MHT-CET 2026 Registrations Continue Under Revised Aadhaar Guidelines

As of February 18, 2026, the Maharashtra State CET Cell has extended the MHT CET 2026 registration deadline to February 20. Following widespread technical glitches, the authority has relaxed the mandatory Aadhaar and APAAR ID authentication for online submissions. Engineering and pharmacy aspirants can now complete their application forms through the official cetcell.mahacet.org portal without biometric verification. This move ensures inclusive participation for the 2026-27 academic session, with exams scheduled to commence on April 11.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra is currently managing the final surge of applications for the MHT-CET 2026 under a significantly modified administrative framework. As of February 18, 2026, the registration window remains open following a crucial extension granted to accommodate students facing technical hurdles. This year's admission cycle has been marked by the introduction and subsequent relaxation of stringent authentication protocols. Initially, the official notice mandated that every candidate possess a verified Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID and Aadhaar linkage. However, citing the need for student-friendly facilitation, the Competent Authority has now allowed aspirants to bypass these requirements if they encounter data mismatches or server errors during the final submission phase.

1. Mandatory Aadhaar Relaxations and Facilitation Measures

The decision to ease authentication requirements comes after thousands of aspirants reported failures in the DigiLocker-based verification system. The CET Cell’s revised guidelines now prioritize a seamless application experience over strict biometric compliance.

• Non-Mandatory Authentication: Starting from February 13, the requirement for Aadhaar and APAAR ID has been made optional. Candidates who cannot complete the authentication due to mobile number mismatches or outdated photos can now proceed with manual data entry.
• Extended Deadline: To ensure no student is left out, the primary registration date has been moved to February 20, 2026. This extension applies to both the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Biology) groups.
• APAAR ID Status: While the National Education Policy encourages the use of APAAR for digital credit storage, the KEA-style facilitation in Maharashtra ensures that its absence will not lead to the rejection of a candidate's profile.
• Correction Facility: A dedicated window will be provided after February 20 to allow aspirants to update their personal details, though the choice of exam city and subject group will remain locked.

2. Revised Fee Structure and Group Statistics

The 2026-27 registration cycle has seen a record-breaking number of applicants, necessitating an authentication overhaul to manage the database efficiently. The Information Brochure outlines the updated financial commitments for the two-session exam model.

• Enrollment Surge: As of mid-February, over 3.90 lakh candidates have registered for the PCM group, while the PCB group has seen 1.34 lakh aspirants finalizing their forms.
• Two-Attempt Model: For the first time, the MHT-CET will be held in two sessions (April and May), mirroring the JEE Main format to give students multiple scoring opportunities.
• PwD Scribe Rules: Under the new facilitation rules, Persons with Disabilities must provide details of two scribes during registration, including their Aadhaar numbers and highest educational certificates.
• Official Communication: The CET Cell has warned students against using unofficial portals, emphasizing that all legal notifications are published exclusively on the mahacet.org domain.

3. Examination Timeline and Syllabus Weightage

With the registration phase nearing its end, the focus of the state cell is shifting toward the logistical execution of the computer-based tests. The authentication of hall tickets will now be cross-referenced with the photo ID uploaded during the current window.

• PCM Schedule: The first session for engineering aspirants is scheduled from April 11 to April 19, 2026, while the second attempt will take place from May 14 to May 17.
• PCB Schedule: Pharmacy candidates will appear for their first session between April 21 and April 26, with a shorter second attempt on May 10 and 11.
• Syllabus Balance: The official exam pattern confirms that 20% of the questions will be based on the Class 11 curriculum, while 80% will focus on the Class 12 syllabus of the Maharashtra State Board.
• No Negative Marking: Despite the high level of difficulty—often compared to JEE Main—the MHT-CET continues its policy of no negative marking, encouraging aspirants to attempt all 150 questions.

Conclusion

As of February 18, 2026, the MHT-CET registration remains the most significant administrative event for professional education in Maharashtra. The State CET Cell’s proactive facilitation in relaxing the Aadhaar authentication rules demonstrates a commitment to student welfare in the face of technical evolution. All aspirants are urged to complete their profiles by the February 20 deadline to ensure their participation in the upcoming April sessions. This 2026-27 cycle marks a transformative year for the state, as it aligns its entrance exam frequency with national standards. Following the close of the portal, the next major milestone will be the release of admit cards in late March, where the digital identity of each student will be finally validated for the examination hall.

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