MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026

MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 - PCM, PCB Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme

Understanding the MHT CET exam pattern 2026 is crucial for effective preparation. The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra has released the official MHT CET paper pattern for the upcoming examination. The exam consists of three papers - Paper 1 (Physics and Chemistry), Paper 2 (Mathematics), and Paper 3 (Biology). This article provides complete details about the MHT CET marking scheme, question distribution, exam duration, and section-wise pattern for both PCM and PCB groups.

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

Particulars Details
Exam Mode Computer Based Test (CBT)
Number of Papers 3 (Paper 1: PCM, Paper 2: Maths, Paper 3: Biology)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks (PCM) 200 Marks
Total Marks (PCB) 200 Marks
Negative Marking No
Medium of Exam English, Marathi, Urdu
Exam Duration 90 Minutes per Paper

MHT CET 2026 Paper Structure

MHT CET 2026 consists of three separate papers. Candidates appearing for PCM group need to attempt Paper 1 and Paper 2, while PCB candidates attempt Paper 1 and Paper 3.

Paper Subjects Questions Marks Duration
Paper 1 Physics + Chemistry 100 (50+50) 100 90 Minutes
Paper 2 Mathematics 50 100 90 Minutes
Paper 3 Biology (Botany + Zoology) 100 (50+50) 100 90 Minutes

MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 for PCM Group

Candidates appearing for engineering courses need to attempt Paper 1 (Physics + Chemistry) and Paper 2 (Mathematics).


Paper 1: Physics and Chemistry

Subject Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Physics 50 1 50
Chemistry 50 1 50
Total 100 - 100

Paper 2: Mathematics

Subject Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Mathematics 50 2 100
Important: Mathematics questions carry 2 marks each, while Physics and Chemistry questions carry 1 mark each. This makes Mathematics the most scoring subject in MHT CET for PCM candidates.

MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 for PCB Group

Candidates appearing for pharmacy, agriculture, and other life science courses need to attempt Paper 1 (Physics + Chemistry) and Paper 3 (Biology).


Paper 3: Biology

Subject Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Botany 50 1 50
Zoology 50 1 50
Total 100 - 100

MHT CET 2026 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for MHT CET 2026 is candidate-friendly with no negative marking. Here's the detailed breakdown:

Aspect Details
Correct Answer (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) +1 Mark
Correct Answer (Mathematics) +2 Marks
Wrong Answer 0 Marks (No Negative Marking)
Unattempted Question 0 Marks
Pro Tip: Since there's no negative marking, attempt all questions. Even if you're unsure, make an educated guess rather than leaving questions unanswered.

Class-wise Question Distribution

MHT CET 2026 questions are based on Class 11 and Class 12 Maharashtra State Board syllabus. The distribution is approximately:

Class Weightage (Approximate)
Class 11 Syllabus 20%
Class 12 Syllabus 80%

MHT CET 2026 Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of MHT CET questions varies across subjects:

  • Physics: Moderate to Difficult - Focuses on numerical problems and conceptual understanding
  • Chemistry: Easy to Moderate - Mix of theoretical questions and numerical problems
  • Mathematics: Moderate to Difficult - Application-based questions dominate
  • Biology: Easy to Moderate - Fact-based questions with some application

The overall difficulty level is comparable to Class 12 board exams, making JEE/NEET aspirants well-prepared for MHT CET.

MHT CET 2026 Syllabus Overview

The MHT CET syllabus is based on Maharashtra State Board's Class 11 and 12 curriculum:

Physics Topics (Major Chapters)

  • Rotational Motion
  • Oscillations
  • Electrostatics
  • Current Electricity
  • Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
  • Electromagnetic Induction
  • Semiconductors
  • Atoms and Nuclei

Chemistry Topics (Major Chapters)

  • Solid State
  • Solutions
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Electrochemistry
  • Coordination Compounds
  • Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
  • Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen
  • Polymers and Biomolecules

Mathematics Topics (Major Chapters)

  • Trigonometry
  • Integration
  • Differential Equations
  • Three Dimensional Geometry
  • Probability
  • Matrices and Determinants
  • Vectors
  • Continuity and Differentiability

Important Instructions for Exam Day

  • Carry admit card and valid photo ID to the exam centre
  • Report at least 1 hour before the scheduled exam time
  • No electronic devices including calculators allowed
  • Read each question carefully before answering
  • Use the "Mark for Review" feature for questions you want to revisit
  • Submit the exam only after reviewing all answers

Changes in MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern

For 2026, the State CET Cell has announced the following changes:

  • Two Sessions: MHT CET 2026 will be conducted in two sessions - Session 1 in April and Session 2 in May
  • Best Score Considered: If candidates appear in both sessions, the best score will be considered for merit
  • Mock Counselling: A mock counselling round will be introduced for practice

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Is there negative marking in MHT CET 2026?

No, there is no negative marking in MHT CET 2026. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.

2 How many marks is MHT CET total for PCM?

MHT CET for PCM group is of 200 marks total - 100 marks for Physics+Chemistry (Paper 1) and 100 marks for Mathematics (Paper 2).

3 Why are Mathematics questions worth more marks?

Mathematics questions carry 2 marks each (compared to 1 mark for Physics/Chemistry) to balance the total marks and account for the computational complexity of mathematical problems.

4 What is the duration of each MHT CET paper?

Each paper in MHT CET has a duration of 90 minutes. Paper 1 (Physics+Chemistry) is 90 minutes, Paper 2 (Maths) is 90 minutes, and Paper 3 (Biology) is 90 minutes.

5 Which class syllabus has more weightage in MHT CET?

Class 12 syllabus has approximately 80% weightage, while Class 11 syllabus constitutes about 20% of the questions in MHT CET.

6 What is the medium of MHT CET exam?

MHT CET is conducted in three mediums - English, Marathi, and Urdu. Candidates can choose their preferred medium during registration.

7 What is the medium of MHT CET exam?

MHT CET is conducted in three mediums - English, Marathi, and Urdu. Candidates can choose their preferred medium during registration.

8 Can I appear for both PCM and PCB papers?

Yes, candidates can appear for both PCM (Engineering) and PCB (Pharmacy/Agriculture) groups if they meet the eligibility criteria. Paper 1 (Physics+Chemistry) is common for both.

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