MAH MBA CET 2026 Registration Enters Final Phase; New Dual-Attempt Format Explained

The State CET Cell, Maharashtra, is currently accepting applications for the MAH MBA CET 2026, with the deadline set for February 12. Learn about the mandatory APAAR ID, the introduction of two separate exam attempts in April and May, and the registration process for over 300 Maharashtra B-schools.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has entered a critical phase of the MAH MBA CET 2026 admission cycle. As of today, February 2, the registration portal has been active for over three weeks, and the deadline of February 12 is fast approaching. This year’s cycle is particularly noteworthy due to a landmark shift in the examination's structural design. For the first time in the history of the Maharashtra CET, candidates are being offered two distinct opportunities to appear for the test, a move aimed at reducing student anxiety and providing a safety net against technical glitches or personal emergencies during the first session.

Registration Deadlines and Mandatory Digital Identifiers

Aspirants seeking admission to premier Maharashtra institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA must complete their registration through the official portal. The 2026 process has introduced several mandatory digital protocols to ensure data integrity and prevent identity fraud.

• Last Date to Apply: The registration window closes on February 12, 2026.
• APAAR ID Requirement: Every candidate must generate and provide an Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID through DigiLocker. This ID acts as a lifelong academic record and is mandatory for the 2026 enrollment.
• Aadhaar Authentication: The portal now uses real-time Aadhaar-based verification. Candidates must ensure their mobile number is linked to their Aadhaar for OTP verification.
• Fee Structure: The fee is ₹1,200 for open-category candidates and ₹1,000 for reserved categories. Crucially, if a candidate chooses to appear for both attempts, the fee must be paid for each session separately.

The New Dual-Attempt Examination Schedule

The introduction of two sessions is the most significant change for the 2026 academic year. This "Best of Two" score policy allows candidates to select their higher percentile for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) rounds.

• Session 1 (April 6–8, 2026): The primary session will be conducted across multiple slots over three days.
• Session 2 (May 9, 2026): This newly added attempt is scheduled roughly a month after the first, providing enough time for candidates to identify their weak areas and improve their performance.
• Normalization: Since the exam is spread across different days and slots, the State CET Cell will apply a percentile-based normalization process to maintain fairness and account for varying difficulty levels.

Exam Pattern and Participating Institutes

Despite the schedule changes, the core pattern of the MAH MBA CET remains consistent. It remains a speed-based test that rewards logical quickness and accuracy without the penalty of negative marking.

• Sections: The 200-mark paper covers Logical Reasoning (75 questions), Abstract Reasoning (25 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (50 questions), and Verbal Ability (50 questions).
• Duration: Candidates have 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to navigate the 200 questions.
• Target Reach: A successful score in this exam opens doors to over 330 management institutes across Maharashtra, ranging from university departments to private standalone B-schools.

Conclusion

The MAH MBA CET 2026 registration phase is a vital step for students aiming for high-ROI management education in Maharashtra. Candidates are advised to complete their APAAR ID generation early to avoid last-minute server congestion. With the added flexibility of two attempts, the 2026 cycle offers a fairer platform for students to demonstrate their potential and secure a seat in their dream MBA college.

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