MHT CET 2025 PCM paper: overall difficulty “moderate”, with Mathematics the most time-consuming section

The MHT CET 2025 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) paper was generally assessed as being moderately difficult. Students found the Mathematics section to be the most challenging and time-consuming, primarily due to lengthy and calculation-intensive problems, demanding exceptional speed and accuracy. Conversely, Chemistry maintained its reputation as the easiest section, relying heavily on direct concepts from the NCERT and Maharashtra State Board textbooks. Physics offered a balanced mix of conceptual and numerical questions. This analysis underscores the crucial need for effective time management and a strong grasp of Calculus and Algebra for all future engineering aspirants.

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2025 for the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) group concluded its examination cycle, and the early analysis from students and coaching experts paints a clear picture: the examination was a test not just of knowledge, but of endurance and time management. While the overall difficulty level was pegged at moderate to moderately difficult, the subject-wise split showed significant variations that will undoubtedly influence the final percentile scores. Aspirants targeting admission to top engineering and technology colleges in Maharashtra must internalise this feedback to refine their preparation strategies for future attempts and to better understand the cut-off trends for the current admission cycle. The key takeaway from the 2025 MHT CET is the escalating challenge presented by the Mathematics paper, which is increasingly becoming the decisive factor in securing a high rank.

​ The Strategic Divide: Subject-Wise Difficulty

​The MHT CET 2025 paper maintained a consistent structure but offered a stark contrast in difficulty across the three subjects, requiring candidates to employ varied strategies for each section.

• ​Mathematics (M): The Calculation Gauntlet:
  • ​Difficulty: Difficult and Time-Consuming. This section was unanimously rated as the toughest segment of the PCM paper.
  • ​Reasoning: The problems were heavily calculation-intensive and lengthy, demanding multiple steps and a high degree of precision, particularly in the allotted 90 minutes.
  • ​Key Topics: High weightage was observed for Calculus (Integration, Differentiation), Vectors and 3D Geometry, and Probability. Many questions required a deep application of formulas rather than direct recall.
• ​Chemistry (C): The Scorer's Delight:
  • ​Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The Chemistry section provided a much-needed scoring opportunity for candidates.
  • ​Basis: The questions were largely direct, theoretical, and fact-based, drawing heavily from the core concepts outlined in the NCERT and the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and 12 textbooks.
  • ​Focus Areas: Prominent topics included Organic Chemistry (e.g., Reactions, Nomenclature), Coordination Compounds, and Redox Reactions. Students who thoroughly covered the textual material found this section to be the quickest to attempt.
• ​Physics (P): Conceptual and Numerical Balance: 
  • ​Difficulty: Moderate. Physics struck a balance between conceptual understanding and numerical application, preventing it from being either too easy or overly complex.
  • ​Question Types: The paper included a healthy mix of conceptual questions testing fundamental principles and numerical problems that were generally formula-based, though some were found to be slightly lengthy.
  • ​Major Weightage: Important areas covered were Rotational Dynamics, Electrostatics, Electromagnetic Induction, and Modern Physics. A clear understanding of underlying concepts was essential for quickly solving the numerical problems.

​ Aspirant Action Plan: Future Preparation and Time Management

​The MHT CET 2025 analysis provides a crucial roadmap for students preparing for future attempts. The most significant lesson is the paramount importance of time management and targeted practice, particularly for the high-weightage and time-consuming Mathematics section.

• ​Prioritise Mathematics: Future aspirants must dedicate significantly more practice time to complex and lengthy problems, especially from Calculus and 3D Geometry. Focus on methods that reduce calculation time and improve accuracy. 
  • ​Practice solving 2-mark questions with a higher level of complexity than the 1-mark questions in Physics and Chemistry.
  • ​Master shortcut tricks and rapid calculation techniques to shave off precious seconds per question.
• ​Maximise Chemistry Score: Given its relative ease and NCERT/Board-centric nature, Chemistry should be viewed as the high-scoring section. A thorough, repeated revision of theoretical chapters and chemical reactions is vital. 
  • ​Aim to complete the Chemistry section within the first 20-25 minutes to bank time for the challenging Mathematics and moderate Physics sections.
  • ​Don't overlook the Class 11 syllabus; the MHT CET typically assigns 20% weightage to these topics.
• ​Balanced Physics Approach: For Physics, aspirants should focus on achieving a robust conceptual clarity alongside regular practice of numerical problems. 
  • ​Create a dedicated formula sheet for quick revision of all topics, particularly Mechanics and Electromagnetism.
  • ​Practice a blend of conceptual and numerical Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to acclimatise to the MHT CET's mixed question pattern.

​ Implications for Cut-offs and Admission Trends

​The difficulty level of the MHT CET paper has a direct bearing on the normalised scores and, consequently, the college cut-off percentiles. The challenging nature of the Mathematics section suggests potential trends in the final admission list.

• ​Percentile Normalisation: Due to the varying difficulty across different shifts, the percentile system will be used to equate scores. A lower raw score in a tougher shift (like those with difficult Mathematics papers) may still translate to a high percentile.
• ​Mathematics as the Rank Decider: The performance in the Mathematics section, which carries two marks per question, will likely be the primary differentiator among high-scoring candidates. Those who manage to attempt a higher number of correct questions in this section, despite its length, will gain a significant edge in percentile ranking.
• ​Expected Cut-off Stability: While the paper was tough, the large number of applicants and the consistency in the Chemistry section may lead to stable or slightly higher cut-offs for the most elite colleges (like VJTI, COEP, and PICT). However, for lower-tier colleges, a slight drop in the raw score for a given percentile may be observed due to the Maths difficulty.

​Conclusion

​The MHT CET 2025 PCM examination has clearly reaffirmed the test's challenging nature, particularly the demanding Mathematics component. For current aspirants awaiting results, the focus must now shift to the normalisation process and strategic preparation for the counselling rounds. For future candidates, the mandate is clear: prioritise speed, accuracy, and a deep conceptual understanding of the entire syllabus, especially in Calculus and Algebra. Success in MHT CET is a function of intelligent preparation that respects the subject-wise difficulty distribution and an iron-clad time management strategy.

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