MAH-MHT CET 2026: PCM & PCB Exam Dates, Syllabus & Preparation Strategy
The MAH-MHT CET 2026 is one of the most important state-level entrance examinations for students seeking admission to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and allied science programs in Maharashtra. Conducted by the State CET Cell, the examination is divided into two distinct groups — PCM and PCB — each aligned with specific academic and career pathways.
For students planning to appear between 11 April and 26 April 2026, having early clarity on the MHT CET 2026 exam date, exam structure, and syllabus can significantly enhance preparation efficiency and final performance.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Dates (Official Schedule)
The State CET Cell has officially announced the exam window, following the traditional April testing cycle.
PCM Group
📅 11 April 2026 to 19 April 2026
PCB Group
📅 21 April 2026 to 26 April 2026
These confirmed exam dates allow students to plan mock tests, revision cycles, and subject prioritization well in advance. Keeping track of the official MHT CET dates is crucial, especially for candidates appearing in both groups.
What Is MAH-MHT CET 2026?
MAH-MHT CET (Maharashtra Health & Technical Common Entrance Test) is a state-level admission test conducted for entry into:
Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech)
Pharmacy (B.Pharm / Pharm.D)
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Veterinary and Fisheries programs
Admissions are offered through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) based on percentile scores, category-wise merit, and seat availability across government and private institutions in Maharashtra.
MAH-MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern (PCM & PCB)
The examination is conducted in online CBT mode and follows a standardized structure across both groups, with subject-wise variations.
Exam Overview
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 180 minutes
Question Type: MCQs
Marking Scheme: +1 or +2 (subject-specific)
Negative Marking: None
PCM Group Exam Structure (Engineering Aspirants)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 100 |
| Physics | 50 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 150 | 200 |
Mathematics carries double weightage, making it the most decisive scoring subject for engineering admissions.
PCB Group Exam Structure (Pharmacy & Life Sciences)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 100 | 100 |
| Physics | 50 | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Biology dominates the PCB group and plays a pivotal role in pharmacy, agriculture, and biotechnology admissions.
MAH-MHT CET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus is strictly aligned with the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum, with the following approximate weightage:
Class 12 syllabus: ~80%
Class 11 syllabus: ~20%
Core Subjects
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics (PCM group only)
Biology (PCB group only)
The exam emphasizes application-based questions, conceptual clarity, and problem-solving ability rather than rote learning.
How to Prepare Smartly for MHT CET 2026
A focused and disciplined approach works better than excessive resources.
What Actually Works
Maharashtra Board textbooks and NCERT are sufficient
Daily timed MCQ practice to build speed
Maintaining a dedicated formula and revision notebook
Weekly subject-wise mock tests
Leveraging the no-negative-marking rule for strategic attempts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing at JEE Main difficulty level; this exam rewards clarity and speed
Ignoring revision cycles
Over-focusing on theory without MCQ-based application
PCM vs PCB: Choosing the Right Group
| Career Goal | Recommended Group |
|---|---|
| Engineering / Technology | PCM |
| Pharmacy / Life Sciences | PCB |
| Biotechnology / Agriculture | PCB |
| Architecture (with NATA) | PCM |
Some candidates opt to appear for both groups to maintain career flexibility, subject to eligibility.
Final Note
The MAH-MHT CET 2026 is a structured, predictable, and score-oriented examination. With clearly defined exam windows for PCM and PCB, students who plan early, understand the syllabus deeply, and practice consistently gain a clear advantage.
Tracking official announcements, especially the MHT CET 2026 exam dates, and aligning preparation timelines accordingly can be a decisive factor. Ultimately, consistency, disciplined revision, and smart testing strategy — not dependency on coaching — separate top percentile scorers from the rest.