MHT CET 2026 registration begins Jan 10. WBJEE, GUJCET, and other state engineering entrance exams announce application dates for the 2026-27 academic session.

As the national focus remains on the upcoming JEE Main Session 1, the landscape for state level engineering admissions has begun to shift into high gear. This week, several state CET cells have officially triggered their primary application windows, marking the start of the 2026-27 admission cycle for regional technical universities. From Maharashtra to West Bengal, the activation of these registration links ensures that students seeking seats under state-specific quotas can begin formalizing their candidacies. While JEE Main serves as the national benchmark, these state examinations remain the primary route for millions of students aiming for local government and private engineering colleges.

MHT CET 2026 Leads with New Two-Session Format

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell made a significant announcement on January 10, officially opening the portal for MHT CET 2026 registrations. In a major policy shift following the lines of the national JEE Main, the state has introduced a two-session format for the first time this year to give candidates multiple opportunities to improve their scores.

• Registration Timeline: The window opened on January 10 and is scheduled to remain active until February 12, 2026.
• Examination Dates: Session 1 is slated for April 11–19 (PCM) and April 21–26 (PCB), while Session 2 will take place in mid-May.
• Mandatory IDs: For the first time, the application requires an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) linked with Aadhaar, which must be generated via DigiLocker.
• Best Score Policy: Candidates appearing for both sessions will have their best percentile considered for the final merit list during the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).

WBJEE and GUJCET Application Extensions

In the eastern and western regions, authorities are also streamlining their respective application phases to accommodate the high volume of candidates. The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) is expected to activate its portal for the 2026 cycle by the third week of January, following preliminary notifications released earlier this month.

• GUJCET Late Fee Window: In Gujarat, the GSEB has extended the deadline for GUJCET 2026. Candidates who missed the initial January 6 cutoff can now apply until January 16, albeit with a late fee of ₹1,000.
• Syllabus Alignment: Most state boards have confirmed that the 2026 exams will be based on the rationalized 10+2 curriculum, aligning closely with NCERT standards to assist students preparing for both national and regional tests.
• Document Readiness: Authorities have urged students to keep domicile certificates and category-specific documentation ready, as the deadline for certificate verification often follows closely after the registration closes.

Logistics and Digital Integration Trends

A recurring theme across all state entrance cycles this January is the deeper integration of digital verification tools to prevent fraudulent entries. Most exam portals now require real-time Aadhaar authentication before a candidate can proceed to the final application fee payment.

• Payment Gateways: To manage the heavy traffic, boards have expanded their digital payment options to include multiple UPI providers and specialized SBI branch payment modes for offline candidates.
• Correction Windows: While the initial registration is the focus, most states have pre-announced a "Correction Window" in February, allowing students to fix minor errors in their submitted sessions data.
• Center Allotment: With the increase in candidates, several state bodies are increasing the number of examination sub-centers in rural districts to ensure students do not have to travel long distances during the peak summer months.

Conclusion

As of January 13, the application season for state-level engineering and pharmacy courses is officially in full swing. With Maharashtra's move to multiple sessions and Gujarat's extension of the registration deadline, the upcoming weeks are crucial for aspirants to secure their eligibility. Students are advised to monitor their respective state portal daily to ensure they complete all administrative requirements before the February cutoffs, ensuring a smooth transition from the registration phase to the actual examination period in April.

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