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MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Who Can Apply, Minimum Marks & Subject Requirements

MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
MHT CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

In the highly competitive landscape of engineering and pharmacy entrance exams in India, the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) stands as a pivotal gateway for thousands of students every year. As the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 are now officially determined by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, understanding the full eligibility requirements is crucial for aspirants planning to pursue professional undergraduate programs like B.Tech, B.Pharm, and related courses in 2026. This detailed guide breaks down every aspect of eligibility — from educational qualification and domicile rules to age limit, minimum percentage, special categories, and more.


1. What Is MHT CET?

MHT CET (Maharashtra Health & Technical Common Entrance Test) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra, for admissions into engineering, pharmacy, and related technical courses across colleges in Maharashtra for the academic year 2026-27. It evaluates students in key subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) for engineering and Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) for pharmacy and agriculture courses.



2. Overview of MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before delving into the detailed sections, here’s a quick snapshot of the core eligibility conditions required for the MHT CET 2026:

Eligibility Parameter

Requirement

Nationality

Indian Citizen

Age Limit

No age restriction

Qualifying Exam

Passed/appearing 10+2 (HSC) or equivalent

Required Subjects

Physics + Mathematics (for engineering) or Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Maths (for pharmacy)

Minimum Marks

≥45% (General) / ≥40% (Reserved – Maharashtra)

Domicile Requirements

Categories defined for Maharashtra state candidates

Exam Score Requirement

Must appear in MHT CET 2026 and obtain a valid score

Alternate Qualifications

Diploma holders & B.Sc graduates with Maths may be eligible for certain admissions



3. Nationality & Citizenship Criteria

To be eligible for MHT CET 2026, candidates must be Indian citizens. This criterion applies to all applicants irrespective of whether they are Maharashtra residents or from other states of India.



4. Age Limit for MHT CET 2026

Unlike many entrance tests, MHT CET does not impose any age limit for applicants. Whether you are a recent class 12 pass-out or a candidate who has completed schooling earlier, you can register as long as you meet the educational qualification requirements.



5. Educational Qualification Requirements

5.1. For Engineering (B.Tech / B.E.)

Candidates must have:

  • Passed or be appearing in the 10+2 (HSC) examination from a recognized board with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects; and

  • One of Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational subjects / Computer Science / Information Technology or related subjects.

5.2. For Pharmacy (B.Pharm / Pharm D)

Applicants must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 (HSC) exam with:

  • Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects; and

  • Mathematics or Biology as an additional subject depending on the course you aim for.

5.3. Alternative Qualifications

Apart from the class 12 route:

  • Diploma holders (Engineering/Pharmacy) may be eligible for lateral admission to the second year in some colleges.

  • B.Sc degree holders with Mathematics in class XII can also be considered for certain admissions.



6. Minimum Marks Requirement

Minimum aggregate marks in the qualifying examination (Class 12) are a fundamental part of the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026:

  • General Category (Open): At least 45% marks

  • Reserved Categories (Maharashtra State): At least 40% marks

This requirement applies to the subjects taken together as specified for the respective course (PCM for engineering, PCB/PCMB for pharmacy).



7. Subject Combinations & Eligibility Logic

To fulfill the eligibility criteria, students must meet subject combination norms:

Engineering Eligibility

  • Physics + Mathematics are compulsory.

  • One additional subject: Chemistry / Biology or approved vocational/technical subjects.

  • Minimum marks requirement is as mentioned above.


Pharmacy Eligibility

  • Physics and Chemistry are essential.

  • Mathematics or Biology completes the required subject combination.

  • Certain universities might prioritize candidates with PCB combinations.



8. Domicile and Candidature Types for Maharashtra Students

Maharashtra State Candidature is especially relevant for seat allocation and reservation benefits under CAP (Centralized Admission Process). These categories include:

  • Type A: Maharashtra domiciled candidates or born in Maharashtra.

  • Type B: Candidates with parent domiciled in Maharashtra.

  • Type C: Government of India employee parent posted in Maharashtra.

  • Type D & E: Other related candidate categories.

Your candidature type affects your admission priority and seat allocation under Maharashtra State seats. It does not disqualify you from taking the exam but can influence your ranking during counseling.



9. Appearing Students & Board Equivalency

Students currently appearing in Class 12 (HSC) in 2026 can apply for MHT CET 2026 — provided they complete the qualifying exam successfully before final admission rounds. This means you don’t need to have the final marks at the time of application as long as you fulfill eligibility later.



10. Reservation & Relaxations

As part of the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026, certain reservations and relaxations are granted:

  • Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/SBC/NT) from Maharashtra receive a 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks.

  • Persons with Disability (PwD), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and other categories receive relaxations per the state norms.

  • Reservation does not lower the subject combination requirements.



Changes in the Exam Cycle from 2026

From 2026 onward, MHT CET is expected to be held twice a year (similar to JEE Main), offering more flexibility for students to appear and improve their scores. The higher of the two exam scores will be considered for admission in the respective admission cycle.

This change does not affect eligibility criteria but could influence how eligible candidates plan their preparation and attempt strategy.



FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions on MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Q1. What are the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for engineering admission?

A1. To be eligible for engineering admissions through MHT CET 2026, you must be an Indian national who has passed (or is appearing in) 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and another approved subject such as Chemistry or Biology, and must secure minimum required marks (45% general, 40% reserved).


Q2. Is there any age limit to apply for MHT CET 2026?

A2. No — there is no age restriction to appear for MHT CET 2026. Aspirants of any age who meet the educational qualifications can apply.


Q3. Can students appearing in Class 12 apply for MHT CET 2026?

A3. Yes — students appearing in the Class 12 exam in 2026 can apply for MHT CET 2026, provided they pass the qualifying exam before the final counseling stage.


Q4. Do non-Maharashtra state students have eligibility for Maharashtra CET?

A4. Yes — all Indian citizens can appear for MHT CET 2026, but domicile status affects seat allocation priority and reservation in Maharashtra CAP counseling.


Q5. What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for MHT CET 2026 eligibility?

A5. A minimum of 45% marks (general category) or 40% marks (reserved categories from Maharashtra) in the required subjects in Class 12 is essential to be eligible.



How to Check Your Eligibility Step-by-Step

  1. Review your 10+2 subject combination — ensure PCM or PCB/PCMB as required for your desired course.

  2. Verify your citizenship and domicile status — while domicile is optional for eligibility, it affects CAP counseling.

  3. Check your marks — confirm you meet the minimum percentage criteria.

  4. Confirm documentation — gather essential certificates and identity proofs before applying.

  5. Submit the online application before the deadline via the official portal: cetcell.mahacet.org.



Conclusion: Clear Path to MHT CET 2026 Eligibility

Understanding the MHT CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 thoroughly is essential for planning your application and ensuring a smooth admission process. Whether you are aspiring for engineering, pharmacy, or related undergraduate programs, meeting each eligibility requirement early helps you avoid last-minute issues and increases your chances of securing admission in top colleges in Maharashtra.

Make sure to stay updated with official notifications and announcements on the State CET Cell website, as final details and updates will always be published there first.


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