Maharashtra CET Cell Releases Tentative MHT CET 2026 Dates: PCM Exams in April, PCB Exams in May

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the much-awaited tentative schedule for the MHT CET 2026 examination cycle. This announcement brings clarity to all aspirants aiming for admission into professional courses like Engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Pharmacy (B.Pharm), and Agriculture across the state. In a significant move aligning with national-level exams like JEE Main, the MHT CET will be conducted in two sessions this year. The schedule clearly demarcates dates for the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group and the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group, ensuring streamlined preparation. Session 1 for PCM is set for April 2026, and PCB follows in May 2026, with the second sessions staggered shortly after. This dual-attempt structure, coupled with the clear schedule, offers a robust framework for students to plan their preparation efficiently and maximize their score.

The CET Cell has outlined a precise, though tentative, calendar for both the PCM and PCB groups across the two examination sessions. This early release is highly beneficial for students balancing their Class 12 board exams with entrance test preparation.

• ​PCM Group (Engineering Aspirants):
  • ​Session 1 Dates: The first attempt for the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics group is scheduled from April 11 to April 19, 2026.
  • ​Session 2 Dates: The second opportunity for PCM candidates is set for May 14 to May 17, 2026.
• ​PCB Group (Pharmacy Aspirants):
  • ​Session 1 Dates: The first session for the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology group will take place from April 21 to April 26, 2026.
  • ​Session 2 Dates: The second attempt for PCB candidates is scheduled for May 10 and May 11, 2026.
• ​Registration Window: The official notification and the online application process for MHT CET 2026 are expected to commence in December 2025. The deadline for application submission is tentatively mid-February 2026, with the Admit Cards likely being released in March 2026.
• ​Result and Counselling: The results for both sessions are tentatively scheduled for June 2026, followed by the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) counselling, which is expected to begin in June/July 2026. This timeline is crucial for planning college admissions.

​ Strategic Advantage of the Dual-Session Format

​The introduction of two sessions for MHT CET is a significant student-centric reform that mirrors the pattern of other major national entrance exams. This format provides immense strategic benefits, ensuring that a single-day event does not solely determine an aspirant's future.

• ​Best Score Consideration: The biggest advantage is that the CET Cell will consider the best percentile score achieved by the candidate across Session 1 and Session 2 for the final merit ranking. This mitigates the risk associated with underperforming due to stress, illness, or technical issues on a particular day.
• ​Early Assessment and Improvement: Appearing in the April Session 1 allows candidates to gauge their preparation level under real exam conditions. The one-month gap before Session 2 provides a crucial window for targeted revision based on performance analysis, allowing students to convert weaknesses into strengths.
• ​Flexibility and Stress Reduction: The dual option offers flexibility, especially for students whose Class 12 board examinations coincide with the initial attempt. More importantly, it acts as a safety net, significantly reducing the stress and anxiety associated with a single high-stakes test.
• ​Clash Avoidance with Board Exams: By scheduling the PCM exam dates primarily in April, the CET Cell has made an effort to minimize direct clashes with the board examinations, allowing engineering aspirants to focus on their Class 12 preparations first.
• ​Syllabus Weightage Focus: Aspirants must remember the official syllabus weightage: 80% of questions are from the Class 12 curriculum, and 20% are from the Class 11 curriculum. The time between sessions should be used to cement the Class 12 topics (80% weightage) and revisit the foundational concepts from Class 11.

​ Essential Preparation Tips for the New Schedule

​With the dates now public, engineering and pharmacy aspirants must immediately finalize their preparation strategy. The goal is to peak during the April session and use the May session as a definitive chance for score improvement.

• ​Mandatory Mock Tests: Given the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and the separate time slots for Physics/Chemistry (90 mins) and Mathematics/Biology (90 mins), regular practice with full-length online mock tests is non-negotiable. This is crucial for improving time management and adapting to the online interface.
• ​Structured Study Plan: Divide your remaining study time into two phases: Phase 1 (December to March): Focus on completing and revising the entire Class 12 (80%) syllabus. Phase 2 (April to May): Focus on solving previous years' papers, high-weightage chapters, and refining test-taking strategy, using the feedback from Session 1.
• ​No Negative Marking Strategy: Since the MHT CET has no negative marking, candidates should be trained to attempt all 150/200 questions. Practice speed and accuracy to ensure maximum questions are solved correctly, and use the no-penalty rule to intelligently guess the remaining.
• ​Focus on High-Value Subjects: Mathematics carries 2 marks per question, giving it the highest weightage in the PCM group. PCB aspirants should prioritize high-weightage topics in Biology (Genetics, Biotechnology) and Chemistry.

​Conclusion: Time to Finalize Your Strategy

​The early release of the MHT CET 2026 tentative schedule, featuring the welcome addition of the dual-session format, provides a clear runway for aspirants. The separate slots for PCM and PCB, with both sessions held in April and May 2026, respectively, offer unparalleled flexibility and a vital second chance. The coming weeks are critical for registration (expected in December 2025). Aspirants must now transition from passive study to active, strategy-based preparation, ensuring they leverage the best-of-two scores policy to secure admission into their dream institutes in Maharashtra.

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