The official notification should be released any second by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell. Although the exact dates are not marked, the rumour has it that the application window may open at the end of the last week of December 2025 or early January 2026.
It is a busy year, and with the adoption of new digital ID requirements and the increase in document checks, it is not possible to “wing” it anymore.
Live Updates: What’s New for MHT CET 2026?
Current Status: Notification Awaited (Expected late December 2025 or early January 2026)
Let’s have a brief overview of the current happenings and the new regulations around the MHT CET 2026 exam cycle:
- Mandatory APAAR ID
In a significant digital shift, reports indicate that the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) will be mandatory for registration this year, alongside your Aadhaar card.
- Revised Application Fees
There are strong indications of a fee hike. The application fee for General category students may be revised from ₹1000 to approximately ₹1,200-₹1,250, while reserved categories might see a proportional increase.
- Strict Document Checks
The CET Cell has tightened the scrutiny on uploaded images. The common causes of form rejection are blurry signatures or photographs with dark backgrounds.
MHT CET 2026: Important Dates (Tentative)
Timing is everything. Failure to meet the deadline will result in you paying a late fee or, worse yet, you will be deprived of an opportunity altogether. As we await the official brochure, the following is the tentative timeline as per the current trends and the past years’ timeline.
| Event | Tentative Dates |
| Online Registration Starts | Last week of December 2025 / 1st week of January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (No Late Fee) | Mid-February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | Last week of February 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | First week of March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| MHT CET 2026 Exam (PCM Group) | April 2026 (Session 1) |
| MHT CET 2026 Exam (PCB Group) | May 2026 (Session 2) |
Note: These are tentative dates and are subject to change. Keep checking the official CET Cell website or this page for real-time confirmations.
Documents Required
The following documents and details are to be prepared before filling out the application form to prevent errors at the time of registration:
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- APAAR ID (Mandatory)
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Date of Birth proof
- Address proof
- Caste / Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (for Maharashtra candidates)
- Disability Certificate or UDID Card (for PwD candidates)
- Scribe details (if applicable for eligible PwD candidates)
- Scanned passport-size photograph
- Online payment details
With all proper documents ready, the registration process won’t have much hassle or problems.
Eligibility Criteria
Prior to making an application, an applicant must consider the following eligibility criteria that have been set by Maharashtra CET Cell:
Nationality and Domicile
- Must be an Indian national
- The Maharashtra state quota seats demand a valid domicile certificate of Maharashtra or a birth certificate that shows the birth in Maharashtra.
Educational Qualification
- Passed or appearing for the Class 12 (HSC) examination or an equivalent exam in 2026
- Took up Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- Took one more subject in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical/Vocational subject.
- Secured at least 45% aggregate marks in the relevant subjects (General category)
- Secured at least 40% aggregate marks for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS from Maharashtra)
Registration Fees
The application fee is non-refundable and should be paid online. As indicated in the live updates, expect a possible change in these figures. The projected fee schedule is given below, according to the most recent available data:
- General Category
From ₹1,000 to ₹1,200-1250 (Maharashtra Candidates, Outside Maharashtra State – OMS, J&K Migrants).
- Reserved Categories
From ₹800 to ₹1,000 (SC, ST, VJ/ DT-NT, OBC, SBC, EWS, PwD candidates of Maharashtra State only).
- Late Fee
There is an extra fee of ₹500, which typically applies in case of registering beyond the initial deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thousands of students panic every year due to simple mistakes. Here is how you can stay safe:
- Name Mismatch: Your name as per your application form must be an exact match to your Class 10/12 mark sheet.
- Blurry Uploads: Don’t use a selfie or a photo of a photo. Scan your signature properly.
- Wrong Mobile Number: Use a permanent mobile number. All OTPs and admission updates will go there until the end of the admission process.
- Category Confusion: If you don’t have a valid Non-Creamy Layer or Caste Validity Certificate by the time of admission, your category claim will be cancelled, and you will be treated as the “Open” category.
Conclusion
The MHT CET 2026 exam registration process is on its way, and the registration form will be the first step towards an engineering/pharmacy seat.
The new rules, such as the APAAR ID and the norms about the documents, may seem overwhelming, but nothing to worry about. Have your documents prepared, observe the official notification on our live tracker, and complete your form attentively.
Speed is less important than accuracy. Read through all the information and then press submit. Stay focused, stay updated!
FAQs on MHT CET 2026 Registration
Q1: Is the APAAR ID mandatory for MHT CET 2026?
Ans. Yes, it is reported that the APAAR ID ( One Nation, One Student ID ) will be obligatory in addition to the Aadhaar card during this year’s application.
Q2: Can I edit my application form after submission?
Ans. No, you cannot edit it immediately after submission, but a brief “Correction Window” is usually opened later to modify specific details like photos or signatures.
Q3: What if I don’t have my Caste Validity Certificate yet?
Ans. Application can be done with a receipt, though the valid Caste Validity Certificate is required in the process of document verification of the admission (CAP rounds).
Q4: I am from outside Maharashtra. Can I apply for MHT CET?
Ans. Yes, OMS students can apply, but only under the General category in regard to the institutional quota position.










