The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, is currently accepting applications for the MAH MBA CET 2026. Eligible candidates can register online through the official portal until February 12. For the first time, the 2026 session will offer two attempts in April and May, providing aspirants with a chance to improve their final scores.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, continues to accept online applications for the Maharashtra MBA Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA CET) 2026. As of January 16, 2026, the registration portal remains active for aspirants seeking admission to MBA and MMS programs across the state for the 2026-27 academic year. Having commenced on January 10, the application window is set to remain open until the deadline of February 12, 2026. This year marks a significant shift in the examination structure, as the state cell has introduced a two-attempt provision to align with national-level entrance patterns.

Mandatory Authentication and Registration Steps

For the 2026 session, the registration process has become more integrated with digital identity platforms. Candidates are now required to complete a multi-step authentication process before they can finalize their application forms. The use of the official website, cetcell.mahacet.org, is mandatory for all submissions to ensure data security and accuracy.

• APAAR ID Requirement: It is now mandatory for every student to possess an Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID for registration.
• Aadhaar Verification: Integration with DigiLocker for Aadhaar authentication is a compulsory part of the sign-up process.
• Online Portal: All registration activities must be conducted through the "CET Examination Portal A.Y. 2026-27" on the official MAH CET website.
• Document Upload: Applicants must provide scanned copies of their photograph and signature as per the technical specifications mentioned in the information brochure.

New Two-Attempt Structure and Exam Timeline

The most notable update for the 2026 cycle is the opportunity for candidates to appear for the entrance test twice. This change is designed to reduce student stress and allow for score improvement. The cell has released a tentative schedule for both attempts, with the first session occurring in early April and the second in May.

• Best Score Policy: If a student chooses to appear for both attempts, the higher of the two scores will be considered for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).
• Test Mode: The examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) across 48 cities in Maharashtra and selected cities outside the state.
• Exam Duration: The test remains a 150-minute paper consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions with no negative marking.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees

Before proceeding with the registration, aspirants must ensure they meet the minimum academic requirements set by the Maharashtra CET Cell. The eligibility standards remain consistent with previous years, focusing on graduation aggregates and domicile status for reserved category benefits.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories in Maharashtra).
• Final Year Students: Those currently in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to register for the 2026 entrance.
• General Category Fee: The application fee for Open category candidates, including those from Outside Maharashtra State (OMS), is ₹1,200.
• Reserved Category Fee: Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories from Maharashtra are required to pay a reduced fee of ₹1,000.

Conclusion

The MAH MBA CET 2026 registration period offers a vital window for management aspirants to secure their participation in the upcoming admission cycle. With the mandatory inclusion of APAAR IDs and the introduction of a second attempt in May, the 2026 process reflects a modernized approach to state-level entrance exams. Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications well before the February 12 deadline to ensure they have sufficient time for document verification and fee payment.