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MHT CET (PCM)

Evidence status: 🟢 official. Every number below was verified against the MHT-CET 2026 information brochure and the official syllabus and marking scheme on 2026-09-30. Always read the current notice before you apply or pay a fee.

MHT CET is Maharashtra's state-level entrance examination for admission into undergraduate engineering, pharmacy and agricultural technology degree courses in Maharashtra colleges. This page covers the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group for engineering aspirants.

At a glance
Conducted by State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
PCM paper 150 questions, 200 marks, 180 minutes, computer-based test (CBT)
Negative marking None
Who can appear Indian nationals passed or appearing in Class 12 (HSC) or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics, plus Chemistry/Biotech/Biology/vocational subject, minimum 45% (40% for Maharashtra reserved/PwD)
Age limit None
Attempts Up to two attempts; highest total percentile score is used for ranking

Official sources

Exam pattern

Paper Questions Marks per question Marks Time
Mathematics (10 from Class 11 + 40 from Class 12) 50 2 100 90 min
Physics + Chemistry (10 + 40 each subject) 100 1 100 90 min

Total paper: 150 objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs), 200 marks, 180 minutes. There is no negative marking.

The 180 minutes run in two compulsory 90-minute stages: 1. First 90 minutes: Physics and Chemistry section (100 questions, 100 marks). After 90 minutes, this section auto-submits and cannot be reopened. 2. Second 90 minutes: Mathematics section (50 questions, 100 marks).

Each question has four options with only one correct option. Roughly 20% of the questions come from the Class 11 syllabus and 80% from the Class 12 syllabus. Difficulty level of application questions is kept at par with JEE Main.

Syllabus

The curriculum follows the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (SCERT Maharashtra) syllabus. It encompasses the entire Class 12 syllabus, along with designated foundational chapters from Class 11 listed in the official technical syllabus document. Questions focus on application-oriented understanding.

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Attempt all 150 questions: Because there is no negative marking, never leave any question blank before each section auto-submits.
  2. Prioritise Class 12 concepts: Approximately 80% of marks (160 out of 200) come from Class 12. Thoroughly master Maharashtra state board textbooks for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
  3. Maximise Mathematics: Mathematics accounts for 50% of the total score (100 out of 200 marks) at 2 marks per question. Focus on calculus, vectors, 3D geometry and coordinate geometry to build an early lead.
  4. Pace Section 1: Answering 100 questions in 90 minutes requires rapid decision-making (<54 seconds per question). Finish theoretical Chemistry questions first to leave time for Physics numerical calculations.
  5. Practise JEE Main & CET application questions: Solve past years' MHT CET papers under timed 90-minute conditions to adapt to the sectional auto-submit format.

Free resources