The MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 has been released on the official website @cetcell.mahacet.org. Ensure you meet the age limit, passing marks, and qualification requirements before applying for the entrance test.
The Maharashtra State CET Cell has released the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 along with the official information brochure on its website. Candidates seeking admission to engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses through MHT CET must carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying. The criteria include important details such as educational qualifications, nationality, domicile status, candidature type, and other admission conditions. Generally, candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board to be eligible for the entrance test.
The MHT CET 2026 eligibility guidelines help determine whether a candidate can participate in the admission process for colleges across Maharashtra. Applicants from Maharashtra as well as other states should verify all eligibility conditions before submitting the application form. Failure to meet the prescribed requirements may result in application rejection or cancellation of admission. Understanding the latest eligibility rules is essential for a smooth and successful MHT CET admission process.
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Quick Facts
Here is all the essential information you need about MHT CET 2026 and the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 before applying for the entrance test. Candidates must thoroughly review the MHT CET 2026 eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
| Category | MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 |
|---|---|
| MHT CET 2026 Full Name | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test |
| Famous Name | MHT CET |
| MHT CET 2026 Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
| Exam Level of MHT CET 2026 | State Exams |
| Languages of MHT CET 2026 | English |
| MHT CET Application Form 2026 Mode | Online |
| Mode of MHT CET 2026 | Online Mode |
| Mode of Counselling of MHT CET 2026 | Online |
| Participating Colleges in MHT CET 2026 | 705 |
| MHT CET 2026 Paper Duration | 3 Hours |
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must review the MHT CET eligibility criteria before submitting the application form. The authorities have outlined specific eligibility requirements based on factors like candidature type and direct admissions. Referring to the previous year’s MHT CET eligibility criteria can help candidates understand the minimum requirements for appearing in the exam.
MHT CET Eligibility 2026 General Criteria
Interested candidates are required to fulfill the following general eligibility conditions along with the candidature-type criteria to be eligible for the MHT CET 2026 exam.
- Nationality- Candidates should be Indian nationals.
- MHT CET domicile criteria -Applicants must reside in Maharashtra. However, candidates from other states are also eligible.
- MHT CET Age limit- There is no age limit for candidates.
- MHT CET attempt limit– No restrictions.
- MHT CET qualification criteria- Candidates should have passed a 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board/university with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination are also eligible to apply and have a minimum MHT CET passing marks PCB.
- Qualifying Exam Marks- 12th percentage required for MHT CET and candidates must have 45% MHT CET minimum passing marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination. However, the MHT CET qualifying marks for engineering mark for reserved category candidates is 40%.
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria for Direct Admissions
Some category candidates will be eligible for direct admission without having to appear for the exam, such categories are-
- Foreign Nationals.
- Children of NRI/OCI/PIO.
- Children of Indian workers in the Gulf countries.
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Candidature Type
| Category of students | MHT CET Eligibility Criteria Engineering |
| Maharashtra State Candidates | Nationality: Candidates should be Indian nationals Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed class 10+2 or appear in 2025 with Physics & Mathematics as compulsory subjects with any one of the subjects – Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biology/ Technical/ Vocational subjects. Candidates should have secured a minimum of 45 % marks (for the General Category). However, the minimum marks for reserved category and Persons with Disability candidates (belonging to Maharashtra State only) are 40% marks. OR As per MHT CET eligibility criteria for other state students, candidates must have passed the Diploma in Engineering and Technology with at least 50% aggregate marks (for the General category) and at least 45% aggregate marks (for reserved/ backward category/ Persons with Disability belonging to Maharashtra State only). OR Candidates must have passed B.Sc. Degree from a recognized university with at least 45% aggregate marks (for the General category) and at least 40% aggregate marks (for backward class/ Persons with Disability belonging to Maharashtra State only). These candidates should have passed the XII class with Mathematics as a subject. |
| All India Candidates (AI) | |
| Jammu & Kashmir Migrant Candidates | |
| Children of NRI/OCI/PIO/Indian workers in Gulf Countries, Foreign National (FN) Candidates | These candidates must have passed HSC or equivalent exams with physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, with one of these – Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biology/ Technical/ Vocational subjects, with at least 45% marks in all the above subjects taken together. |
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Maharashtra State Candidature
| Candidature Type | Eligibility Criterion | Home University |
| Type A | Candidates are either domiciled in Maharashtra and/or born in Maharashtra. Such candidates must have passed the SSC or Diploma in Engineering or HSC or Bachelor of Science Exam from a recognized institute in Maharashtra. | Place of passing the Qualifying Exam should fall within the jurisdiction of the respective University area. |
| Type B | Candidates not falling in Type A but their mother or father are domiciles of Maharashtra. (They must possess a domicile certificate). | Place of domicile certificate issuing authority must fall within the jurisdiction of the respective University area. |
| Type C | Candidates who do not fall in Type A or Type B but whose mother or father is a Government of India or Government of India Undertaking employee. Either of the parents should be posted and reported to the duty in Maharashtra before the deadline of MHT CET CAP application submission (which means the counselling application form). | The parents posting area must fall within the jurisdiction of the respective University area. |
| Type D | Candidates who do not fall in (Type A, B and C category), but either of their parents are employees of or are retired as Government of Maharashtra or Government of Maharashtra Undertaking. | Place of posting of mother or father or place of settlement in case of retirement or place of last posting in case posted outside Maharashtra state falling within the jurisdiction of the respective University area. |
| Type E | Candidates passing SSC and/or HSC Exam from a recognized institution situated in a disputed Maharashtra-Karnataka Border Area and whose Mother tongue is Marathi. | Candidates were considered under outside home University or for outside Maharashtra state seats. |
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Minority Candidates
Candidates should belong to a particular linguistic or religious minority community from Maharashtra (as notified by the Government).
MH CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Domicile of Maharashtra Karnataka Disputed Border Area (MKB)
- Candidates domiciled in a place situated in the area specified as Maharashtra-Karnataka disputed border will be eligible.
- Candidates should have passed the 10+2 exam from a school situated in the disputed border area and have MHT CET qualification marks.
- Candidates will be required to produce a Domicile certificate from the Principal/Headmaster of the College/School.
- Such candidates should have Marathi as their mother tongue. Candidates will also be required to produce a certificate from the Principal/Headmaster of the College from where they qualified 12th standard exam.
- Candidates should have studied Marathi as one of the subjects in 10+2 or equivalent exams.
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Wards of Defence Personnel
- Ward/Spouse/Children of former defence service personnel (residents of Maharashtra).
- Ward/Spouse of serving defense personnel (transferred to Maharashtra)
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria for Persons with Disability (PwD) 2025
- Candidates will have to produce a certificate (Proforma F/F-1) stating disability is not less than 40%.
- MHT CET Eligibility Criteria for Specialized Branches
- Bio-Medical/Bio-Tech Engineering – Candidates should have qualified their 10+2 examination with Biology as a subject.
- Mining Engineering – Female Candidates are not eligible for this course.
Can other state students apply for MHT CET
Candidates from other states can also apply for the MHT CET 2026 exam. Such candidates must have a Domicile Certificate/Residential Certificate/Residence and Date of Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority. They have to fulfil the MHT CET eligibility criteria before applying online. Jammu & Kashmir migrants will be considered for OMS.
MHT CET 2026 List of Required Documents
MHT CET aspirants must obtain the following certificates from the competent authorities and keep them ready for the admission process.
- Caste/Tribe certificate
- Caste/Tribe validity certificate (Not required for post-10th and 12th degree admissions. However, a backward class candidate who has been admitted to the first/second-year diploma course on reserved seats has to submit a duly filled application form to the concerned caste/tribe verification committee within 1 month from the date of admission.)
- Non-creamy layer (NCL) certificate (Valid till March 31, 2026 for all backward class candidates other than SC/ST)
- Nationality certificate and Domicile certificates
- Income certificate
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate
- Person with Disability (PWD) certificate
- Certificate issued by the competent authority, as given in the information brochure for the admission of candidates from the Defense cadre
- Aadhar number and attached bank account for scholarship and fee reimbursement
- Experience certificate and no-obligation certificate for working professionals
MHT CET 2026 Application Form
The authorities will commence the MHT CET 2026 registration online at, cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates who fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria can apply for the MHT CET. The steps for filling application form of MHT CET 2026 include registration, filling out the application form, uploading documents, payment of the fee, and taking a printout of the final application form. The link for MHT CET 2026 registration will be updated at cetcell.mahacet.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q. What is the age limit for MHT CET 2026?
A. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the MHT CET 2026 examination. Candidates who meet the required educational qualifications can apply regardless of age.
Q. What are the educational qualifications required for MHT CET 2026?
A. Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board with relevant subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, depending on the course they wish to pursue.
Q. What is the grouping criteria for MHT CET 2026?
A. MHT CET is conducted for two groups: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for Engineering courses and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for Pharmacy and allied programs. Candidates can apply for one or both groups if eligible.
Q. Are female candidates eligible for Mining Engineering through MHT CET 2026?
A. Yes, female candidates can apply for Mining Engineering, subject to the admission rules and eligibility conditions prescribed by the concerned authorities and institutions.
Q. Can students from outside Maharashtra appear for MHT CET 2026?
A. Yes, candidates from other states can appear for MHT CET 2026. They may also be eligible for admission to certain colleges and courses as per the Maharashtra State CET Cell admission guidelines.
Q. How many attempts are allowed for MHT CET?
A. There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for MHT CET. Candidates can appear for the examination multiple times as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Q. How many marks are required in MHT CET for admission to a government engineering college?
A. The required MHT CET score varies each year depending on the college, branch, category, seat availability, and competition level. Higher scores generally improve the chances of securing admission to top government engineering colleges.
Q. What is the MHT CET eligibility criteria for other-state students?
A. Other-state candidates must have passed the qualifying examination from a recognized board and meet the academic requirements specified by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. Admission opportunities may vary based on seat categories and institutional policies.
Q. What is the eligibility criteria for MHT CET 2026 droppers?
A. Students who have completed Class 12 in previous years and meet the required academic qualifications are eligible to apply for MHT CET 2026 as droppers. There is no separate eligibility rule for repeat candidates.
Q. Who is eligible for MHT CET 2026?
A. Any candidate who fulfills the prescribed educational qualifications, nationality requirements, and other eligibility conditions mentioned in the official MHT CET 2026 brochure can apply for the examination and participate in the admission process.
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