MHT-CET 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Revised Application Process, Documentation, and Key Updates
- hardikjaincs
- Dec 22
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 23
As the academic year progresses, the excitement and anxiety surrounding the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) 2026 are reaching their peak. For thousands of students aspiring to pursue Engineering, Pharmacy, or Agriculture courses in Maharashtra, MHT-CET is the most crucial gateway. However, the 2026 session brings with it significant "revised methods" of application and mandatory digital requirements that were not present in previous years.
Staying updated with the State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell) is no longer just about knowing the syllabus; it’s about mastering the digital administrative process. This blog provides a detailed roadmap for the MHT-CET 2026 application process, based on the latest official notices.
1. MHT-CET 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Revised Application Process, What’s New?
The CET Cell has recently moved towards a more integrated and transparent digital ecosystem. The most striking changes for 2026 involve the integration of Aadhaar Authentication and the mandatory generation of an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry).
Unlike previous years, where registration was a standalone process on the portal, the 2026 process is deeply linked to your national identity and academic credit bank. This change aims to reduce identity fraud and streamline the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds that follow the exam
2. Important Dates for MHT-CET 2026
Before diving into the "how-to," let’s look at "when." Based on historical trends and current official updates:
Registration Window: Expected to open in the last week of December 2025 or the first week of January 2026
Attempt 1 Exam Dates: Scheduled between April 11th and April 19th, 2026
Attempt 2 Exam Dates: Scheduled between May 14th and May 17th, 2026
Students should note that the registration for both PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups usually happens simultaneously.
3. Mandatory Documentation: The Revised Checklist
One of the biggest hurdles students face is document rejection. For MHT-CET 2026, the document requirements have been strictly revised. You must have these ready before the registration link goes live.
A. The Aadhaar Update (Crucial)
The CET Cell has issued a mandatory notice regarding Aadhaar Card Authentication. Your Aadhaar details must match your academic records perfectly .
Name & Date of Birth: Must be exactly as per your Class 10th (SSC) Certificate.
Photograph: Ensure your Aadhaar has a relatively recent photo.
Mobile Number: Your Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number. This is because the registration process uses Aadhaar-based OTP (One Time Password) for verification .
B. APAAR ID / ABC ID
A new requirement for 2026 is the APAAR ID, also known as the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) ID .
This ID acts as a digital locker for all your academic credits earned throughout your higher education.
The CET Cell requires this ID at the time of registration to ensure your future CET scores and admission credits are correctly mapped to your profile.
C. Category & Special Certificates
If you are applying under any reservation, you cannot afford to wait until the last minute.
Caste Certificate & Caste Validity: Essential for SC/ST/OBC/VJ-DT/NT candidates.
Non-Creamy Layer (NCL): Required for OBC and NT categories, valid up to March 31, 2027.
EWS Certificate: For candidates under the Economically Weaker Section.
PWD / UDID Card: For Persons with Disabilities, a UDID certificate is now mandatory .
4. Step-by-Step: How to Fill the MHT-CET 2026 Form
The application process is conducted entirely online at the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org . Follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes:
Step 1: Registration and Aadhaar Authentication
Visit the website and click on 'New Registration.' You will be prompted to enter your Aadhaar number. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Once verified, your basic details (Name, DOB, Gender) will be auto-fetched. This ensures that your identity is verified right at the start.
Step 2: Creating the APAAR/ABC ID
If you haven't generated your APAAR ID yet, the portal will provide a link to the DigiLocker/ABC portal. You must generate this ID to proceed. It’s a simple process of logging in with your Aadhaar and verifying your student status .
Step 3: Filling Personal and Academic Details
You will need to enter:
Parental Details: Ensure your father’s and mother’s names match your school records .
Contact Information: Use a permanent email ID and mobile number. Do not use a cyber-café owner's number, as all future updates (Result, CAP Rounds) will be sent here .
Academic Info: Details of your SSC (10th) and HSC (12th) marks/schooling.
Step 4: Selecting Group and Exam Center
Choose your group (PCM, PCB, or Both). Be careful with your choice of exam centers. You are usually asked to provide 3 to 4 preferences. In 2026, centers are allotted on a "first-come, first-served" basis relative to the registration date, so apply early!
Step 5: Uploading Scanned Documents
You will need to upload:
A recent passport-sized photograph (against a light background).
A scanned signature on white paper with black ink.
Proof of Identity (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport).
Step 6: Fee Payment
The application fee for General category students is typically ₹800, while for Reserved categories and PWD, it is ₹600. Payment can be made via UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit cards. Your application is not considered "Submitted" until the payment status shows "Success."
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mismatching Names: If your name on Aadhaar is "Rahul Kumar" but your 10th certificate says "Rahul S. Kumar," you must get your Aadhaar corrected immediately .
Inactive Mobile Numbers: Many students change their SIM cards. Since the entire process (from registration to final college admission) takes 6–8 months, you must keep the registered number active .
Waiting for Results to Get Documents: Do not wait for your 12th results to apply for Caste Validity or NCL certificates. The process takes time, and without them, you will be treated as a General category candidate.
6. Preparation Strategy: The Final Push
While the application is administrative, the exam is academic. For MHT-CET 2026:
Focus on State Board Textbooks: 80% of the weightage comes from the Class 12 syllabus and 20% from Class 11. The Maharashtra State Board textbooks are your "Bible."
Mock Tests: Given that the exam is online (Computer Based Test), practicing on a screen is vital.
Time Management: You have 90 minutes for Physics/Chemistry and 90 minutes for Mathematics (or Biology). Speed is just as important as accuracy. MHT-CET 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Revised Application Process
FAQ ?
1. Is it mandatory to have an Aadhaar Card for MHT-CET 2026?
Yes. The State CET Cell has made Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for the 2026 session. It is used to verify your identity and auto-fill details to prevent data entry errors.
2. What is an APAAR ID, and why do I need it?
The APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a unique 12-digit academic ID linked to the national "One Nation, One Student ID" initiative. You need it because the CET Cell uses it to track and store your academic credits and CET scores for the CAP (admission) rounds.
3. My name on my Aadhaar card is different from my 10th Marksheet. What should I do?
You must get your Aadhaar card updated immediately. The CET registration system will fetch your name from Aadhaar, and if it doesn't match your 10th/12th certificates, you may face rejection during the document verification (Scrutiny) stage.
4. Can I apply for both PCM and PCB groups?
Yes. You can apply for both. However, you will need to pay the application fee for both groups, and you will be assigned different time slots for each examination.
5. What is the application fee for MHT-CET 2026?
General Category (Maharashtra/OMS): ₹1000
Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD - Maharashtra only): ₹800
Late Fee (if applicable): An additional ₹500 is typically charged if you miss the first deadline.
6. Do I need to upload my 10th and 12th marksheets during registration?
Usually, you only need to enter the details (marks/seat number) during the initial registration. However, you must keep the scanned copies ready because they are required during the E-Scrutiny or Physical Scrutiny process after the results are declared.
7. What if I don't have a Caste Validity Certificate yet?
You can apply for MHT-CET using a Caste Validity Receipt. However, you must produce the original certificate during the admission rounds to claim reservation benefits.
8. Is there any age limit for MHT-CET 2026?
No. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the MHT-CET 2026 exam.
Others :
Option 1: The Official Action CTA (Best for the end of the blog)
Don't wait for the last-minute rush. Head over to the Official MHT-CET 2026 Portal to check for the live registration link. Make sure you have your DigiLocker account ready to generate your APAAR ID seamlessly. Stay ahead of the curve and secure your preferred exam center by applying early!
Option 2: The "Preparation" CTA (Best for middle placement)
Don't just register—prepare to win! While you get your documents in order, start practicing with official resources. Download the MHT-CET Syllabus & Marking Scheme and take a look at Previous Year Question Papers to understand the exam pattern. Remember, consistency is the key to a 99+ percentile!!
Option 3: The "Stay Updated" CTA (For community building)
Never miss a deadline! The admission process can be confusing, but you don't have to do it alone. Join our MHT-CET 2026 WhatsApp Support Group for real-time alerts on registration dates, hall ticket releases, and CAP round guidance. You can also subscribe to the Concept Simplified YouTube Channel for step-by-step video tutorials on filling out the form.
Conclusion:
The MHT-CET 2026 process is more than just an exam; it is a digital transition. By integrating Aadhaar and APAAR IDs, the CET Cell is making the system more robust, but it requires students to be more proactive with their documentation.
Final Checklist for Students:
Update Aadhaar (Name/DOB/Mobile).
Generate APAAR/ABC ID.
Prepare Category Certificates.
Bookmark the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org.
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