The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially published the MAH CET 2026 exam schedule for multiple professional courses, providing crucial dates for aspirants seeking admission into management, engineering, agriculture and pharmacy programmes for the academic year 2026-27. The exam calendar outlines registration windows, exam dates and multiple session opportunities for candidates across the state.
Students aspiring for MBA, MMS, Engineering, Pharmacy and Agriculture courses should mark their calendars as the exam timetable has been released to help them plan preparations and submit applications on time. With Maharashtra introducing a dual-attempt structure similar to national exams like JEE Main, this year’s schedule offers greater flexibility for exam-takers.
Registration Begins in January 2026
The Maharashtra CET Cell opened the online application process on January 10, 2026, allowing eligible candidates to begin registering for the entrance tests across various disciplines. The registration period will remain open until February 12, 2026, giving students approximately five weeks to complete their applications and ensure all details are correct. Applications are being accepted through the official CET Cell portal at cetcell.mahacet.org, where students can also access information brochures and eligibility criteria.
Candidates are required to have a valid Aadhaar card and APAAR ID for registration. Students who have not yet generated their APAAR ID are advised to obtain it via DigiLocker before completing their CET forms to avoid delays or discrepancies in the submission process.
The CET Cell has emphasised that all registered candidates must verify their personal details, including name, date of birth, mobile number and address, as per official documentation to avoid potential issues during the application review and examination process.
Timeline and Structure for 2026 Entrance Exams
The 2026 Maharashtra CET schedule introduces a structured timetable for different professional streams. According to the official announcement:
MBA and MMS CET will be held in two sessions.
- The first session for MBA/MMS CET is scheduled from April 6 to April 8, 2026.
- The second session is planned for May 9, 2026.
This dual-attempt format enables candidates to take the test twice and utilise the higher score from either session for admissions.
For Engineering, Pharmacy and Agriculture CETs (MHT CET), the exams are also set to be conducted in two attempts.
- The first attempt runs from April 11 to April 26, 2026 for PCM and PCB groups.
- The second attempt is scheduled between May 10 and May 17, 2026.
This marks a significant change from previous years when the CET was held only once annually. The new format aims to reduce stress on students and provide opportunities to improve performance across sessions.
The implementation of this two-session strategy is designed to mirror successful models seen in national entrance exams, offering candidates more flexibility and a second chance within the same academic year. Officials assert that this move will improve accessibility and enable aspirants to optimise their scores without losing a year due to one poor performance.
What Aspirants Must Know
Students preparing for the 2026 CET cycle should take careful note of several important details:
- Registration Deadline: February 12, 2026
- Exam Dates: April to May 2026 (multiple sessions)
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT) in various centres across Maharashtra
- Best Score Policy: For dual attempts, the highest score of the two sessions will be considered for admissions.
In addition to the core MBA, MMS, Engineering and Pharmacy tests, the CET Cell is expected to announce schedules for other professional and postgraduate entrance examinations, including Law, MCA, M.Ed, B.Ed and allied programmes, as part of the broader common entrance framework. Students should regularly visit the official CET Cell website for updates, detailed syllabi, exam patterns and centre information.
Preparation and Examination Strategy
With the release of the exam schedule, coaching institutes and educators have already begun advising students on effective preparation strategies. Given the dual-attempt structure, experts recommend that candidates focus on understanding core concepts early and use the first attempt as a benchmark to refine their preparation for the second session if needed.
Many coaching centres in Maharashtra have launched specialised preparation modules, including mock tests and revision plans, to help students familiarise themselves with the updated examination format and question patterns expected in 2026. Aspirants are encouraged to engage in regular practice tests and time management exercises to boost confidence ahead of the actual exams.
For MBA and MMS aspirants, combining CET preparation with mock group discussions and basic quantitative analysis exercises can also help strengthen performance across various sections of the test. For engineering, pharmacy and agriculture streams, a robust grasp of PCM and PCB fundamentals remains vital to secure competitive scores.
Implications for Admissions and Career Prospects
The revised Maharashtra CET 2026 schedule not only sets a clear timeline for competitive exams but also aligns with broader educational reforms aimed at enhancing fairness and flexibility in state entrance testing. By providing two attempts at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, students now have better chances to excel academically without the pressure of a single high-stakes test.
Success in these tests opens doors to admissions in prominent colleges and universities across Maharashtra, including government and private institutions offering courses in engineering, management, agriculture, pharmacy and related professional fields. The CET results will play a central role in the Centralised Admission Process (CAP), which allocates seats based on merit and reservation criteria under Maharashtra’s education policies.
Applicants and guardians are urged to keep track of upcoming notifications regarding admit card releases, examination centre allotments and result announcements as dates approach. Staying updated through official channels will ensure a smooth and timely application and examination journey for all candidates.
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The Maharashtra CET 2026 exam schedule announcement marks a pivotal moment for thousands of students planning their higher education paths. With registration open from January 10 to February 12 and exams spread across April and May, the structured timetable and dual-session format offer both opportunity and challenge. As candidates prepare for these crucial entrance tests, the new system aims to balance fairness, accessibility and academic excellence in the state’s higher education landscape.
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