MHCET 5-Year LLB 2026 Extended Registration Window Remains Active

As of February 18, 2026, the Maharashtra State CET Cell has extended the registration deadline for the MHCET 5-Year Integrated LLB program to March 15.Eligible candidates who missed the initial February 14 cutoff now have an additional month to finalize their online applications. The entrance examination remains scheduled for May 8, 2026, across various regional centers for the upcoming 2026-27 admission cycle. Aspirants must ensure they complete the Aadhaar-based authentication and APAAR ID registration on the official portal to secure their eligibility.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra has officially extended the online application window for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHCET) 5-Year Integrated LLB program. As of today, February 18, 2026, the registration portal remains active following a high-level administrative decision to accommodate students who faced technical difficulties or missed the earlier February 14 deadline. This extension is a vital lifeline for thousands of law aspirants seeking entry into prestigious government and private law colleges across the state for the 2026-27 session. According to the official extension notice, the new terminal date for submitting forms is March 15, 2026, ensuring that the eligibility pool remains inclusive and broad.

1. Revised Application Timeline and Fee Structure

The Maharashtra State CET Cell has synchronized the 2026 application calendar to ensure that the extended window does not disrupt the scheduled exam date. Candidates are urged to complete the enrollment process via the MHCET Law Portal well before the new March cutoff.

• Extended Registration Period: The window is now open from January 9 through March 15, 2026. This serves as the final opportunity for fresh application entries.
• Payment Deadline: Online fee transactions must be finalized by 11:59 PM on March 15. The application will not be considered valid without a successful payment confirmation.
• Standard Category Fees: Open Category, EWS, and Outside Maharashtra State (OMS) candidates are required to pay ₹1,000.
• Reserved Category Fees: SC, ST, OBC, and SBC candidates from Maharashtra state only are eligible for a reduced fee of ₹800, provided they hold valid caste and non-creamy layer certificates.

2. Mandatory Eligibility and Digital Prerequisites

Before initiating the application, students must verify their compliance with the Official MHCET Law Eligibility. The 2026 cycle mandates several new digital authentications that are critical for successful enrollment.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent exam with at least 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST and 42% for VJ/NT/OBC of Maharashtra).
• APAAR ID Requirement: In a significant shift for the 2026 session, candidates must register for an APAAR ID via DigiLocker before they can proceed with the entrance enrollment.
• Aadhaar Authentication: The portal now requires real-time Aadhaar-based authentication to prevent duplicate entries and ensure the integrity of the aspirants' database.
• No Age Limit: Following recent judicial clarifications, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the MHCET 5-Year LLB exam, allowing diverse aspirants to transition into legal careers.

3. Examination Pattern and Sectional Weightage

Despite the application extension, the Exam Pattern remains unchanged. The 150-minute computer-based test will be conducted on May 8, 2026, featuring 150 multiple-choice questions.

• Marking Logic: Each question carries one mark. There is no negative marking, which encourages aspirants to attempt the full paper to maximize their scores.
• Medium of Paper: The examination will be conducted in both English and Marathi, assisting a wider demographic of aspirants across the state.
• Admit Card Availability: Hall tickets are expected to be released on the official website approximately 10 days before the May 8 exam date.
• Preparation Focus: Candidates are advised to prioritize Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs, which together constitute nearly half of the total application marks.

Conclusion

As of February 18, 2026, the MHCET 5-Year LLB application process continues to offer a strategic window for future legal professionals. The State CET Cell's decision to extend the deadline to March 15 reflects an understanding of the evolving digital requirements, such as the APAAR ID and Aadhaar-based enrollment. All aspirants are encouraged to utilize this additional time to meticulously verify their document uploads and ensure that their eligibility status is unquestionable. Following the close of the window, the focus will shift to the final administrative audit before the May 8 entrance examination. This 2026-27 cycle represents a key milestone in Maharashtra's legal education, and securing a position within the extended application phase is the first step toward a successful legal career.

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