MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)

Content Writer Papri Dutta
Updated On Date: Nov 24, 2025

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern

The MHT CET (Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test) 2026 is an essential state-level examination conducted by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell for admissions to various undergraduate professional courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agriculture. The MHT CET exam assesses candidates' proficiency in core subjects from Maharashtra State Board’s Class 11 and 12 syllabi. Understanding MHT CET 2026 exam pattern is key for targeted preparation.

Exam Format and Structure

MHT CET 2026 is a computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) conducted in two separate papers for different candidate groups:

  • Paper I (For Engineering aspirants - PCM Group): Covers Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • Paper II (For Pharmacy and Life Sciences aspirants - PCB Group): Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Duration & Marking Scheme for MHT CET 2026

The total MHT CET 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).

The test is divided into two sections, each lasting 90 minutes:

  • Section 1: Physics and Chemistry combined
  • Section 2: Mathematics (for PCM students) or Biology (for PCB students).

The total number of questions varies by group:

  • PCM candidates answer 150 questions (50 questions each from Maths, Physics, Chemistry).
  • PCB candidates answer 200 questions (80 Biology + 40 each Physics and Chemistry).

Each question carries one or two marks depending on the subject:

  • Mathematics questions are generally 2 marks each.
  • Questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are 1 mark each.
  • There is no negative marking, encouraging candidates to attempt every question.

Exam Language and Mode

  • The MHT CET 2026 exam is conducted online in English, Marathi, and Urdu languages.
  • Mathematics paper is only in English.
  • Questions are application-based, requiring conceptual clarity and analytical skills.

Subject-wise Distribution and Weightage of MHT CET 2026

Paper

Subject

Questions from Std 11 (%)

Questions from Std 12 (%)

Total Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Duration

Paper I (PCM)

Mathematics

20%

80%

50

2

100

90 minutes

 

Physics

20%

80%

50

1

50

Part of Section 1

 

Chemistry

20%

80%

50

1

50

Part of Section 1

Paper II (PCB)

Biology

20%

80%

100

1

100

90 minutes

 

Physics

20%

80%

40

1

40

Part of Section 1

 

Chemistry

20%

80%

40

1

40

Part of Section 1

The MHT CET 2026 syllabus aligns closely with the Maharashtra State Board curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, with 20% weightage to Class 11 topics and 80% to Class 12 topics. The difficulty level for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is comparable to JEE Main, while Biology content matches NEET standards.

Key Features and Highlights for MHT CET 2026

  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • No negative marking.
  • Language options: English, Marathi, Urdu (Mathematics only in English).
  • Questions are analytical and application-based, not just theoretical.
  • Two separate sections each with 90 minutes duration but cumulative 3-hour exam.
  • Exam conducted in multiple sessions/slots.

Preparation Insights:

  • Strong grasp of Class 11 and 12 syllabus fundamentals is crucial, especially in Mathematics and Biology for respective papers.
  • Practicing previous years’ question papers and mock tests that simulate the computer-based format will help candidates get comfortable with the exam environment and time management.

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of the MHT CET 2026 exam and how is it divided?

Ans. MHT CET 2026 has a total duration of 180 minutes split into two sections of 90 minutes each. Section 1 covers Physics and Chemistry combined, and Section 2 is for Mathematics (PCM candidates) or Biology (PCB candidates).

Q2. How many total questions are there in MHT CET 2026?

Ans. There are 150 questions for PCM candidates and 200 questions for PCB candidates, divided among the subjects as per their group.

Q3. Is there any negative marking in the MHT CET 2026 exam?

Ans. No, the MHT CET 2026 exam does not have any negative marking for wrong answers, encouraging students to attempt all questions confidently.

Q4. What is the marking scheme for questions in MHT CET 2026?

Ans. Mathematics questions carry 2 marks each, while questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology carry 1 mark each.

Q5. In which languages is the MHT CET 2026 conducted?

Ans. The MHT CET 2026 exam is conducted in English, Marathi, and Urdu for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers, while the Mathematics paper is conducted only in English. 

Click Here For MHT CET 2026 Syllabus
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