Maharashtra CET Cell Extends Registration Deadline to February 20
In a significant development for aspiring students across Maharashtra, the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has announced an extension of the online registration deadline for the MHT-CET (PCM and PCB groups) and MBA/MMS CET examinations. The new deadline is now February 20, 2026, for the academic year 2026–27. This extension comes as a record-breaking 11,25,219 candidates have opted to appear across these three crucial entrance tests.
Unprecedented Registration Numbers Signal Growing Competition
The registration window, which originally opened on January 10 and was scheduled to close on February 12, has been extended due to the overwhelming response. This year's total registration figure of over 11.25 lakh marks a substantial increase, highlighting the intense competition for seats in engineering, technology, pharmacy, planning, agricultural education, and management programs across the state.
Introduction of Two-Attempt System: A Game-Changer for Students
For the first time in the history of these examinations, candidates are being offered two attempts for MHT-CET PCM, PCB, and MBA/MMS CET. Under this new system, one attempt is mandatory while the second is optional. If a candidate chooses to appear for both attempts, the higher score will be considered for admission purposes, providing students with a valuable second opportunity to improve their performance.
This innovative two-attempt model directly mirrors the pattern of the national-level JEE (Main) examination and was introduced on the specific directions of Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil. Candidates must make a crucial decision at the time of application, choosing whether to appear for one or two attempts, with this choice being final and unchangeable later in the process.
Detailed Registration Breakdown by Stream and Attempt Choice
Of the total 11,25,219 registrations, a detailed analysis reveals interesting patterns:
- 7,34,512 candidates registered exclusively for the first attempt
- 3,90,707 candidates opted to take both attempts
Stream-wise registration data provides further insight:
- PCM Group: 4,12,280 candidates registered for the first attempt only, while 2,64,057 chose both attempts
- PCB Group: 2,33,809 candidates registered for the first attempt only, with 90,804 opting for both attempts
- MBA/MMS CET: 88,423 candidates registered for the first attempt only, and 35,846 selected both attempts
Comparative Analysis with Previous Years
When compared to the previous academic year (2025–26), the current registration numbers show significant growth across all streams:
- PCM registrations increased from 4,64,263 to the current combined total
- PCB registrations rose from 3,01,072
- MBA/MMS CET registrations grew from 1,16,585
Examination Schedule and Important Dates
The Maharashtra CET Cell has released a detailed examination schedule for both attempts:
- PCM First Attempt: April 11 to April 19, 2026
- PCM Second Attempt: May 14 to May 17, 2026
- PCB First Attempt: April 21 to April 26, 2026
- PCB Second Attempt: May 10 to May 11, 2026
- MBA/MMS First Attempt: April 6 to April 8, 2026
- MBA/MMS Second Attempt: May 9, 2026
All examinations will be conducted in online computer-based mode at designated centers across Maharashtra.
New Mandatory Requirements for Applicants
Starting this academic year, the CET Cell has introduced two important mandatory requirements:
- APAR ID: All applicants must possess an Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAR) ID
- UDID: Candidates with disabilities are required to have a Unique Disability ID (UDID) for verification purposes
Applicants without an APAR ID are strongly advised to generate one through the DigiLocker platform. The CET Cell emphasizes the importance of regularly checking the official website for updates, application forms, detailed schedules, and the comprehensive information brochure.
What This Means for Maharashtra's Education Landscape
The record registration numbers and the introduction of the two-attempt system represent a significant evolution in Maharashtra's entrance examination framework. By aligning with national patterns and providing students with multiple opportunities to showcase their abilities, the state is taking progressive steps toward creating a more equitable and student-friendly admission process.
As the February 20 deadline approaches, prospective candidates are urged to complete their registrations promptly and ensure all mandatory documents, including APAR ID and UDID where applicable, are in order. The extended deadline provides additional time for students to make informed decisions about their attempt choices and prepare adequately for these crucial examinations that will shape their academic futures.
