MHT CET 2026 Hits Record 10.9 Lakh Registrations; PCM Stream Leads with Over 7.3 Lakh Applicants
Published 21 Feb 20263 min read1,256 Views
The State Common Entrance Test Cell has recorded a staggering 10,94,159 applicants for the MHT CET 2026 PCM and PCB groups combined. This is the first time the entrance test has seen such massive participation, surpassing the 2025 record of 7.65 lakh by a wide margin. In a significant relief for those who faced technical issues with the mandatory APAAR ID and Aadhaar authentication, the CET Cell has extended the registration deadline to February 24, 2026, with an additional late-fee window open until February 27.
To stay updated on the finalized exam center allotment for the April session, follow Only Education News.
Registration Breakdown: PCM vs. PCB
The 2026 session shows a heavy lean towards engineering streams, though the medical group (PCB) also maintains a strong presence.
| Group | Total Registrations | 1st Attempt Only | Both Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCM (Engineering) | 7,32,268 | 4,52,931 | 2,79,337 |
| PCB (Pharmacy/Agri) | 3,61,891 | 2,64,019 | 97,872 |
| Combined Total | 1,09,4,159 | 7,16,950 | 3,77,209 |
The Two-Attempt Strategy: Why It’s Popular
For the first time, Maharashtra has adopted the JEE Main model, allowing students to appear in two sessions (April and May).
- Best of Two: The CET Cell will consider the candidate's highest percentile across both sessions for the final merit list.
- Coordination Focus: To ensure a fairer environment, the Cell has discontinued exam centers outside Maharashtra, focusing all logistics within the state.
Key Dates for the 2026 Academic Year
Aspirants should note the revised dates carefully, especially the separate slots for PCM and PCB groups.
| Event | PCM Schedule | PCB Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Final Registration (No Late Fee) | February 24, 2026 | February 24, 2026 |
| Late Fee Registration (₹500) | Feb 25 – Feb 27, 2026 | Feb 25 – Feb 27, 2026 |
| Session 1 (April Attempt) | April 11 – 19, 2026 | April 21 – 26, 2026 |
| Session 2 (May Attempt) | May 14 – 17, 2026 | May 10 – 11, 2026 |
New Eligibility & Participation Rules
- APAAR ID Requirement: While initially mandatory, the CET Cell has provided some leeway for students to complete their registration without it until the end of the day, though it remains a vital requirement for the CAP round admissions.
- Attendance Trends: Historically, MHT CET sees an attendance rate of over 92%. With 10.9 lakh registered, competition for seats in government-aided colleges like COEP (Pune) and VJTI (Mumbai) will be more intense than ever.
- Fee Update: Registration fees have seen a slight hike this year, with general category candidates paying ₹1300 per group (or ₹2600 for both PCM + PCB).
For a detailed analysis of the most scoring topics in Physics and Mathematics for the April session, follow Only Education News.