MHT-CET to Be Held Twice a Year from 2026-27: Maharashtra Government Announces Major Reform
In a major decision aimed at transforming Maharashtra’s higher education system, the state government has announced that the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) will be conducted twice a year starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
This reform brings the state-level entrance test in line with the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, giving students two opportunities each year to improve their performance and secure better ranks.
Key Entrance Test for Professional Courses
The MHT-CET plays a crucial role in admissions to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, architecture, and other professional degree programs across Maharashtra. Each year, nearly 7.05 lakh students appear for this examination, which acts as a single-window system for multiple colleges through a standardized assessment.
Traditionally, the CET has been conducted once a year in April, with separate papers for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) groups.
Two Attempts — Best Score to Be Considered
Beginning in 2026, the exam will be conducted in two sessions — allowing aspirants to appear in either one or both attempts. If a student takes both, the best of the two scores will be considered for admission, following the model used in JEE Main.
According to Dilip Sardesai, Commissioner of the Maharashtra CET Cell, both attempts for the 2026 admission cycle will be held between March and May 2026. From the 2027-28 academic year onward, the first session is likely to be conducted in January, followed by the second in April, aligning with the national entrance exam schedule.
More Flexibility and Fairness for Students
Officials from the CET Cell emphasized that the new two-attempt system is designed to offer students greater flexibility and fairness. The move ensures that candidates who may face unforeseen issues — such as illness, travel problems, or exam stress — during the first attempt have another chance to perform better.
“The dual-exam model gives students more control over their preparation and performance. Earlier, with only one attempt, any disruption on exam day could significantly affect their future,” an official stated.
MBA/MMS CET to Follow the Same Pattern
The reform will also apply to the MBA/MMS CET, the state’s entrance exam for postgraduate management programs. Currently conducted once in April, the MBA/MMS CET will also be held twice annually, with the first session expected earlier in the academic calendar.
With two exam sessions planned, the registration and application processes will also begin earlier than usual. Authorities are expected to announce a revised examination and registration schedule in the coming months to help students plan and prepare effectively.
A Progressive Step for Maharashtra’s Education Landscape
The Maharashtra government’s decision to hold the MHT-CET and MBA/MMS CET twice a year marks a significant step forward in modernizing the state’s education system.
By introducing multiple opportunities and aligning with national-level exam models, the reform aims to reduce exam pressure, ensure fairness, and help every student perform to their full potential.
