MHT CET 2026 Registration Deadline Extended Again; Apply by February 24 to Avoid Late Fees
While many candidates were racing against the previous midnight deadline, the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has provided a final lifeline by extending the registration window. This change comes at a time when students are already managing their final board exam preparations, making this extra time invaluable for those yet to complete their APAAR ID or fee payments.
The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra, has officially announced the final extension for the MHT CET 2026 registration. Candidates for both the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups now have until February 24, 2026, to submit their application forms without any additional penalty. For those who miss this revised date, a late fee window will be activated from February 25 to February 27, 2026. This year has already seen a historic surge in interest, with over 10.9 lakh candidates having completed their registration as of this morning.
To stay updated on the release of hall tickets and the exact shift timings for the April session, follow Only Education News.
MHT CET 2026: Revised Registration Schedule
The CET Cell has made it clear that this is the absolute final extension to ensure all students, especially those from rural areas facing technical hurdles with the new APAAR ID system, can apply.
| Event | New Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Extension (No Late Fee) | February 24, 2026 |
| Registration with Late Fee (₹500) | February 25 – 27, 2026 |
| PCM Exam Dates (Session 1) | April 11 – 19, 2026 |
| PCB Exam Dates (Session 1) | April 21 – 26, 2026 |
Key Requirements: APAAR ID and Aadhaar Authentication
A major reason for the registration delays this year is the mandatory requirement of the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry). Candidates must link their DigiLocker accounts to generate this 12-digit unique number.
- Authentication: Ensure your Aadhaar card details (Name, DOB, and Gender) match your school records perfectly.
- Two-Session Model: Remember that for the first time, MHT CET is officially offering two sessions. Candidates are encouraged to apply for both to ensure their "best of two" score is considered for admission.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus Weightage
The MHT CET 2026 will follow a 20-80 weightage rule:
- 20% Weightage: Class 11 syllabus topics.
- 80% Weightage: Full Class 12 syllabus of the Maharashtra State Board.
- No Negative Marking: Unlike JEE Main, MHT CET does not penalize for wrong answers, making it essential to attempt all 150 questions.
New Security Measure: Exam Within State Only
In a significant policy shift, the State CET Cell has decided that the 2026 exam will be conducted only within the state of Maharashtra. This decision aims to curb irregularities observed at out-of-state centers in previous years. Non-Maharashtra candidates can still apply under the "All India" category using their JEE Main scores, but they will need to travel to a designated center within Maharashtra if they choose to appear for the CET.
As the February 24 deadline approaches, ensure your payment status shows "Confirmed" on the portal. For a detailed chapter-wise weightage analysis for Physics and Chemistry, follow Only Education News.