In a significant reform that aligns with national testing standards, Maharashtra's state-level entrance examination MHT-CET will be conducted twice a year starting from the 2026-27 academic session. This major policy shift brings the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test at par with the national-level Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), offering engineering and other professional course aspirants multiple opportunities to secure admission.
New Examination Pattern and Schedule
The decision was formally announced by Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday, November 13, 2025, following a comprehensive review meeting with the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell. The implementing body conducts various entrance examinations for higher education programs across Maharashtra.
Under the revised structure, MHT-CET 2026 will be conducted in two separate sessions - the first in April 2026 followed by the second in May 2026. While appearing for at least one session remains mandatory for admission to professional courses, students have the flexibility to appear for both examinations if they wish to improve their performance.
Key Benefits for Students
The most significant advantage for candidates is that the best of the two scores will be considered for admission to various professional courses. This scoring methodology directly replicates the JEE Main format that has been successfully implemented at the national level for engineering admissions.
An official from the Higher Education Department explained the student-friendly approach behind this reform: "The new system is designed to give students another chance if they miss the first exam or wish to improve their score. Earlier, missing the single annual exam meant losing a full academic year, which created tremendous pressure and anxiety among aspirants."
Expanded Scope and Future Implications
The MHT-CET scores serve as crucial eligibility criteria for numerous professional courses including:
- Engineering programs
- Pharmacy courses
- Agriculture studies
- Architecture programs
- Other professional degree courses
The examination is traditionally divided into separate sessions for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) groups. Under the new two-attempt system, each group will now have two opportunities within the same academic year.
Furthermore, the state government plans to extend this dual-examination pattern to the MBA/MMS CET, the entrance test for postgraduate management courses. Traditionally conducted in April, the management entrance test will now also feature two sessions - one in April and another in May, with candidates having the option to appear for one or both examinations.
Education officials emphasized that conducting entrance examinations twice annually will not only reduce examination stress among students but also align Maharashtra's testing system with national best practices in higher education admissions. This reform represents a substantial step toward ensuring greater fairness, flexibility, and enhanced opportunities for all aspirants across the state.
