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Maharashtra S Cet Cell Releases Mh Cet Law 2026 Schedule 3 Year Llb In May 5 Year In April

Maharashtra’s CET Cell releases MH CET Law 2026 schedule—3-year LLB in May, 5-year in April

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The Maharashtra State CET Cell has announced the tentative schedule for MH CET Law 2026, separating the exams for the 3-Year and 5-Year LLB programs. The 3-Year LLB entrance is slated for April 1 and 2, 2026, targeting graduates. The 5-Year integrated LLB exam, for Class 12 students, will be held on May 8, 2026. This strategic separation allows aspirants to focus their preparation effectively and avoids scheduling conflicts. The exam is a 120-question, 120-mark online test with no negative marking, emphasizing speed and accuracy. Candidates must note the distinct exam patterns and eligibility criteria for each course.

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The calendar for law entrance examinations in Maharashtra has been officially set, bringing clarity to lakhs of aspiring legal professionals. The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the tentative schedule for the MH CET Law 2026 examination, the mandatory gateway for admission to prestigious government, aided, and private law colleges across the state, including the sought-after Government Law Colleges (GLC).

​This year, the CET Cell has strategically separated the examination dates for the two distinct legal programs: the 3-Year LLB course and the 5-Year Integrated LLB course. The entrance test for the 3-Year LLB program (for graduates) is scheduled for April 1 and 2, 2026. In contrast, the examination for the 5-Year LLB program (for Class 12 students) is set for May 8, 2026. This deliberate scheduling minimizes chaos, prevents overlap with other major examinations, and allows candidates to focus their preparation efforts on the specific demands of their chosen course structure. Aspirants are advised to immediately visit the official CET Cell website, cetcell.mahacet.org, to monitor the release of the detailed information brochure and application dates, which are expected to begin in January 2026 (5-Year) and December 2025 (3-Year).

​Key Dates and Distinct Eligibility Criteria

​The separation of the examination dates underscores the distinct academic requirements and candidate profiles for the two LLB programs. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the eligibility norms before applying.

  • ​Exam Schedule at a Glance:
    • ​3-Year LLB: April 1 and 2, 2026 (Two days to accommodate large applicant volume).
    • ​5-Year LLB: May 8, 2026.
    • ​Application Forms: Expected to open in late December 2025 (3-Year) and the first week of January 2026 (5-Year).
  • ​Eligibility Requirements:
    • ​For 5-Year Integrated LLB (BA LLB/BBA LLB etc.): Candidates must have passed the Class 12th (10+2) examination or its equivalent from a recognized board. General Category candidates require a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST, 42% for OBC candidates belonging to Maharashtra State).
    • ​For 3-Year LLB: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., etc.) from a recognized university. General Category candidates must have a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate at the graduation level (40% for SC/ST, 42% for OBC candidates belonging to Maharashtra State).
  • ​Registration: All applications must be submitted online through the official CET Cell portal. Candidates must ensure that all personal and academic details are accurate, as discrepancies can lead to disqualification during the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) rounds.

​Exam Pattern Breakdown: Know Your Test

​While both tests are conducted in the Online, Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for a duration of 120 minutes (2 hours), the sectional distribution and the inclusion of subjects differ significantly, necessitating specialized preparation.

  • ​Common Features: 
    • ​Total Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
    • ​Total Marks: 120 Marks (1 mark per question).
    • ​Marking: Crucially, there is no negative marking. This is a significant advantage, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without the fear of penalty.
    • ​Language: The test is available in both English and Marathi mediums.
  • ​MH CET Law 5-Year LLB Pattern (Focus on Mathematics): 
    • ​This course is designed for Class 12 graduates and includes five sections: Legal Aptitude (32 Qs), Logical & Analytical Reasoning (32 Qs), General Knowledge & Current Affairs (24 Qs), English Language (24 Qs), and Basic Mathematics (8 Qs).
    • ​The inclusion of Basic Mathematics (covering topics like algebra, percentage, ratio, and time/distance) is the key differentiator and requires dedicated practice.
  • ​MH CET Law 3-Year LLB Pattern (Focus on English & GK): 
    • ​This test is for graduates and includes four sections (Mathematics is excluded). The weightage is different: Legal Aptitude (24 Qs), General Knowledge & Current Affairs (32 Qs), Logical & Analytical Reasoning (24 Qs), and English Language (40 Qs).
    • ​The highest weightage is given to the English Language section, focusing on vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar, reflecting the required proficiency for advanced legal studies.

​Optimizing Preparation for the Law Entrance

​With the dates announced well in advance, aspirants have a clear roadmap. Effective preparation must be tailored to the specific exam patterns and the available time.

  • ​Strategy for 5-Year LLB (Exam in May):
    • ​Mathematical Aptitude: Since this section carries 8 crucial marks and is often neglected, dedicate time to mastering Class 10 level concepts. Practice time-bound question sets daily.
    • ​Legal and Logical Reasoning: Since these sections have the highest weightage (32 questions each), prioritize solving maximum principle-fact based questions (Legal) and puzzles/syllogisms (Logical).
  • ​Strategy for 3-Year LLB (Exam in April):
    • ​English Language Mastery: Given the 40-question weightage, focus heavily on Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms), and Grammar Rules. Daily reading of legal editorials or high-quality news is essential.
    • ​General Knowledge & Current Affairs: This section also holds significant weight (32 questions). Maintain monthly notes on legal current affairs, landmark judgments, and static GK (History, Polity, Science) for the last 12 months.
  • ​Mock Test Discipline: Start taking full-length, timed mock tests specific to your program (3-Yr or 5-Yr) from January 2026 onwards. Analyse every mock to pinpoint weak areas and convert your no negative marking advantage into a perfect attempt strategy.

​Conclusion

​The release of the MH CET Law 2026 schedule provides much-needed clarity for law aspirants in Maharashtra and across the country. The strategic separation of the 3-Year and 5-Year LLB exams is a welcome move, allowing for focused preparation. With a transparent exam structure of 120 questions and no negative marking, the competition will be fierce, placing a premium on speed, accuracy, and comprehensive preparation across all sections. Aspirants must now finalize their study timetables and begin intensive practice to secure a seat in the top law colleges governed by the CET.

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