MAH B.Design CET 2026 exam schedule released—sessions planned for 6–7 June and 12–13 June in online mode

The Maharashtra State CET Cell has confirmed the MAH B.Design CET 2026 exam date as April 5, 2026. Crucially, aspirants must note that the exam will be conducted in a strictly offline mode at designated centres, correcting previous misinformation. This 2-hour 45-minute test is divided into three parts: Visualization (Part A), Design Thinking (Part B), and General Knowledge (Part C), totalling 200 marks. There is no negative marking, rewarding comprehensive attempts. Focus on honing sketching skills and logical problem-solving now to secure admission to top B.Des colleges in Maharashtra.

A critical clarification has been issued by the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra, for aspirants seeking admission to the four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs across the state. While the exam date for MAH B.Design CET 2026 is indeed fixed for April 5, 2026, the CET Cell has unequivocally confirmed that the examination will be conducted in a strictly offline mode at selected test centres, dismissing any speculation about an online format or multiple sessions.

​This single-day, offline test is the gateway to some of the most sought-after design institutes in Maharashtra. The announcement, released on dateline 24 November 2025, serves as a vital directive for candidates to tailor their preparation strategy immediately. The examination assesses not just general aptitude but, more critically, the hands-on sketching and visualization skills essential for a career in design. With the application process tentatively slated to begin in the first week of January 2026, future designers must now focus intently on the specific structure of this unique 2-hour and 45-minute examination.

​Exam Format Confirmed: Offline and Three-Part Structure

​The MAH B.Design CET 2026 follows a tripartite examination structure, combining subjective and objective assessment methods in a single, comprehensive offline sitting. The total duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes, carrying a total of 200 marks.

• ​Part A: Visualization and Illustration Ability (40 Marks): 
  • ​Type: Subjective/Practical Sketching and Illustration.
  • ​Duration: 45 minutes.
  • ​Focus: Assesses the candidate's ability to render objects in 2D and 3D, and their visual communication skills using mediums like pencils, colour pencils, and ink pens. This component directly tests hand-drawing proficiency.
  • ​Preparation Tip: Regular practice of perspective drawing and object composition is paramount.
• ​Part B: Design Thinking & Problem Solving (60 Marks): 
  • ​Type: Subjective/Practical Sketching and Ideation.
  • ​Duration: 60 minutes.
  • ​Focus: Evaluates the capacity for creative problem-solving, product or idea sketching, and graphical representation of concepts. Candidates are tested on their ability to think creatively under pressure.
  • ​Preparation Tip: Practice sketching common objects, conceptual product designs, and graphical representation of abstract concepts using various rendering tools (pencils, markers, sketch pens).
• ​Part C: General Knowledge (100 Marks): 
  • ​Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type Questions.
  • ​Duration: 60 minutes.
  • ​Focus: Covers current affairs, static General Knowledge (History, Culture, Science), and specific awareness related to art, architecture, and design history.
  • ​Preparation Tip: Regular reading of news and dedicating time to design-related GK, especially Indian traditional art and contemporary design trends.

​Strategic Preparation: Mastering the Practical Sections

​Since nearly 50% of the total marks (100 out of 200) are dedicated to the practical, hands-on drawing sections (Part A and Part B), aspirants cannot rely solely on objective knowledge. Success in the offline format demands mastery of drawing and visualization techniques.

• ​Prioritize Material Proficiency:
  • ​The offline mode means proficiency with physical mediums is non-negotiable. Practice shading, texturing, and line control using pencils (HB, 2B, 4B), colour pencils, and sketch pens to achieve realistic and impactful rendering.
  • ​Focus on speed and neatness; rough work and unclear sketches will attract lower marks.
• ​Visualization and Memory Drawing:
  • ​Part A often tests Visualization Ability, requiring candidates to draw objects, environments, or scenes from memory or imagination. Practice drawing human figures in various actions, household objects, and interior/exterior spaces.
  • ​Conduct timed sessions to complete a full drawing/illustration within the 45-minute limit set for Part A.
• ​Design Thinking for Problem-Solving:
  • ​Part B requires illustrating conceptual ideas or solutions to a given problem. Focus on breaking down the design problem (e.g., "Design an eco-friendly water bottle for runners") into clear, communicative sketches, annotations, and idea generation.
  • ​This section tests process as much as the final output. Show the steps of your design thinking process through simple diagrams and labels.

​Eligibility and The No Negative Marking Advantage

​Candidates must confirm their eligibility and leverage the favourable marking scheme to maximise their score on April 5, 2026.

• ​Eligibility Check: 
  • ​Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognized board.
  • ​A minimum aggregate of 45% marks is generally required (40% for reserved categories of Maharashtra State). There is typically no upper age limit for the examination.
• ​Leveraging No Negative Marking:
  • ​The MAH B.Design CET 2026 has no negative marking system, which is a huge benefit, particularly for the 60-question General Knowledge (Part C) section.
  • ​Strategy: Aspirants are strongly advised to attempt all 60 MCQs in Part C and all 2 practical questions in Parts A and B. Full attempts will significantly increase the probability of a high score, especially in the objective section.
  • ​Time Management: Allocate the full 60 minutes for Part C to ensure all 60 MCQs are read and marked, even if initial answers require educated guesses.

​Conclusion

​The confirmation of the MAH B.Design CET 2026 as a single-day, offline examination on April 5, 2026, demands immediate strategic recalibration from all aspirants. The focus must now shift to rigorous practice of hands-on sketching for the Visualization and Design Thinking components, alongside comprehensive preparation for the objective General Knowledge section. By mastering the practical aspects and wisely utilizing the advantage of no negative marking, candidates can confidently aim for top ranks and secure admission to their preferred B.Des institutions in Maharashtra.