MHT CET B Arch Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Maharashtra Common Entrance Test 2026 ( MHT CET )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 11 Apr '26 - 19 Apr '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Satyendra Singh
Updated on Feb 26, 2026 12:36 IST

By Satyendra Singh

MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026: The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test Cell has released the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern for both PCM and PCB groups at cetcell.mahacet.org. Aspirants of the MHT CET exam for engineering and pharmacy admission must check the paper pattern to know the sections, marking scheme, number of questions, etc. As per the official MHT CET exam pattern 2026, the PCM paper will have 150 questions in total, 50 from physics, chemistry and mathematics each. The PCB exam will have 200 questions, 100 from Biology and 50 from Physics and Chemistry. The total marks for both the tests is 200 marks.

MHT CET 2026 will be conducted in CBT mode. The exam duration for both groups is 180 minutes (3 hours). There is no negative marking in MHT CET, but the level of questions are similar to JEE Main. Check MHT CET 2026 exam pattern like marking scheme, weightage of subjects and more below.

Table of contents
  • MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 Complete Details
  • MHT CET 2026 Marking Scheme
  • Maharashtra CET 2026 Syllabus
  • MHT CET Exam Difficulty Level 2026
  • MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
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MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 Complete Details

The MHT CET question paper has 20% questions from the class 11, and 80% from the class 12 MHT CET syllabus. Check highlights of exam pattern here.

Particulars

Details

Mode of Examination

Online, Computer Based Test

Number of Sections

For PCM Group

Section 1- Physics and Chemistry

Section 2- Mathematics

For PCB Group

Section 1- Physics and Chemistry

Section 2- Biology

Duration of Exam

180 minutes (90 minutes for each section)

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Total number of Questions

PCM Group - 150 Questions (50 from each subject)

PCB Group - 200 Questions (100 from Biology and 50 each from Physics & Chemistry)

Total Marks

200 marks (100 marks for each section)

Language of Examination

  • Mathematics will be in the English language

  • Physics and Chemistry will be in English/Urdu/Marathi

  • Biology will be in English/Urdu/Marathi

Marking Scheme

Physics & Chemistry - 1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer.

Mathematics - 2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer.

Biology - 1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer.

Negative Marking

No negative marking

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there a negative marking in MHT CET?
A: 

There is no negative marking in MHT CET. In the Maharashtra CET exam, Physics and Chemistry question is of 1 marks. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions or incorrection answers. 

Q:   Is there passing marks in MHT CET 2026?
A: 

No. There is no minimum mark required to pass the MHT CET exam. The only requirement to get the scorecard is to appear in all subjects of MHT CET and obtain a non-zero score.

Q:   Is the MHT CET exam MCQ type?
A: 

Yes, the MHT CET 2026 exam is MCQ type for both the PCM and PCB groups. For each question, students will be given 4 alternatives and candidates have to mark the correct answer.

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MHT CET 2026 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for MHT CET 2026 is given below. Candidates can check the marking scheme below for a strategic MHT CET exam preparation:

MHT CET Marking Scheme

Paper

Subject

No of MCQs based on

Marks per question

Total Marks

Duration in Minutes

Class 11

Class 12

Paper-1

Mathematics

10

40

2

100

90

Paper-2

Physics

Chemistry

10

10

40

40

1

100

90

Paper-3

Biology

20

80

1

100

90

Check MHT CET 2026 Syllabus details here

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the overall difficulty level of MHT CET exam?
A: 

As per the information brochure, the MHT CET exam will be similar to the JEE Main exam in terms of difficulty level. However, those who appear for both tests often report that MHT CET is easier as compared to JEE Mains.

Q:   What is the duration of MHT CET exam?
A: 

The duration of the MHT CET 2026 exam is 180 minutes for both the PCM and PCB groups. The papers 1 and 3, Maths & Biology, are for 90 minutes each, while paper 2, for Physics and Chemistry, is 90 minutes taken together.

Q:   What is the MHT CET syllabus?
A: 

The MHT CET 2026 syllabus is based on the syllabus of State Council Of Educational Research And Training,  Maharashtra for classes 11th and 12th. The complete syllabus of class 12th and a select few topics from class 11th together make up the MHT CET syllabus.

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Maharashtra CET 2026 Syllabus

Candidates can check the MHT CET 2026 syllabus PDF to know the topics which are covered in exam on the official website. The syllabus of MHT CET for BTech (PCM Group) consists of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics topics of class 11 and 12 Maharashtra Board. Candidates appearing for BPharma (PCB Group) exam have to study Biology instead of Mathematics. Candidates preparing for MHT CET 2026 should study as per the prescribed syllabus. Candidates should check the syllabus for effective MHT CET preparation 2026.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where can I get MHT CET mock test pdf?
A: 

The PDF of MHT CET mock tests can be downloaded from Shiksha page. Maharashtra CET Cell releases MHT CET mock tests every year before the start if exams. Students can download the official mock tests by Maharashtra CET Cell or practice it online. Solving mock test before the exam is very beneficial in scoring good marks in the exam.

Q:   When should I start solving MHT CET mock test papers?
A: 

Candidates should start taking the MHT CET mock tests as early as possible. In the last month before the exam, candidates should take the mock tests daily.

Q:   What is the format of the MHT CET exam?
A: 

The MHT CET 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode as a computer-based test. Candidates have to select the correct answers on their computer screens. The exam will be held at various test centres across the state.

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MHT CET Exam Difficulty Level 2026

The difficulty level of MHT CET is similar to JEE Main. As per previous year question paper, it has been observed that the MHT CET exam was quite the same as JEE Main. On the other hand, difficulty level of Biology was also at par with NEET UG exam. For candidates seeking admission to Engineering and Technology degree courses, it is mandatory to appear for Paper-1 and Paper-2. The questions in the MHT CET exam will be application-based. Candidates must check MHT CET chapterwise weightage in past years to analyse the difficulty level.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Do I need to attempt all the questions in MHT CET exam?
A: 

It is not compulsory to attempt all the question in MHT CET exam. Students are advised to attempt only those questions for which  they know the correct answer. Questions for which the answer is not sure should be left. However, as there is NO negative marking in MHT CET exam,  questions for which answer is doubtful can be attempted in last. Students gets All India Rank based on the marks they secure in exam and gets admission based on that rank.

Q:   What is the exam pattern for MHT CET?
A: 

MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)

Exam Pattern: Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Examination

Exam Duration: For PCM Physics Chemistry Maths 180 minutes For PCB Physics Chemistry Biology 180 minutes

Type of Questions: MCQs Total Number of Questions: For PCM Physics Chemistry Maths 150 Questions For PCB Physics Chemistry Biology 200 Questions

Total Marks: For PCM Physics Chemistry Maths 200 Marks For PCB Physics Chemistry Biology 200 Marks

Language/Medium of Exam: English Hindi Marathi, Urdu

Marking Scheme: 1 Mark for each correct response in PCB Physics Chemistry and Biology 2 Marks for each correct response in Mathematics, and No negative marking For more details, you may visit the Shiksha MHT CET page. (https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/mht-cet-exam). .

Q:   What are the maximum marks in MHT CET?
A: 

The MHT CET 2026 exam is conducted for a total of 200 marks for both PCM and PCB marks. The MHT CET exam is conducted for 3 papers- Maths (Paper 1), Physics and Chemistry (Paper 2) and Biology (Paper 3) and each for 100 marks. Paper 2 is common for both groups.

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MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

Check Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How is MHT CET conducted, online or offline?
A: 

Maharashtra CET Cell conducts MHT CET exam in online mode as a computer-based test. MHT CET exam is conducted for two different courses; BTech, and BPharma. The exam for both BTech and BPharma is completely online. The exam is held across various test cities in India.

Q:   Is Biology compulsory for MHT CET exam?
A: 

Biology or Paper 3 is not compulsory for PCM group students, though it will be tested for the PCB group aspirants. Thus, it is important to choose your subjects carefully, depending on the course you seek admission into. Candidates can also apply for both groups, thus making biology compulsory in such a case.

Q:   How many times is MHT CET exam held in a year?
A: 

The CET Cell will now conduct the MHT CET exam twice a year, similar to the JEE Mains exam. With this, the authorities aim to provide candidates another chance to improve their scores without wasting a year.

Q:   What is the MHT CET exam pattern 2026?
A: 

As per the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern, the test will be conducted in online mode (CBT) having only MCQs. The exam consists of three papers (PCM/PCB) with 90 minutes each, totalling 100 marks per paper. There is no negative marking. Mathematics questions are worth 2 marks each, while Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are worth 1 mark each.

Q:   How many sections are there in MHT CET exam?
A: 

The MHT CET exam has 3 papers- Maths, Physics & Chemistry, and Biology. However, there are only 2 sections in the exam. For the PCM group, the two sections are Paper 1 (Maths) and Paper 2 (Physics and Chemistry). For the PCB group, the two sections are Paper 2 (Physics and Chemistry) and Paper 3 (Biology). 

Q:   How many marks will I get for a wrong question in MHT CET answer key?
A: 

For any question, if none of the options is found correct or a question is found to be wrong or dropped, then full marks will be awarded to all candidates irrespective of the fact whether the question has been attempted or not attempted by the candidate.

For Maths, each question is worth 2 marks and for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, each question is worth 1 marks.

Q:   What is the best way to prepare for MHT CET 2026?
A: 

The best way to prepare for MHT CET 2026 is through the official syllabus. The authorities have already provided the detailed syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Additionally, students must attempt the free MHT CET mock test prepared and released by the authorities. Candidates can also practice the MHT CET 2026 sample papers by Shiksha for comprehensive preparation.

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Answered 4 days ago

Candidates should take the MHT CET mock test in a time-bound manner within a simulated environment. Ieally students should take the mock test within the exam duration 9 am to 12 noon or 3 PM to 6 PM, without any break. This will help adjust to the exam-taking environment. It must also be ensured tha

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Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Getting good marks in MHT CET mock tests do not guarantee that you will also score good marks in the actual exam. However, if you are solving the mock tests regularly, it will surely help in increasing the accuracy, time management and performance of exam.

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Solving mock test paper is important for exam preparation since it will tell you how close you are to clearing MHT CET exam. This will also give a rough idea about how much time is required to solve questions, what topics you find difficult, and whether you will be able to complete the paper on time

...Read more

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Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

The Maharashtra CET Cell releases the official MHT CET Mock test on the website cetcell.mahacet.org. Students can solve the MHT CET mock tests for free. Aspirants can also download MHT CET mock test papers for free from Shiksha page. Practicing MHT CET mock test is very helpful in preparation of the

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Candidates should ideally attempt at least 10 to 15 mock tests in the last one month before appearing for the real examination. By solving the MHT CET mock test you can get a better understanding of how to manage time better in solving questions. Also, you will get an idea about the level of difficu

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The best way to prepare for MHT CET 2026 is through the official syllabus. The authorities have already provided the detailed syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Additionally, students must attempt the free MHT CET mock test prepared and released by the authorities. Candidates

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

For any question, if none of the options is found correct or a question is found to be wrong or dropped, then full marks will be awarded to all candidates irrespective of the fact whether the question has been attempted or not attempted by the candidate.

For Maths, each question is worth 2 marks and

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The MHT CET exam has 3 papers- Maths, Physics & Chemistry, and Biology. However, there are only 2 sections in the exam. For the PCM group, the two sections are Paper 1 (Maths) and Paper 2 (Physics and Chemistry). For the PCB group, the two sections are Paper 2 (Physics and Chemistry) and Paper 3 (Bi

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

As per the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern, the test will be conducted in online mode (CBT) having only MCQs. The exam consists of three papers (PCM/PCB) with 90 minutes each, totalling 100 marks per paper. There is no negative marking. Mathematics questions are worth 2 marks each, while Physics, Chemistr

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The CET Cell will now conduct the MHT CET exam twice a year, similar to the JEE Mains exam. With this, the authorities aim to provide candidates another chance to improve their scores without wasting a year.

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 10

48 Institutes accepting MHT CET

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