Key takeaways
- MHT-CET is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for engineering, pharmacy and related admissions.
- Each group (PCM or PCB) is a 180-minute computer-based test worth 200 marks, split into two 90-minute papers.
- There is no negative marking — attempt every question.
- The syllabus is weighted roughly 20% Class 11 and 80% Class 12 (State Board syllabus).
- 2026 was the first year with two attempts (better score counts). The 2027 schedule had not been announced as of 25 October 2026.
Last checked: 25 October 2026. Exam rules and dates change every year. Always confirm on the official websites linked under “Sources” before you plan.
What is the MHT-CET exam pattern?
MHT-CET is a 3-hour computer-based test worth 200 marks, taken as two papers of 90 minutes each, with no negative marking. Paper 1 (Physics and Chemistry) is common to both groups. Paper 2 is Mathematics for the PCM group and Biology for the PCB group.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks per question | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (90 min) | Physics | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 1 | 50 | |
| Paper 2 (90 min) – PCM | Mathematics | 50 | 2 | 100 |
| Paper 2 (90 min) – PCB | Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 100 | 1 | 100 |
Because there is no negative marking and questions are largely direct, MHT-CET rewards speed and accuracy on the State Board syllabus more than the deep multi-concept problem solving JEE demands.
How does the two-attempt system work?
In 2026, MHT-CET was held in two attempts for the first time, and the better of a candidate’s two scores was considered. Registrations reached a record of over 11.4 lakh across PCM and PCB. For 2027, reports in October 2026 said the state was considering holding both attempts after the Class 12 board exams (around March–May 2027), but the CET Cell described this as not final. Watch cetcell.mahacet.org for the official schedule, and be wary of unofficial social-media posts — the CET Cell itself has warned about misleading messages.
An MHT-CET preparation strategy that works
1. Master the State Board textbook first
MHT-CET questions follow the Maharashtra State Board syllabus closely. Read every 12th chapter thoroughly and revise the 11th chapters included in the CET syllabus.
2. Build speed with timed sets
In Paper 1 you have 90 minutes for 100 questions — under a minute per question. Practise 25-question timed sets daily, then full papers.
3. For PCM: Mathematics is worth double
Each Maths question carries 2 marks, so Maths is half your PCM score. Practise calculus, vectors, 3D geometry, probability and matrices until standard question types take under 90 seconds.
4. For PCB: Biology is 100 questions in 90 minutes
That is about 54 seconds a question. Rapid recall of textbook facts, diagrams and terminology matters most — revise in short, frequent cycles.
5. Take full mocks on a computer
Get comfortable with on-screen navigation, the question palette and marking questions for review. Our CET mock tests simulate the real exam.
Planning MHT-CET around the HSC boards
The Maharashtra HSC written exams are tentatively scheduled for 8 February – 16 March 2027. Because the CET syllabus is State Board-based, strong board preparation directly helps CET. Keep 30–40 minutes of CET-style MCQ practice daily through the board season, then switch to full CET mocks once the boards finish.
MHT-CET coaching at Phadke Classes
Our MHT-CET course covers both PCM and PCB groups with problem-solving techniques, time-management drills and regular CET mock tests. Because our 11th–12th HSC teaching follows the same syllabus, board and CET preparation reinforce each other. Enquire about batches.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in MHT-CET?
No. MHT-CET has no negative marking, so you should attempt every question.
How many questions are there in MHT-CET PCM?
PCM has 150 questions: 50 Physics and 50 Chemistry (1 mark each) in Paper 1, and 50 Mathematics questions (2 marks each) in Paper 2 — 200 marks in total.
What is the weightage of Class 11 and Class 12 in MHT-CET?
The syllabus is weighted roughly 20% from Class 11 and 80% from Class 12, based on the Maharashtra State Board syllabus.
Will MHT-CET 2027 have two attempts?
MHT-CET moved to a two-attempt system in 2026, with the better score counted. As of 25 October 2026, the State CET Cell had not published the 2027 schedule; reports said attempts after the board exams were being considered. Check cetcell.mahacet.org for the official notice.
Can CBSE students take MHT-CET?
Yes. Students from any recognised board can appear, but the paper follows the Maharashtra State Board syllabus, so CBSE students should cover State Board-specific topics as well.
