MHT CET 2026 Records 11.64 Lakh Registrations Including Special Window Applicants

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has reported a record-breaking surge in the number of applicants for the MHT CET 2026. According to the final consolidated data, approximately 11.64 lakh candidates have registered for the entrance examination. This figure includes students who utilized the initial registration phases as well as those who took advantage of the special three-day extension window provided earlier this month. The high volume of applications reflects the growing demand for professional courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agricultural education across the state.

As of the current reference point, the registration and fee payment portals are officially closed. The CET Cell had reopened the application link for a brief period to accommodate students who missed the previous deadlines due to technical issues or pending documentation. This inclusive move added a significant number of aspirants to the final pool, pushing the total count well beyond the previous year's statistics. The administrative focus has now shifted toward the verification of applicant data and the allocation of examination centers.

Registration Statistics and Trends

The 11.64 lakh applicants are divided into two primary groups based on their subject choices: the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) group and the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) group. While the PCM group remains the traditional favorite for engineering aspirants, the PCB group has seen a substantial rise in registrations this year. This trend is largely attributed to the increasing interest in Pharmacy and specialized Biotechnology courses in Maharashtra’s premier institutes.

To ensure a smooth conduct of the examination for such a large candidate base, the CET Cell has increased the number of testing centers across rural and urban districts. The examination will be conducted in a computer-based format across multiple shifts. This multi-session approach is necessary to manage the logistics of testing over a million students while maintaining the integrity and security of the competitive environment.

Upcoming Milestones and Exam Logistics

With the registration phase concluded, candidates are currently awaiting the release of their admit cards. The hall tickets are expected to be available for download on the official portal by mid-April. These documents will contain specific details regarding the assigned exam shift, center location, and reporting time. Candidates must keep their application numbers and passwords ready to access their documents as soon as the download link becomes active.

The MHT CET 2026 examination for the PCM group is scheduled to take place between April 16 and April 30. Following the PCM sessions, the PCB group examinations will be conducted in early May. The CET Cell has emphasized that there will be no further extensions to any administrative process. Aspirants are advised to spend the remaining weeks focusing on mock tests and syllabus revision, as the competition is expected to be particularly intense given the record-high number of participants this year.

Furthermore, the State CET Cell has implemented an advanced normalization process to ensure fairness across different shifts. Since the difficulty level of questions can vary slightly between sessions, the final results will be calculated based on percentile scores rather than raw marks. This ensures that no candidate is disadvantaged by appearing in a session that might be perceived as more challenging.

Conclusion

The record 11.64 lakh registrations for MHT CET 2026 highlight a competitive landscape for higher education in Maharashtra. As the State CET Cell finalizes the logistics for over a million examinees, students must remain vigilant regarding official announcements for admit cards. The successful completion of the registration phase is just the beginning, and the focus now turns toward the rigorous examination cycle starting in mid-April.