MHT CET 2026: Exam Structure Released; Syllabus to Cover 80% of Class 12 Curriculum with Full Subject-Wise Breakdown

The wait is officially over for engineering and pharmacy aspirants in Maharashtra The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially released the detailed structure and syllabus for the MHT CET 2026 examination. This year’s notification introduces significant clarity, confirming the exam will be conducted twice annually in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and, crucially, maintaining no negative marking. The core focus is now crystal clear: an 80% weightage is assigned to the Class 12 curriculum, with 20% dedicated to the Class 11 syllabus of the Maharashtra State Board. This structural clarity offers a definitive blueprint for preparation, enabling students to strategize their study plans effectively for the April and May 2026 sessions. This news article breaks down the essential details, key dates, and what these changes mean for your academic journey.

The most critical update for MHT CET 2026 is the explicit articulation of the syllabus distribution. This clear division between the two academic years provides aspirants with a precise map for resource allocation and study planning.

• ​Dominance of Class 12 (80%): The vast majority of the questions will be drawn from the Class 12 syllabus. This reinforces the necessity of a deep, comprehensive mastery of the final-year topics, as they will directly contribute the bulk of the score. 
  • ​High-Scoring Areas: Emphasis remains on core concepts like Calculus, Trigonometry, and Vectors in Mathematics; Electrostatics, Magnetism, and Thermodynamics in Physics; and p-Block Elements and Organic Chemistry reactions.
• ​Foundational Role of Class 11 (20%): Though carrying less weight, the Class 11 syllabus forms the essential foundation (20%). These questions primarily test fundamental concepts that are prerequisites for the advanced Class 12 topics. 
  • ​Focus on Fundamentals: Aspirants must ensure strong clarity in foundational areas. Recent modifications include the addition of topics like Vectors and Error Analysis in Physics, Conic Sections in Mathematics, and Chemistry in Everyday Life.
• ​Subject-Wise Question Breakdown (PCM Group): 
  • ​The PCM group (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) will consist of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for a total of 200 Marks.
  • ​Physics & Chemistry: 50 questions each (10 from Class 11, 40 from Class 12). Each question carries 1 mark.
  • ​Mathematics: 50 questions (10 from Class 11, 40 from Class 12). Each question carries 2 marks, giving it the highest weightage in the PCM group.

​ Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme, and Key Dates

​The CET Cell has adopted a dual-session, online examination model, mirroring the format of national-level exams like JEE Main, to offer students multiple opportunities to achieve their best score.

​The Dual Exam and CBT Structure

• ​Twice a Year (Dual Sessions): MHT CET 2026 will be held in two separate sessions—Session 1 in April 2026 (tentatively April 11 to 19 for PCM and April 21 to 26 for PCB) and Session 2 in May 2026 (tentatively May 14 to 17 for PCM and May 10 to 11 for PCB).
• ​Computer-Based Test (CBT): The examination will be conducted online across multiple shifts. This format requires candidates to practice with online mock tests to enhance speed, accuracy, and comfort with the interface.
• ​No Negative Marking: A major advantage for all aspirants is the continuation of no negative marking. This policy encourages students to attempt every question without fear of penalty, maximizing their score potential.
• ​Exam Duration and Sections: The total exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes), divided into two non-interchangeable sections of 90 minutes each for the PCM group (Section 1: Physics & Chemistry, Section 2: Mathematics).

​Tentative Registration Timeline

​Aspirants must stay vigilant for the registration window, which is expected to open shortly.

• ​Official Notification & Registration Start: Expected in December 2025.
• ​Application Last Date (Without Late Fee): Expected in February 2026 (mid-February).
• ​Application Correction Window: Expected in March 2026.
• ​Admit Card Release: Expected in April 2026.

​ Strategic Preparation for the Dual Attempt

​The shift to a dual-session exam model demands a smarter, more tactical approach to preparation. Aspirants should view the first attempt not as a trial, but as an integral part of their final success strategy.

• ​Prioritize Class 12 Syllabus: Given the 80% weightage, students must complete the entire Class 12 syllabus by March 2026 at the latest. Strong conceptual clarity and extensive problem-solving practice in these subjects are non-negotiable for securing a top percentile.
• ​Master Class 11 Fundamentals: The 20% from the Class 11 syllabus should be revised alongside the main Class 12 topics. Focus on the chapters explicitly included in the syllabus and use them to bridge conceptual gaps that might hinder Class 12 problem-solving.
• ​Leverage the Absence of Negative Marking: Since there is no negative marking, candidates should plan to attempt every single question in both sessions. However, this strategy should be deployed after attempting all known questions correctly, not as a replacement for focused study.
• ​Strategic Use of Session 1: Use the April Session 1 as a high-stakes mock test. A good score here can alleviate pressure for the May Session 2. A modest score will provide invaluable performance analysis data (speed, accuracy, weak topics) to guide focused study during the subsequent one-month window before the second session.
• ​Mock Tests are Key: Regular practice of full-length MHT CET mock tests under timed, CBT conditions is essential to normalize the exam environment, manage time effectively across the two papers, and refine the question-attempting strategy.

​ Conclusion: Time to Act Strategically

​The release of the MHT CET 2026 exam structure and syllabus is the starting gun for serious preparation. The 80:20 weightage clearly defines the path: Class 12 mastery is paramount, supported by Class 11 fundamentals. Coupled with the advantage of a dual attempt and no negative marking, aspiring engineers and pharmacists have an unprecedented opportunity to secure their admission to top institutes in Maharashtra. The time for waiting is over; aspirants must align their study schedules with this new blueprint now and begin their tactical preparation for the April 2026 first session.

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