MHT-CET 2026 Aadhaar-Free Registration Boosts Candidate Participation

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has introduced an Aadhaar-free registration option for the MHT-CET 2026 session to facilitate easier access. As of February 19, 2026, the official portal has recorded a significant boost in candidate participation following this policy shift. This report covers the updated document requirements, the revised registration deadlines, and the new non-Aadhaar identity verification protocols. Aspirants are encouraged to complete their online forms on the official website to secure a seat in engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture programs.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has witnessed a surge in the ongoing MHT-CET 2026 enrollment drive following the implementation of a more inclusive registration policy. As of today, February 19, the decision to allow an Aadhaar-free registration path has significantly increased the daily application rate, leading to a visible boost in participation among students from diverse academic backgrounds. By removing the mandatory Aadhaar-linking requirement at the initial stage, the CET Cell has addressed several technical grievances related to biometric mismatches and server delays that were reported in previous cycles. This strategic move ensures that the registration process remains accessible to all eligible candidates, including those whose national ID updates are currently pending.

Impact of Aadhaar-Free Registration on Enrollment

The introduction of the Aadhaar-free registration option has fundamentally changed the entry barrier for the state's most popular entrance exam. The boost in participation is particularly evident in rural districts where students often faced challenges with mobile-linked Aadhaar OTPs.

• Flexible Identity Proofs: Candidates can now opt to register using alternative government-issued IDs such as Passports, PAN cards, or Voter IDs, which are then verified manually during the document scrutiny phase.
• Streamlined Workflow: By bypassing the real-time UIDAI server check, the registration process load on the official CET portal has decreased, resulting in fewer session timeouts.
• Inclusive Access: This policy shift has directly contributed to a boost in participation from candidates who recently moved to Maharashtra and are in the process of updating their local address on their Aadhaar cards.

Updated Guidelines for the Registration Process

Despite the shift to an Aadhaar-free registration model, the CET Cell maintains a rigorous validation standard to prevent fraudulent entries. The registration process still requires candidates to provide high-fidelity data that will be cross-referenced during the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds.

• Identity Selection: At the start of the application, students must select the "Non-Aadhaar" path if they wish to use other documents. This choice is final for the current MHT-CET 2026 cycle.
• Document Uploads: Aspirants must upload a clear scanned copy of their chosen photo ID along with their Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (where applicable).
• Payment Integration: The State CET Cell has partnered with multiple banks to ensure that fee transactions are processed instantly, regardless of the identity proof used.

Category-Wise Fee and Participation Trends

The fee structure for MHT-CET 2026 remains unchanged, ensuring that the boost in participation is not hindered by financial hurdles. The following table highlights the application costs for the current session.

• PCM and PCB Groups: The registration process allows candidates to appear for either the Physics-Chemistry-Mathematics or Physics-Chemistry-Biology group, or both, depending on their career goals in engineering or pharmacy.
• Correction Window: Following the end of the Aadhaar-free registration period in March, the Cell will open a brief window for candidates to rectify any minor errors in their profiles.
• Test Center Allocation: Due to the boost in participation, the NTA and State Cell have increased the number of computer-based test centers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to accommodate the extra volume.

Conclusion

The MHT-CET 2026 cycle is setting new benchmarks for candidate convenience through its Aadhaar-free registration initiative. As of February 19, the data clearly reflects a significant boost in participation, validating the CET Cell's decision to simplify the registration process. This move not only reduces the administrative burden on students but also ensures that the technical infrastructure can support a larger applicant pool without failure. Candidates are encouraged to visit the official Maharashtra CET portal to finalize their applications before the March deadline. By choosing the most convenient identity verification method, students can now focus their energy on mastering the Class 11 and 12 syllabus, knowing that their administrative path to a professional degree is more inclusive than ever before. With the exam scheduled for late April and May, the proactive steps taken by the State Common Entrance Test Cell are expected to result in the highest-ever turnout for the state’s engineering and pharmacy entrance.

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