MHT CET in short
MHT CET, conducted by Maharashtra’s State CET Cell, is used for engineering admission to colleges in Maharashtra through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP). The PCM paper has 150 questions for 200 marks in 3 hours, with no negative marking. From 2026 it is held twice a year, and you can take one or both attempts.
Exam pattern (PCM)
| Subject | Questions | Marks per question | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 | 2 | 100 |
| Total | 150 | 200 |
The test is computer-based and split into two 90-minute parts: Physics and Chemistry, then Mathematics. You cannot switch between the parts.
Two attempts from 2026
In 2026 the PCM exam was held in April and again in May. Check the CET Cell’s notification for how the two attempts are combined for the merit list. Strong Maharashtra colleges admitting through CAP include COEP Technological University, Pune (NIRF 2025: 90) and VJTI Mumbai (101–150).
Official site: cetcell.mahacet.org.
Who should take MHT CET?
MHT CET is essential for students who want an engineering seat in Maharashtra, especially candidates eligible for Maharashtra state seats. Colleges such as COEP Technological University (Pune) and VJTI (Mumbai) fill their state seats through the CAP process using MHT CET.
MHT CET vs JEE Main
| MHT CET (PCM) | JEE Main (Paper 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions / marks | 150 / 200 | 75 / 300 |
| Negative marking | No | Yes (−1) |
| Mathematics weight | 2 marks per question (half the total) | Equal with Physics and Chemistry |
| Level | Mostly direct, State Board based | Higher difficulty, multi-concept |
How to prepare for MHT CET alongside JEE
- Attempt every question: with no negative marking, never leave a question blank.
- Mathematics decides ranks: it carries 100 of the 200 marks, so speed and accuracy in Maths matter most.
- Follow the Maharashtra State Board textbooks for Physics and Chemistry facts; many questions are direct.
- Use both attempts: treat the first attempt as a real exam and the second as your chance to improve.
MHT CET and CAP admissions
After the result, the State CET Cell runs the Centralised Admission Process (CAP): you register, fill college and branch preferences, and seats are allotted in rounds by merit and category. CAP also has seats for candidates from outside Maharashtra under its own rules; check the CAP information brochure for which test applies to which seat type.
Is there negative marking in MHT CET?
No. MHT CET PCM has no negative marking, so attempt every question.
How many marks is MHT CET PCM out of?
200 marks: Physics 50 and Chemistry 50 (1 mark each), Mathematics 100 (50 questions at 2 marks each).
Is MHT CET held twice a year?
Yes, from 2026 the PCM exam is held in two attempts (April and May). Check the CET Cell’s rules on how the attempts count.
Which colleges accept MHT CET?
Engineering colleges in Maharashtra that admit through the CAP process, including COEP Technological University, Pune and VJTI, Mumbai.