MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Class 12 Percentage, Age Limit, Documents Required
The MHT CET eligibility criteria 2026 have been officially released by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. Candidates planning to appear for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test must verify their eligibility before filling the application form. The MHT CET 2026 eligibility includes criteria related to nationality, educational qualification, minimum marks in Class 12, and domicile requirements. Understanding these criteria is essential for a smooth application process and admission to top engineering and pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra.
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State CET Cell, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian Citizens |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Attempt Limit | No restriction on attempts |
| Minimum Marks (General) | 45% in Class 12 (PCM/PCB) |
| Minimum Marks (Reserved) | 40% in Class 12 (PCM/PCB) |
| Qualifying Exam | 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology |
| Domicile Requirement | Required for Maharashtra State quota seats |
MHT CET 2026 General Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfil the following general eligibility conditions to appear for the MHT CET 2026 examination:
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals to apply for MHT CET 2026.
- Domicile: While Maharashtra domicile is preferred for state quota seats, candidates from other states are also eligible to appear for the exam.
- Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in MHT CET 2026.
- Attempt Limit: Candidates can appear for MHT CET any number of times without restrictions.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for PCM group) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (for PCB group).
- Appearing Candidates: Students appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
MHT CET 2026 Passing Marks - Class 12 Percentage Required
The minimum marks required in Class 12 vary based on the category of the candidate. Here is the detailed breakdown:
| Category | Minimum Marks in Class 12 |
|---|---|
| General / Open Category | 45% aggregate in PCM/PCB subjects |
| SC / ST / OBC / EWS | 40% aggregate in PCM/PCB subjects |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 40% aggregate in PCM/PCB subjects |
MHT CET Eligibility for Maharashtra State Candidature
Candidates seeking admission under Maharashtra State quota must belong to one of the following candidature types:
Type A Candidature
- Candidates domiciled in Maharashtra and/or born in Maharashtra
- Must have passed SSC, HSC, or Diploma from a recognized institution in Maharashtra
- Place of qualifying exam should fall within the respective University jurisdiction
Type B Candidature
- Candidates whose mother or father are domiciles of Maharashtra
- Must possess a valid domicile certificate issued by competent authority
- Domicile certificate issuing authority must fall within University jurisdiction
Type C Candidature
- Candidates whose parents are Government of India or Central Government Undertaking employees
- Parent must be posted and reported to duty in Maharashtra before CAP application deadline
Type D Candidature
- Candidates whose parents are Government of Maharashtra or State Government Undertaking employees (serving or retired)
- Place of posting or settlement after retirement must fall within University jurisdiction
Type E Candidature
- Candidates from Maharashtra-Karnataka disputed border area
- Must have passed SSC/HSC from school in the disputed border region
- Must have Marathi as mother tongue and studied Marathi as a subject
MHT CET Eligibility for Direct Admissions (Without CET)
Certain categories of candidates are eligible for direct admission to engineering and pharmacy courses without appearing for MHT CET:
- Foreign Nationals
- Children of NRI (Non-Resident Indians)
- Children of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card holders
- Children of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card holders
- Children of Indian workers employed in Gulf countries
MHT CET Eligibility for Diploma and B.Sc. Holders
Apart from Class 12 pass candidates, diploma holders and graduates are also eligible:
Diploma in Engineering Holders
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks for General category
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks for Reserved/PwD category
- Eligible for Direct Second Year (DSE) admissions
B.Sc. Degree Holders
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks for General category
- Minimum 40% aggregate marks for Reserved/PwD category
- Must have studied Mathematics in Class 12
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility for Special Categories
Minority Candidature
Candidates belonging to linguistic or religious minority communities notified by the Maharashtra Government are eligible for reservation benefits.
Wards of Defence Personnel
- Ward/Spouse/Children of former defence service personnel (Maharashtra residents)
- Ward/Spouse of serving defence personnel transferred to Maharashtra
Persons with Disability (PwD)
- Must have disability of not less than 40%
- Must produce certificate (Proforma F/F-1) from competent authority
- UDID card can be uploaded during registration
Can Other State Students Apply for MHT CET 2026?
Yes, candidates from other states can apply for MHT CET 2026. However, they must note the following:
- Must possess a valid Domicile/Residential Certificate from their state
- Will be considered under All India (AI) category for admissions
- Cannot claim seats under Maharashtra State quota
- Jammu & Kashmir migrants are considered under Outside Maharashtra State (OMS) category
Documents Required for MHT CET 2026
Candidates must keep the following documents ready for registration and admission process:
- Class 10th Mark Sheet (for Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12th Mark Sheet
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Caste Validity Certificate (for reserved category)
- Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate (valid till March 31, 2026)
- Income Certificate
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Aadhaar Card
- APAAR ID (as per new 2026 guidelines)
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the minimum percentage required for MHT CET 2026?
General category candidates need minimum 45% aggregate marks in PCM/PCB subjects in Class 12. Reserved category and PwD candidates need minimum 40% marks.
2 Is there any age limit for MHT CET 2026?
No, there is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in MHT CET 2026. Candidates of any age can apply.
3 Can students from other states appear for MHT CET?
Yes, students from other states can appear for MHT CET 2026. They will be considered under All India (AI) category for admissions and cannot claim Maharashtra State quota seats.
4 How many times can I attempt MHT CET?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for MHT CET. Candidates can appear for the exam multiple times.
5 Is domicile certificate mandatory for MHT CET?
Domicile certificate is mandatory only for candidates seeking admission under Maharashtra State quota. All India category candidates need residential certificate from their respective states.
6 Can diploma holders appear for MHT CET?
Yes, diploma holders in Engineering with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved category) can appear for MHT CET for Direct Second Year (DSE) admissions.
7 What is APAAR ID and is it required for MHT CET 2026?
APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID is a new requirement for MHT CET 2026. Candidates need to generate their APAAR ID along with updated Aadhaar details during registration.
8 Are NRI candidates eligible for MHT CET?
Children of NRI/OCI/PIO candidates are eligible for direct admission without appearing for MHT CET. They must have minimum 45% marks in qualifying examination.
9 What subjects are required in Class 12 for MHT CET eligibility?
For engineering (PCM group): Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are mandatory. For pharmacy/medical courses (PCB group): Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are required.
10 Can appearing Class 12 students apply for MHT CET 2026?
Yes, students appearing for Class 12 board examination in 2026 are eligible to apply for MHT CET 2026. They must submit their marks during counselling.
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