The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has taken a proactive step by announcing the tentative schedule for the 2026-27 academic year entrance examinations much earlier than usual. This strategic move aims to provide students across technical, higher, agricultural, arts, and medical education streams with ample preparation time.
Comprehensive Exam Schedule Revealed
The upcoming CET cycle will commence with the MP.Ed CET scheduled for March 24, 2026, marking an earlier start compared to previous years. In a significant alignment with national-level testing patterns, the CET Cell will conduct two rounds of the MHT-CET - the state-wide entrance examination for engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, architecture and related professional courses.
The first attempt for the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group examinations will be held from April 11 to 19, 2026, while students opting for the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream will appear for their tests from April 21 to 26, 2026. For those seeking a second opportunity, tentative dates have been set for May 14 to 17, 2026 (PCM) and May 10-11, 2026 (PCB).
Strategic Planning and Student Benefits
According to official statements from the CET Cell, the early announcement of the examination schedule is designed to allow students sufficient time to prepare strategically for their chosen tests. The Cell emphasized that while preparing this schedule, careful consideration was given to national-level examination dates including JEE and NEET to avoid conflicts and ensure students can plan their preparation effectively.
This thoughtful scheduling approach demonstrates the administration's commitment to student welfare and academic planning. By providing clear timelines well in advance, students can now create structured study plans, balance their preparation for multiple entrance examinations, and reduce last-minute stress.
Previous Year Participation Statistics
The growing significance of Maharashtra CET examinations is evident from the participation numbers recorded in the 2025-26 academic year. Official data reveals that 14.06 lakh students registered for 17 different CET examinations, with 12.46 lakh students actually appearing for the tests.
Among these, nearly 6.5 lakh candidates took only the PCM and PCB CETs, with the PCM examination alone attracting over 4 lakh students. The MBA and three-year Law CETs also witnessed substantial participation, highlighting the examination's widespread reach across diverse educational streams.
The early release of the 2026-27 CET schedule represents a significant improvement in the examination planning process, benefiting lakhs of aspiring students across Maharashtra who can now begin their preparation with clear timelines and reduced uncertainty about examination dates.
