Maharashtra Common Entrance Test • Conducted by State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra
Registration Windows, Late Fee Extensions, Session Schedules, and Historical Patterns
MHT CET's calendar typically begins with online registration opening in January-February, with the examination now conducted across two sessions — the first in April and a second in May — reflecting its 2026 transition to a multi-session format. The State CET Cell has shown a pattern of multiple registration deadline extensions in recent cycles, including reopening the registration window for candidates who missed earlier deadlines.
Registration Opens
January-February
Via cetcell.mahacet.org
Registration Extensions
Common
Including Reopened Windows
Session 1 Exam
April
PCM and PCB Groups
Session 2 Exam
May
Optional Re-Attempt
| Event | Typical Timing | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | January | State CET Cell publishes official information brochure |
| Online Registration Opens | Late January/Early February | Via cetcell.mahacet.org |
| Registration Deadline (Without Late Fee) | Late February | Often extended |
| Late Fee Registration Window | Late February (Few Additional Days) | Additional late fee applies |
| Reopened Registration Window (If Applicable) | Mid-March | For candidates who missed earlier deadlines |
| Admit Card Download | Early-to-Mid April | Session-Specific, Via Candidate Login |
| Session 1 Exam Window (PCM) | Mid-April | Multiple Days/Shifts |
| Session 1 Exam Window (PCB) | Late April | Multiple Days/Shifts |
| Session 2 Registration (Optional Re-Attempt) | Late April/Early May | For candidates wanting to reattempt |
| Session 2 Exam Window (PCM) | Mid-May | Multiple Days/Shifts |
| Session 2 Exam Window (PCB) | Mid-to-Late May | Multiple Days/Shifts |
| Provisional Answer Key | Late April (Session 1) / Late May (Session 2) | Objection window opens per session |
| Result Declaration | Mid-June | After Both Sessions Conclude |
| CAP Centralized Counselling | June-July | Multiple Rounds |
The shift to a two-session structure for the 2026 cycle brings MHT CET's scheduling philosophy closer to JEE Main's approach, giving candidates a genuine second opportunity to improve their score if their first attempt underperforms, rather than facing a single, high-stakes exam day with no recourse — a change broadly welcomed by candidates and coaching institutes alike.
Maharashtra's State CET Cell has, in recent cycles, consistently extended registration deadlines (sometimes with a late fee, sometimes through a fully reopened window for candidates who missed all earlier deadlines), reflecting a generally accommodating approach to registration timing. However, candidates should not deliberately delay their own application in anticipation of such extensions, since they are announced on a case-by-case basis.
Recent MHT CET cycles have introduced mandatory Aadhaar and APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID authentication during registration, reflecting a broader national push toward unified academic identity verification; candidates should ensure these IDs are ready and correctly linked before beginning registration to avoid delays.
Despite the format evolving to two sessions, MHT CET's overall exam window has remained anchored in the April-May period historically, with results following in June and counselling extending through June-July, ahead of the academic session's August commencement — a timeline candidates can reasonably anticipate even before official dates are confirmed each year.
Registration typically opens in late January or early February on the official State CET Cell portal, cetcell.mahacet.org.
Starting from the 2026 cycle, MHT CET is held in two sessions — one in April and a second in May — giving candidates the option to attempt the exam twice.
Yes, the State CET Cell has a recent history of extending registration deadlines, sometimes including a late-fee window or a fully reopened registration period for candidates who missed earlier deadlines.
Yes, recent cycles have introduced mandatory Aadhaar and APAAR ID authentication during the registration process.
Revise chapter-wise mathematical formulas before launching your test: