MHT CET 2026 Deadline Extended to February 20; Two-Attempt Format Debuts
Pune, 13th February 2026: The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has extended the registration deadline for MHT CET 2026 until February 20, offering additional time for candidates applying for the 2026–27 academic session. The extension covers aspirants from the PCM and PCB streams, along with those registering for the MBA/MMS entrance examination.
The online application process, which began on January 10 and was initially set to close on February 12, will now remain open on the official portal for a few more days, providing relief to students who were yet to complete their submissions.
In a significant reform, the CET Cell has introduced a two-attempt system for PCM, PCB, and MBA/MMS candidates. The decision follows directives from Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
The new structure aligns the state-level entrance examination more closely with national-level competitive exams such as JEE Main, which permit multiple attempts within a year. The objective is to provide students with enhanced flexibility and a better opportunity to improve their scores.
Under the revised format, candidates opting for both sessions will have their higher score considered during the admission process.
Over 11 Lakh Candidates Likely to Appear
Officials estimate that nearly 11.25 lakh students will take the examination across various streams this year.
Around 7.34 lakh candidates have registered for only the first attempt.
Approximately 3.90 lakh students have opted for both attempts.
Stream-Wise Registration Overview
PCM Stream:
Over 4.12 lakh registered for the first attempt.
About 2.64 lakh opted for both sessions.
PCB Group:
More than 2.33 lakh applied for the first session.
Around 90,800 selected the two-attempt option.
MBA/MMS Category:
Nearly 88,400 candidates registered for the first attempt.
Close to 35,800 opted for both attempts.
Mandatory First Attempt:
The CET Cell has clarified that appearing for the first session is compulsory. Candidates who wish to avail the second attempt must indicate their preference during the application process, as changes will not be permitted afterward.
The MHT CET serves as the gateway for admission to professional programmes such as engineering, technology, pharmacy, planning, and agricultural courses across Maharashtra. Officials believe that both the deadline extension and the introduction of multiple attempts will help reduce examination stress while ensuring fairer opportunities for aspirants statewide.
