The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, is currently accepting online applications for the MHT-CET 2026 entrance exam until February 12. This crucial registration window allows students to apply for undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses across the state. Prospective candidates must ensure all eligibility criteria and document requirements are met before the final deadline.

Eligibility Criteria and Mandatory Documentation

• Educational Qualification: Candidates who have passed or are currently appearing for their Class 12 (HSC) exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Biology (PCB) are eligible to apply. A minimum of 45% aggregate in these subjects is required for general category students.
• APAAR ID Requirement: In a significant update for the 2026 cycle, the CET Cell has made the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID mandatory. Students must generate this ID via DigiLocker before they can finalize their forms.
• Identity Verification: Along with the APAAR ID, a valid Aadhaar card is essential for the authentication process on the official portal. The name and date of birth provided during registration must match the official records in the Aadhaar database.
• Domicile Status: While the exam is open to candidates across India, specific seat quotas and fee concessions are reserved for those who hold a Maharashtra State domicile certificate.

Fee Structure for MHT-CET 2026

The fee for the exams has seen a slight adjustment this year. The following table details the costs associated with the primary registration for different categories and groups.

Dual Session Format and Admission Process

• Two-Attempt Policy: Similar to the JEE Main model, MHT-CET 2026 will be held in two separate sessions. The first is scheduled for April, while the second will take place in May, allowing students to appear in either or both.
• Best Score Consideration: For candidates choosing to appear in both sessions, the CET Cell will consider the higher of the two percentiles for the final Centralised Admission Process (CAP).
• Course Coverage: These forms cover admissions to a wide array of professional undergraduate degrees, including Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm).
• Technical Support: Applicants encountering issues with the online portal can access the technical helpdesk provided by the State CET Cell, which is operating during standard business hours throughout the registration month.

Conclusion

As the February 12 deadline approaches, the steady flow of submissions highlights the high demand for professional technical education in Maharashtra. The inclusion of mandatory digital IDs and the transition to a dual-session format reflect the state's efforts to modernize the entrance process and reduce student stress. Successfully completing the forms on the official portal remains the vital first step for students aiming to join the state’s prestigious technical and pharmacy institutions in the 2026-27 academic year.