
- April 2026 and May 2026
- Score Calculation
- Higher of the two scores will be considered for admission
- Applicable Courses
- BTech (PCM, PCB), MBA, pharmacy, medicine, and other allied courses
- Announcement By
- State Education Minister Chandrakant Patil
