MHT CET vs NEET for Pharmacy Admission 2026: Can I Get a Top College?

1. Introduction: The "Second Chance" You Didn't Know About

The biggest myth among pharmacy aspirants is: "NEET is only for MBBS/BDS, and MHT CET is for Pharmacy/Engineering."

This is WRONG.

If your MHT CET score is low (e.g., 60-70 percentile) but you have a valid NEET score, you are sitting on a golden ticket.

In this guide on MHT CET vs NEET for Pharmacy Admission 2026, we explain the hidden "15% Rule" that allows you to bypass the fierce state competition and grab a seat in a top college like DY Patil or Bombay College of Pharmacy.

2. MHT CET vs NEET for Pharmacy Admission 2026: The Core Difference

To understand how to use your score, you must understand the Seat Matrix. Every Private Pharmacy College in Maharashtra has two types of seats:

Seat Type	Quota Name	Which Exam is Accepted?	Percentage of Seats
Type A	Maharashtra State (MS) Quota	MHT CET Only	65%
Type B	All India (AI) Quota	NEET (First Pref) / MHT CET	15%
Type C	Institute Level / Management	NEET / MHT CET	20%

The Secret: The 15% All India Quota is reserved specifically for students applying via NEET. If seats remain vacant, only then are they given to CET students.

3. Can I Get a Govt Pharmacy College with NEET Score?

This is the most asked question.

The Honest Answer: Generally, NO.

• Government Colleges (e.g., Govt Amravati, Govt Aurangabad, Govt Karad): These are 100% State Govt funded. Hence, admission is almost exclusively through MHT CET (State Quota).

• Private & Aided Colleges: This is where NEET works. Top colleges like Bombay College of Pharmacy (Aided), DY Patil Pimpri, and MET Nashik accept NEET scores for their 15% All India seats.

  
  

Strategy: If you are aiming for a Government college, focus on MHT CET. If you want a Top Private college, use your NEET score.

4. The "Low Score" Hack: Why NEET is Easier

Here is why the MHT CET vs NEET for Pharmacy Admission 2026 debate matters for average students.

Scenario:

• Student A gets 85%ile in MHT CET. (Rank: 15,000) -> Struggles to get a top college.

• Student B gets 85%ile in NEET. (All India Rank for Pharmacy) -> Likely to get a better college.

Why?

Most Maharashtra students focus purely on the CET Merit List. Fewer students apply for the All India (NEET) seats in Pharmacy. Often, the cutoff for the All India Quota is lower or less competitive than the General State Quota for top private colleges.

5. Admission Process: Do NOT Miss This Step

Even if you are using your NEET score, you cannot apply directly to the college.

You must follow the CAP (Centralized Admission Process):

1. Register on State CET Cell Website: When B.Pharm registration starts (June/July 2026), you must register.

2. Tick Both Exams: In the application form, there will be an option: "Do you have a NEET Score?" Select YES and enter your details.

3. Merit List: You will get TWO Ranks:

   • State General Merit Number (Based on CET).

   • All India Merit Number (Based on NEET).

4. Option Form: The computer will automatically check both your ranks and allot the best possible seat.

6. Conclusion: Which Exam Should You Prioritize?

• Focus on MHT CET IF: You want Govt Colleges or extremely low fees.

• Focus on NEET IF: You messed up your CET, or you are targeting Top Tier Private Colleges (like DY Patil, Bharti Vidyapeeth) where All India seats are available.

Final Verdict: Do not ignore NEET. It is your safety net. Register with both scores to double your chances.

FAQ

1. Is NEET compulsory for B.Pharm admission in Maharashtra?

No, it is not compulsory. The main exam is MHT CET. However, NEET is accepted for the 15% All India Quota seats in private colleges.

2. Can I get ICT Mumbai through NEET?

ICT Mumbai mainly admits through MHT CET. However, they sometimes have a few All India seats or Institutional quotas where NEET/JEE scores might be considered. Always check their specific brochure.

3. If I have both MHT CET and NEET scores, which one is considered?

For the All India Quota seats, NEET is given first preference. If you don't get a seat via NEET, the system checks your MHT CET score for the State Quota seats. You get the best of both worlds.