MAH CET BCA 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus & Paper Pattern

MAH CET BCA 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for admission to Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) programs in government, aided, and private colleges across Maharashtra.

The exam ensures a centralized, transparent, and merit-based admission process, making it one of the most preferred routes for BCA aspirants in the state.

1.Why Choose BCA Through MAH CET 2026?

Choosing BCA through MAH CET 2026 is a smart decision for students who want a career in IT, software development, and technology with access to quality colleges in Maharashtra at affordable fees. Here’s why MAH CET is a preferred route for BCA aspirants:

1. Centralized & Transparent Admission Process

MAH CET BCA admissions are conducted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP), ensuring:

• Fair and merit-based seat allocation

• No management quota interference

• Equal opportunities for all eligible candidates

2. Wide Range of Government & Top Colleges

MAH CET opens doors to top government, aided, and reputed private colleges across Maharashtra, especially in:

• Mumbai

• Pune

• Nagpur

• Nashik

These colleges offer industry-relevant BCA curricula aligned with current IT trends.

3. No Mathematics Compulsion

Unlike many national-level exams:

• Mathematics is NOT compulsory to appear for MAH CET BCA

• Students from Commerce, Arts, and Science streams are eligible

This makes MAH CET BCA 2026 more inclusive.

4. Affordable Fees & High ROI

Compared to private universities:

• MAH CET colleges have lower tuition fees

• Students get strong academic exposure at reasonable cost

• Better Return on Investment (ROI) after graduation

5. Simple Exam Pattern with No Negative Marking

• 100 MCQs in 90 minutes

• No negative marking

• Balanced focus on English, Reasoning, GK & Computer Basics

This allows students to maximize scores without fear of penalty.

6. Strong Career Opportunities After BCA

A BCA degree through MAH CET can lead to roles like:

• Software Developer

• Web Developer

• Data Analyst

• System Administrator

• IT Support Engineer

Students can also pursue MCA, MBA (IT), or certifications after BCA.

7. State-Level Advantage for Maharashtra Students

• Maharashtra candidates get reservation and domicile benefits

• Higher chances of admission in top colleges via CAP rounds

2.Overview

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	MAH CET BCA 2026
Conducting Authority	State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
Course Offered	Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
Exam Mode	Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Admission Process	CAP (Centralized Admission Process)

Key Highlights

• MAH CET BCA 2026 is the official entrance exam for BCA admissions in government, aided, and participating private colleges across Maharashtra.

• Admissions are conducted through a centralised CAP counselling process based on CET scores, category, and seat availability.

• The exam is designed to test logical reasoning, basic aptitude, English proficiency, and computer awareness (as per CET structure).

3.Exam Date

April 28 – April 30, 2026, this schedule applies to the MAH–BHMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM CET 2026, which is the unified entrance test for BCA and related undergraduate programmes in Maharashtra.

Important Notes

• These dates are tentative/expected based on the latest notification and CET Cell release — the official timetable may be confirmed later on the CET Cell website (cetcell.mahacet.org).

• This exam schedule is part of a combined CET for multiple courses (BCA, BBA, BMS, BBM, etc.).

• Admit cards are usually released 1–2 weeks before the exam (likely early to mid-April 2026).

Expected Timeline (MAH CET 2026)

Event	Expected Date
Registration Start	Already started Jan 2026
Registration Last Date	Mid-Feb 2026
Admit Card Release	April 2nd week, 2026 (approx.)
Exam Date	April 28–30, 2026
Answer Key	Mid-May 2026
Result Declaration	Early June 2026 (expected)

Tips for Students

• Keep checking the official CET Cell website regularly for the final confirmed dates and shifts.

• Use the exam window (April 28–30) to plan travel and preparation revision.

• Download the admit card as soon as it’s released to know your exact exam date, time & centre.

4.Syllabus (Section-Wise)

The MAH CET BCA 2026 syllabus broadly covers four key sections designed to assess language skills, reasoning ability, basic general knowledge, and computer fundamentals. This syllabus aligns with the updated unified MAH CET 2026 structure published by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra.

1. English Language

Assesses your reading, language and grammar skills.

Topics Include:

• Reading comprehension passages with questions

• Grammar (tenses, prepositions, articles, modals)

• Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, word usage)

• Sentence completion & corrections

• Phrases & expressions

2. Reasoning (Verbal & Arithmetic)

Tests logical thinking and basic numerical reasoning.

Topics Include:

• Coding-Decoding

• Series and Pattern Completion

• Syllogisms & Analogies

• Blood relations & Directions

• Logical puzzles

• Arithmetic reasoning basics (number sense, simple problem solving)

3. General Knowledge & Awareness

Evaluates awareness of the world around you — especially current affairs.

Topics Include:

• Current national & international affairs

• Trade & commerce / business updates

• General science discoveries

• Sports & awards

• Culture & social developments

• Indian economy highlights

4. Computer Basics

Tests your fundamental understanding of computer systems and technology — important for a BCA aspirant.

Topics Include:

• Basics of computer systems (CPU, memory, I/O devices)

• System software vs application software

• Computer memory organization & storage concepts

• Internet basics and networking fundamentals

• Backup & peripheral devices

• Structure of instructions & basic operations

Syllabus Snapshot (Typical Section Weights)

Section	Topics Covered
English Language	Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary
Reasoning	Logical & Numerical Reasoning
General Knowledge	Current Affairs, Economy, Science, Sports
Computer Basics	Fundamentals, Software, Internet, Devices

Preparation Tips

• English: Practice RCs, and revise grammar rules + vocab regularly.

• Reasoning: Daily practice of puzzles and logical questions improves speed.

• GK: Follow latest events (6–12 months) from newspapers and monthly current affairs compilations.

• Computer Basics: Familiarize yourself with basic computer concepts — not programming but fundamentals.

5.MAH CET BCA 2026 Paper Pattern

Particular	Detail
Exam Name	MAH CET BCA 2026 (part of MAH-BHMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM-CET)
Mode	Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
Duration	90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes)
Question Type	Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions	100
Total Marks	100
Marking Scheme	+1 mark for each correct answer; No negative marking
Medium	English
Sections	English, Reasoning, General Knowledge & Awareness, Computer Basics

Section-Wise Distribution

Section	No. of Questions	Marks
English Language	~30	~30
Reasoning (Verbal & Arithmetic)	~30	~30
General Knowledge & Awareness	~20	~20
Computer Basics	~20	~20

Total: 100 questions – 100 marks 

Key Points to Know

• The test is entirely objective type, so every question has four options with only one correct answer.

• You get 90 minutes in a single session — there are no sectional time limits.

• All sections carry equal importance toward the final score; candidates are advised to attempt all questions since there is no penalty for wrong answers.

• The distribution and focus closely reflect the previous years’ pattern, ensuring continuity in preparation strategy.

Quick Preparation Tips

• Start with English & Reasoning since they carry a significant share.

• Regularly update current affairs for the GK section.

• Revise computer basics fundamentals — it’s scoring and usually easier with practice.

6.Top Colleges Accepting scores

Major Colleges Across Maharashtra

1. Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune – Well-known for strong infrastructure and industry connections.

2. University of Mumbai (Affiliated Colleges) – BCA programs through various affiliated colleges accepting MAH CET scores.

3. Savitribai Phule Pune University (Pune University) – Offers BCA with good industry exposure.

4. MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune – Private university with practical learning focus.

5. Vivekanand Education Society’s College, Mumbai – Reputed Mumbai college with BCA program.

6. K. J. Somaiya College (Somaiya Vidyavihar), Mumbai – Recognised for quality IT and computing courses.

7. D.Y. Patil College, Pune – Offers a balanced BCA curriculum with good placement support.

8. Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Management, Pune – Strong industry orientation in its BCA program.

9. Kishinchand Chellaram (K. C.) College, Mumbai – Popular choice among BCA aspirants.

Other Good Colleges (CAP Participation)

Some government/aided or semi-government colleges may offer BCA through MAH CET scores depending on seat availability and CAP rules:

• Fergusson College, Pune – Historic institution with solid academics.

• Elphinstone College, Mumbai – Prestigious college under the University of Mumbai.

• Sydenham College, Mumbai – Well-known for commerce and allied subjects including BCA.

7.Expected Cut Off – MAH CET BCA 2026

The MAH CET BCA 2026 cut off refers to the minimum score required to secure admission to BCA colleges in Maharashtra through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP). Cut-offs vary based on college preference, category, seat availability, and exam difficulty.

Category-Wise Expected Cut Off (2026)

Category	Expected Cut Off Range
General (Open)	65 – 80
OBC	60 – 70
SC	45 – 55
ST	40 – 50

Important Cut Off Insights

• Top colleges in Mumbai & Pune may have cut-offs closer to the upper range.

• Cut-offs can change each CAP round, usually decreasing in later rounds.

• Maharashtra domicile candidates benefit from state-level reservation, leading to slightly lower cut-offs compared to All India candidates.

• Final cut-offs will be released college-wise and category-wise after each CAP round.

FAQs

Q1. Is MAH CET mandatory for BCA admission in Maharashtra?

Yes, MAH CET BCA 2026 is mandatory for admission to most government, aided, and participating private colleges in Maharashtra through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).

Q2. Is Mathematics compulsory for MAH CET BCA 2026?

Mathematics is preferred by many top colleges, but it is not compulsory for all institutions. Eligibility criteria may vary college-wise, so candidates should check individual college requirements.

Q3. Is there negative marking in MAH CET BCA 2026?

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