The MHT-CET 2026 registration process is currently active on the official portal. Candidates aiming for Engineering and Pharmacy courses must complete their forms by February 12.With the introduction of a new two-session format and mandatory APAAR ID requirements, Aspirants are advised to register early to avoid technical delays.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, is currently seeing a steady flow of registration traffic as the application window for the MHT-CET 2026 enters its second week. Since the portal officially opened on January 10, a significant number of candidates have successfully logged in to submit their details. However, with the final deadline of February 12 fast approaching, authorities have highlighted the importance of completing the application well in advance to ensure all digital verifications are processed correctly.

Dual-Session Format and Key Dates

For the first time in the history of the examination, the State CET Cell has adopted a dual-session model similar to national-level entrance tests. This change allows candidates to appear for two separate attempts in April and May, with the best of the two scores being considered for final admission into professional courses across Maharashtra. This structural shift is intended to provide students with a second chance to improve their performance without waiting for an entire academic year.

• First Session: Scheduled for April, providing an early opportunity for students to test their preparation levels.
• Second Session: Scheduled for May, serving as a vital improvement window for those looking to boost their percentile.
• Registration Deadline: The common window for both sessions remains February 12, 2026.
• Late Fee Period: While a late fee window is expected, officials strongly discourage waiting until the last moment due to potential server congestion.

Mandatory Digital IDs and Documentation

A major update for the 2026 examination cycle is the strict integration of the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) and Aadhaar authentication. The registration portal now requires these identifiers to be verified in real-time. Students who have not yet generated their APAAR ID through the DigiLocker platform are finding themselves unable to proceed with their application, making it a critical first step for all aspirants.

• APAAR ID Requirement: This 12-digit permanent ID is now mandatory for all educational registrations within the state.
• Aadhaar Linking: The mobile number linked to the Aadhaar card must be active to receive the necessary OTP for identity verification.
• Document Precision: Scanned images of the applicant's photograph and signature must strictly adhere to the updated file size guidelines (100 KB to 5 MB) to avoid rejection.

Examination Schedule and Fee Structure

The registration fee for the current cycle has seen a slight adjustment, with general category students required to pay ₹1,300. The examination will be conducted across multiple centers in Maharashtra in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. The State CET Cell has released a detailed timetable to help students plan their attempts according to their specific groups (PCM or PCB).

Conclusion

The ongoing registration phase marks a crucial period for students seeking admission to undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture programs for the 2026-27 academic year. As the system adapts to the new mandatory digital ID protocols and the two-session examination format, the focus remains on a streamlined and secure application process. Applicants are encouraged to verify all personal and academic data against their official certificates before the final submission on the CET portal.

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