MHT CET Vs JEE Main Comparison: Check Difficulty level, Pattern & Syllabus

MHT CET Vs JEE Main Comparison: Check Difficulty level, Pattern & Syllabus

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Saakshi Varsha
Saakshi Varsha Lama
Deputy Manager Content
Updated on Mar 18, 2025 18:19 IST

MHT CET and JEE Main are two of the most popular engineering entrance examinations. Read to learn about syllabus, pattern, difficulty level and more.

mht-cet-vs-jee-main

Engineering entrance examinations are one of the most important stages of an aspirant’s life. During this stage, their entire future is determined by the choice of exam, college and course. Therefore, a lot of students often worry about which exam is more suited to an individual, in terms of difficulty level. JEE Main and MHT CET are often compared since both entrance examinations offer BTech admissions into good institutes. While JEE Main offers BTech seats in IIITs, NITs and GFTIs, MHT CET has many good state institutes under their belt. By understanding the major differences between these two exams, the candidates will be able to take the right path.

⇒ JEE Main 2025 Rank Predictor

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Also Read: JEE Main 2023 January Question Paper with Solution Answer Key PDF Download

Table of content
  • MHT CET Vs JEE Main: Which Exam Is More Difficult
  • MHT CET Vs. JEE Main Exam Pattern
  • MHT CET Vs JEE Main Syllabus
  • Which JEE Main Topics Are NOT in the MHT CET Syllabus?

MHT CET Vs JEE Main: Which Exam Is More Difficult

JEE Main and MHT CET are both widely popular engineering examinations which are attempted by many aspirants. The difficulty level of JEE Main and MHT CET is often compared since MHT CET is said to be of the same level as JEE Main.  

Particulars

MHT CET

JEE Main (Paper 1)

Level of Exam

State-Level

National-Level

Nature of Questions

Formula-substitution type questions

More conceptual questions

Total Number of Questions

Students have to attempt 150 questions in 3 hours

Students have to attempt 75 questions in 3 hours

Speed or Accuracy

Speed because 150 questions are to be attempted in 3 hours

Accuracy

Competition

Comparatively less competition, since the exam is at state level.

Has a higher level of competition since the students who attempt JEE Main consist of top students

Level of Difficulty

The questions will be based on the state board syllabus and the number of questions to answer in 3 hours is a lot more than JEE Main. The level of difficulty is said to be the same as JEE Main.

Since the questions are based on NCERT books and will be more conceptual, the level of difficulty will be high.

MHT CET Vs. JEE Main Exam Pattern

As a computer-based test, both MHT CET and JEE Main are conducted at various centres. Exam pattern is an integral part of the examination, and the students are expected to have full knowledge about it to understand JEE Main and MHT CET in a better way.

Particulars

MHT CET

JEE Main (Paper 1)

Exam Mode

Computer Based Test

Computer Based Test

Duration

3 Hours

3 Hours

Medium

English

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Sections

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Physics, Chemistry. Mathematics

Total Number of Questions

150 questions

90 (Candidates have to answer 75)

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Marking Scheme

Physics & Chemistry – 1 mark will be given for each correct answer

Mathematics – 1 mark will be given for every correct answer

4 marks for every right answer

Negative Marking

No negative marking

MCQs – 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

Numeric Value Questions – No negative marking.

MHT CET Vs JEE Main Syllabus

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 syllabus, the MHT CET syllabus has been tweaked a little. Since MHT CET is based on the 11th and 12th standard board exam syllabus, the reduction of topics will also apply to those candidates who will be applying for MHT CET. However, NTA has not deducted any topics for JEE Main, even after the reduction of the syllabus in CBSE.

Since JEE Main is a national-level examination which requires the students to study from NCERT books, the candidates will also be able to attempt MHT CET. However, for MHT CET, the candidates will have to work on their speed. On the other hand, the candidates who have prepared MHT CET will have to study their topics deeper and more conceptually, if they wish to attempt JEE Main too.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of MHT CET exam?
A:

The difficulty level of MHT CET is similar to JEE Main, as per the information available in the official information brochure. The questions asked in MHT CET is similar to the difficulty level of JEE Main. Students preparing for class 12 can crack MHT CET with a little extra effort. The syllabus of MHT CET is also similar to class 11 and 12 Maharashtra board which is an advantage for students planning to appear in MHT CET. 

Q:   How to crack JEE Mains in first attempt?
A:

Clearing the JEE Main exam in first attempt is not a difficult task. Several students clear JEE Main while in class 12. One thing that makes it easy to clear JEE Main with class 12 is that students are in regular touch of most JEE syllabus. To score good marks in JEE Main in the first attempt, it is advised that you study class 11 and 12 topics thoroughly, clear all the concepts and solve mock test papers. Also, NCERT books which you study in class 11 and 12 are the best books for JEE Main preparation. Students must study NCERT properly and solve all the questions in the book and do not memorize the concepts as some students do rather understand the concepts.

Q:   Is one month sufficient for JEE Main preparation?
A:
One month is not sufficient for JEE Main preparation if a student has not started preparing or have not studied earlier for the exam. As the syllabus of JEE Main is vast, studying all the topics and remembering them take a lot of effort. However, class 12 student can get a decent score in JEE Main if time after the bard exam is devoted exclusively for the JEE preparation. Since most topics of JEE Main and class 12 are similar, students need to revise all the topics and solve previous year JEE Main question papers. Start solving JEE Main mock test papers at last 3-4 days before the exam to make yourself comfortable with the exam.

Which JEE Main Topics Are NOT in the MHT CET Syllabus?

Due to the 25% reduction in the Maharashtra State Board syllabus, many topics will not have to be studied by the candidates for MHT CET. Candidates can check the list of topics which are not present in the MHT CET syllabus but are included in JEE Main.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of MHT CET?
A:

As per the MHT CET exam information brochure, the difficulty level of MHT CET exam is similar to JEE Mains. Candidates are thus advised to prepare by keeping in mind that the questions in MHT CET will be of the same difficulty level as JEE Main. However, the syllabus of MHT CET is very less in comparison to JEE Main. 

Q:   How to prepare for MHT CET from Class 11 and 12?
A:

Starting the MHT CET preparation from class 11 or 12 is the best time as MHT CET syllabus consists of topics from class 11 and 12 and students can easily cover all the topics along with school. Students can begin by checking the topics that is covered in both school and MHT CET and give special attention to them. For all three subjects, study NCERT and also take help from reference books. Understand the concepts thoroughly and solve numerical problems. To crack MHT CET along with class 12, students should devote at least 2-3 hours for CET beside class 12 studies. Regularly solve MHT CET mock test and solve previous year question papers to evaluate the performance.

Q:   How do I balance school studies with JEE Main preparation?
A:

Students who are in class 12 and would also be appearing in JEE Mains 2026 exam mostly find it difficult to manage both their class/school and JEE studies. However, all these students have an advantage over others/droppers aspirants as there are many common topics in class 12 and JEE.

To benefit, they must identify all the topics that are common and study those first. Secondly, cover the topics that have more weightage in class 12 and complete them. Before a few days of JEE Mains, study specifically for JEE. This way, they can manage both class 12 and JEE efficiently. 

Subject

Topics

Mathematics

Properties of Determinants

Area of Triangle

Family of Lines

Condition of Tangency

Solution of Quadratic Equations in Complex Number Systems

Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions

Sum up to n terms of Arithmetic and Geometric

Uniqueness of Inverse of a Matrix

Proofs of Properties of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Vector Triple Product

Rolle’s Theorem

Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem

Integral as limit of a sum

Linear Differential Equation

Physics

Accuracy and precision of measuring

Instruments

Newton’s Law of Motion

Law of conservation of linear momentum

Temperature and Heat

Change of State

Longitudinal and transverse waves

Principle of superposition of waves

Electric Charge

Proof of the Gauss’ law

Electric dipole

Continuous charge distribution

Electric Current

Drift velocity

Ohm's law

Electrical energy and power

Resistors

Ultraviolet Rays, X & Gamma Ray

Modulation

Semiconductor Devices

Rolling Motion

Bernoulli Equation

The behaviour of a gas

Ideal Gas and Real Gas

Mean Free Path

Law of Equipartition of Energy

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Damped Oscillations

Free Oscillations, Forced Oscillations and Resonance

Reflection of waves

 Polarization

Refraction of light at a Plane Boundary between two media

Resolving Power

Equipotential Surfaces

Conductors and insulators

Cyclotron Motion

Torque Acting on a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic Field

Magnetic Properties of Materials

Hysteresis

Permanent Magnet and Electromagnet

A.C. Generator

Power in A.C. Circuits

Davisson and Germer experiment

Radioactive Decays

Zener Diode

Chemistry

Matter

State of Matter

Daltons atomic theory

Scientific Figures

Calculations with significant figures

Chromatography

Kossel and Lewis's approach to chemical bonding

Ionic Bond

Lattice enthalpy

Covalent Bonding

Hydrogen

Hydrogen Peroxide

Allotropes of Carbon

Liquid State

Factors affecting vapour pressure

Application of surface tension

Adsorption isotherms

Homogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis

Preparation of colloids

Coagulation

Methods of coagulation

Application of equilibrium constant

Combustion

Structure of Benzene

Crystalline solid

Amorphous solid

Electrical properties of solids

Magnetic properties of solids

Demonstration and Exceptions to Henry’s Law

Van’t Hoff factor

Modification of expressions of

colligative property

Van’t Hoff factor and degree of dissociation

Properties of Buffer

Common ion effect and solubility

Gibbs energy

Electrodes

Dry cell and lead accumulator; Fuel cells

Collision theory of bimolecular reactions

Temperature dependence of reaction rate

Compounds of Xenon

Factors affecting Crystal Field splitting parameters

Classification of polymers

Preparation of Bakelite

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Comments

(2)

s

shaila

4 years ago

Can CET students do job in other states

Reply to shaila

k

khushi sharma

4 years ago

CAN YOU PLZ POST ABOUT MHT CET 2022 SYLLABUS AND PREPARATIONS TIPS LIKE JEE 2022?

Reply to khushi sharma