MHT CET 2026 Hits Record 11.4 Lakh Registrations

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially announced a historic milestone for MHT CET 2026. Total registrations for the state-level entrance exam have skyrocketed to an unprecedented 11.42 lakh, marking the highest participation in the exam's history. This massive surge—a significant jump from the 7.65 lakh applicants in 2025—signals a new era for higher education in Maharashtra.

The Game-Changer: The Two-Attempt System

The primary catalyst behind this record-breaking turnout is the newly introduced two-attempt system. Similar to the JEE Main format, this flexibility allows students to appear for the entrance test twice within the same academic cycle.

Educational experts note that this reform has significantly lowered student anxiety. By offering a 'second chance' to improve their scores, the Maharashtra CET Cell has encouraged thousands of candidates who might have previously felt overwhelmed by the 'one-shot' pressure.

PCM Group Leads the Surge

Data reveals a particularly sharp interest in the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group. With the demand for Engineering and Technology courses reaching an all-time high, over 7.6 lakh candidates have opted for the PCM stream alone. The PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group also saw healthy participation, reflecting a robust interest in Pharmacy and related health sciences.

Key Dates and Next Steps for Students

For registered candidates, the focus now shifts to the examination hall. The MHT CET 2026 schedule is spread across April and May to accommodate both attempts:

• PCM Attempt 1: April 11 – April 19, 2026
• PCB Attempt 1: April 21 – April 26, 2026
• Second Attempt (Both Groups): May 10 – May 17, 2026

Candidates should also note that the form correction window is currently active until March 7, 2026. This is a critical opportunity for students to edit personal details, update photographs, or even add the second attempt option if they haven't already.

Why This Matters for Maharashtra’s Education

The 11.4 lakh figure isn't just a statistic; it represents a growing competitive landscape. With more students entering the fray, the cutoff for top-tier institutes like COEP, VJTI, and ICT is expected to be more competitive than ever.

As the state transitions to this JEE-style format, the focus for students must remain on conceptual clarity and consistent practice across both attempts to secure a seat in Maharashtra's premier technical institutions.