MAH MBA CET 2026 exam dates scheduled from April 6–8 and again on May 9

The MAH MBA CET 2026 exam dates have been officially announced by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. The test will be held in two phases: April 6–8, 2026, and a second chance on May 9, 2026. Registration is expected to commence in December 2025. This critical guide for aspirants covers the dual exam structure, the no-negative-marking pattern, and a strategic overview of the four key sections. Get ready to target top B-schools like JBIMS and SIMSREE.

The roadmap to securing a coveted seat in top Maharashtra B-schools, including institutions like Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) and Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), has just been clarified. The Maharashtra State CET Cell has officially released the dates for the MAH MBA/MMS CET 2026 entrance examination. In a significant move offering applicants a dual chance at admission, the exam will be conducted in two distinct phases next year. The first phase is scheduled from April 6 to April 8, 2026, and the second, highly anticipated exam will take place on May 9, 2026.

​Announced on November 21, 2025, these dates provide management aspirants with ample time to strategise their preparation, with the online registration process expected to kick off in December 2025 and continue until early 2026. This dual examination format provides a crucial competitive advantage, allowing candidates who may face unforeseen issues or wish to improve their score another attempt. Given the high-stakes nature of this state-level entrance test, which sees over 70,000 candidates annually, a structured preparation and registration strategy is now more vital than ever.

​Mastering the Dual Examination Schedule and Registration

​The introduction of two separate testing windows for the MAH MBA CET 2026 session is a major highlight, granting flexibility and a safety net to aspirants. Understanding the timeline and the process is the first critical step towards securing a high percentile.

• ​Key Dates and Registration Timeline: 
  • ​Official Notification Release: The notification detailing eligibility and guidelines was released on November 21, 2025.
  • ​Registration Window: Expected to commence in December 2025 and likely run through late February or early March 2026. Candidates must register on the official MAH CET Cell portal.
  • ​First Exam Phase: April 6, April 7, and April 8, 2026. This primary window will span multiple sessions.
  • ​Second Exam Phase (Repeat Opportunity): May 9, 2026. This secondary chance is a golden opportunity for those aiming for a score improvement.
  • ​Result Declaration: Tentatively scheduled for May 2026, following the second phase.
• ​Eligibility and Application Requirements:
  • ​Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least three years duration with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories and Persons with Disability candidates belonging to Maharashtra State).
  • ​Final Year Students: Students appearing for their final year of bachelor's degree examination are also eligible to apply.
  • ​The All India (AI) Quota: Candidates from outside Maharashtra are eligible to appear under the All India Quota, which typically accounts for a percentage of seats in the participating institutes.

​Deciphering the MAH MBA CET 2026 Exam Pattern

​The MAH MBA CET is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Unlike many other national-level MBA entrance exams, the MAH CET features a unique structure, which is crucial for aspirants to internalise for effective time management.

• ​Exam Structure and Marking Scheme:
  • ​Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each carrying one mark, for a total of 200 Marks.
  • ​Marking Scheme: Crucially, there is NO NEGATIVE MARKING. This encourages aspirants to attempt all 200 questions without the fear of penalty.
  • ​No Sectional Time Limit: Candidates have the freedom to allocate the 150 minutes across the four sections as they see fit, allowing for a highly personalised test-taking strategy.
• ​Section-Wise Breakdown: 
  • ​Logical Reasoning (LR): This section traditionally carries the highest weightage with 75 questions, focusing on topics like Linear and Circular Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, and Syllogisms.
  • ​Abstract Reasoning (AR): Containing 25 questions, this section tests non-verbal reasoning through figures, series completion, and analogies. A strong visual reasoning skill is key here.
  • ​Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Comprising 50 questions, this section covers Arithmetic (e.g., Time & Work, Profit & Loss), Algebra, Geometry, and Number System concepts. Data Interpretation (DI) is often integrated into this section.
  • ​Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Also featuring 50 questions, this section tests English usage, grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, and critical reading skills through Reading Comprehension passages.

​Strategic Preparation and Target Institutes

​With the dates set for April and May 2026, aspirants have a clearly defined runway for a targeted preparation strategy. The non-negative marking scheme and the flexible section switching demand a unique approach to test-taking.

• ​Optimising the No-Negative Marking Advantage: 
  • ​Attempt All Questions: The primary strategy must be to attempt all 200 questions. Never leave a question unanswered.
  • ​Prioritize Speed and Accuracy: Focus on quickly and accurately solving the easier and moderate-level questions in the first phase of the attempt.
  • ​Strategic Guessing: In the final minutes, if time is short, use pattern recognition or elimination for the remaining questions, knowing there is no penalty for an incorrect guess.
• ​Targeting Top B-Schools (The 99th Percentile Goal): 
  • ​The MAH MBA CET score is crucial for admission to over 300 MBA/MMS colleges in Maharashtra. The top-tier institutions have extremely high cut-offs, making the 99th percentile a necessary target.
  • ​Tier 1 Institutes (99.50+ Percentile):
    • ​Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai
    • ​Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), Mumbai
  • ​Tier 2 Institutes (99+ Percentile):
    • ​Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai
    • ​Department of Management Sciences (PUMBA), University of Pune
    • ​S.I.E.S. College of Management Studies, Mumbai
• ​Post-Exam: Centralised Admission Process (CAP): 
  • ​After the result announcement, all qualified candidates must participate in the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) rounds. Admission will be based on the final CET score, academic profile, category, and the college preferences selected by the candidate.

​Conclusion 

The official announcement of the MAH MBA CET 2026 dates, particularly the inclusion of the second examination on May 9, 2026, provides an unparalleled opportunity for MBA aspirants across India. The next few months must be dedicated to rigorous practice, especially in the high-weightage Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude sections, while leveraging the non-negative marking system to maximise the final score. Begin your registration process in December 2025 and align your preparation with the unique pattern to successfully convert this dual opportunity into a ticket to your dream B-School.

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