MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern (Released) - Check Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Chapter Wise Weightage, Duration

Updated By srishti chatterjee on 23 Sep, 2025 11:38

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MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 is set by the CET Cell. MHT CET Paper Pattern states that the exam will be conducted online as in CBT mode. MHT CET 2026 question paper will consist of Multiple Choice Questions carrying four options with one correct answer. There will be no negative marking in MHT CET 2026 entrance exam but the level of questions will be similar to JEE Mains Exam.

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MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern will be released by the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test Cell on the official website cetcell.mahacet.org. As per the previous MHT CET, the exam will be conducted in CBT format with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The MHT CET question paper for the PCM stream will contain 150 questions, while the PCB stream will contain 200 questions. The duration of MHT CET 2026 will be pf 180 minutes for both PCM and PCB with a total of 200 marks.

The MHT CET 2026 marking scheme consists of Paper 1 for Mathematics, which includes 10 questions from Class 11 and 40 from Class 12, totalling 100 marks, with each question carrying 2 marks. Paper 2 for Physics and Chemistry follows the same structure and marking as Mathematics. Paper 3 is Biology and consists of 10 questions from Class 11 and 40 Class 12 questions, each worth 1 mark. The duration of the MHT CET 2026 Biology Paper is 90 minutes. MHT CET 2026 does not follow a negative marking scheme, and a +1 mark is awarded for each correct answer. Check the detailed MHT CET exam pattern 2026 on the page.

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MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

The key aspects concerning the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern based on last year's pattern have been mentioned in the table below. Candidates should be aware of the detailed MHT CET 2026 exam pattern before beginning their preparations.

Particulars

Details

Duration of Exam

180 minutes (90 minutes for each section)

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

Total Marks

200 marks (100 marks 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)

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 - A +1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer.
  • Mathematics - +2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer.
  • Biology - A +1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer.

Negative Marking

No negative marking

MHT CET 2026 Exam Pattern PDF Download

Candidates will be able to download the exam pattern of the MHT CET 2026 exam in PDF format once it is officially released. Meanwhile, last year’s MHT CET pattern PDF has been attached below for reference. 

MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 for PCM

The exam pattern for the PCM stream in MHT CET 2026 is as follows -

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice/ Objective-Based

Total No. of Questions in Mathematics

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Mathematics

100 (Each Question Carries Two Marks)

Duration for Mathematics

90 Minutes

Total No. of Questions in Physics

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Physics

50 (Each Question Carries One Mark)

Total No. of Questions in Chemistry

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Chemistry

50 (Each Question Carries One Mark)

Duration for Physics & Chemistry

90 Minutes

Total No. of Questions

150

Maximum Marks

200
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MHT CET Exam Pattern 2026 for PCB

The exam pattern for the PCB stream in MHT CET 2026 is as follows -

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice/ Objective-Based

Total No. of Questions in Botany

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Botany

50 (Each Question Carries One Mark)

Total No. of Questions in Zoology

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Zoology

50 (Each Question Carries One Mark)

Total No. of Questions in Physics

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Physics

50 (Each Question Carries One Mark)

Total No. of Questions in Chemistry

50 (40 Questions from Class 12 Syllabus and 10 from Class 11)

Maximum Marks for Chemistry

50 (Each Question Carries One Mark)

Total No. of Questions

200

Maximum Marks

200

MHT CET Marking Scheme 2026

The marking scheme for the MHT CET exam varies according to the paper. Physics and Chemistry sections are combined for Paper 2, and Mathematics is considered as Paper 1. Check the detailed marking scheme for the MHT CET 2026 exam in the table below:

Paper

Subject

No. of MCQs

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 each

40 each

1

100

90

Paper-3

Biology

20

80

1

100

90

MHT CET Negative Marking 2026

The MHT CET exam does not follow any negative marking scheme. The marks of the candidates are not deducted from the secured marks for incorrect answers or unanswered questions. However, candidates are advised to maintain accuracy in the exam, as the difficulty level of the exam is similar to that of JEE Main. 

MHT CET 2026 Difficulty Level

As per the previous trends of the MHT CET exam, the difficulty level of the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Maths) group is that of the JEE Main exam, whereas the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) is considered the same as NEET UG.

MHT CET Syllabus 2026

The Government of Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell revised the official syllabus for the MHT CET 2026. The State has revised the prescribed syllabus for class 11th, whereas the syllabus for class 12th for physics, chemistry, and mathematics will remain the same. As per the latest syllabus, Vector and Error Analysis have been added to the Physics syllabus; the chapter Chemistry in Everday Life has been added to Chemistry, whereas the chapter Conics has been added and Measures of Dispersion has been removed from the Mathematics syllabus. Check the detailed MHT CET syllabus 2026 in the table below:

Subjects

Topics

Physics

  • Motion in a plane
  • Laws of Motion
  • Gravitation
  • Thermal properties of matter
  • Sound Optics
  • Electrostatistics
  • Semiconductors
  • Vectors
  • Error Analysis 

Chemistry

  • Basic concepts of Chemistry
  • Structure of Atom
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Redox reactions
  • Elements of Group 1 & 2
  • States of Matter
  • Adsorption & Colloids
  • Surface Chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Basic principles of Organic Chemistry
  • Chemistry in Everday Life 

Mathematics

  • Trigonometry II
  • Straight line
  • Circle
  • Conics
  • Probability 
  • Complex Numbers
  • Permutations & Combinations
  • Functions
  • Limits
  • Continuity

Biology 

  • Biomolecules
  • Respiration & Energy Transfer
  • Human Nutrition
  • Excretion
  • Osmoregulation

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FAQs about MHT-CET Exam Pattern

What is the pattern of the MHT CET exam 2026 for PCB?

MHT CET 2025 for PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) is a 3-hour online computer-based test conducted in English, Marathi, or Urdu. It comprises 200 multiple-choice questions: 50 each from Physics and Chemistry, and 100 from Biology, making it biology-centric. Each correct answer in Physics and Chemistry awards 1 mark, while Biology questions carry 2 marks each, totalling 200 marks. There is no negative marking. Approximately 20% of the questions are from the Class 11 syllabus, and 80% are from Class 12. The exam tests candidates’ knowledge and speed, serving as a gateway for undergraduate courses in health sciences and related fields.

What is the pattern of the MHT CET exam 2026 for PCM?

MHT CET 2026 for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) is an online computer-based test conducted over 3 hours. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions: 50 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each correct answer awards 2 marks, with no negative marking. The exam has a total of 300 marks, with approximately 20% weightage given to the Class 11 syllabus and 80% to the Class 12 syllabus. Questions are designed to test speed and accuracy, with Mathematics given a higher emphasis. The medium of the exam is English, Marathi, or Urdu, making it accessible to a diverse range of candidates.

Is there any negative marking the MHT CET exam?

No, there is no negative marking in the MHT CET exam. However, the candidates are advised to practice for accuracy, as it will help them to secure maximum marks in the exam as well as practice for other exams

What is the difficulty level of the MHT CET exam?

The difficulty level of the MHT CET exam is moderate in nature, as the questions are based on the syllabus of Class 11th and 12th. If a candidate can crack the class 12th exam easily, then with more effort they can crack the MHT CET exam

Are all the questions compulsory in the MHT CET exam?

Yes, all the 150 questions asked in the MHT CET exam are compulsory. However, candidates can answer the questions according to them. There is no negative marking on leaving questions or incorrect answers.

In how many languages MHT CET exam is conducted?

The MHT CET exam is conducted in three languages Marathi, Urdu, and English. Candidates appearing for the exam can any of the following languages to read and answer the questions. Also, the languages can be switched by the candidate at any point of the exam using the language button available  on the screen.

Are Calculators allowed in the MHT CET exam?

No calculators are not allowed in the MHT CET exam, though the candidates will take the exam will be provided virtual calculators on the computer screen while taking the test. Candidates who are going to take the exam must practice using the virtual calculators to be ready for the exam day

Is the MHT CET exam easy?

The MHT CET exam is recognized as a challenging entrance exam in Maharashtra, comparable in difficulty to JEE Main 2025. Analyzing from past question paper patterns, the questions' difficulty level is expected to be moderately tough, resembling the JEE Main paper.

Is MHT CET based on NCERT?

Since, the MHT CET exam is based on a combination of class 11 and 12 HSC syllabus, it is extremely significant that candidates have thoroughly studied their State board text books for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. But to get that extra edge over others, it is highly advisable to go through the NCERT books completely.

What are the passing marks for the MHT CET exam?

As per the MHT CET Passing Marks 2025, candidates in the reserved category must have received at least 40% of the 200 total marks, or 80 marks, whilst candidates in the general category must have received at least 45%, or 90, of the 200 total marks.

What are the papers for CET 2026?

MHT CET 2026 will be conducted in two papers- Paper 1 for Physics and Chemistry and Paper 2 for Mathematics.

What is the marking scheme for MHT CET 2026?

The marking scheme for MHT CET 2026 states that for every correct answer in Physics & Chemistry, one mark will be awarded. In Mathematics, two marks will be awarded for every correct answer. No marks will be deducted for incorrect answers.

Is there a negative marking in the MHT CET exam?

As per the paper pattern, one mark will be awarded for correct answers in physics & chemistry and 2 marks for mathematics. Candidates need to note that there is no provision for negative marking. 

Is the MHT CET exam pattern 2026 released?

The MHT CET 2026 exam pattern will be released along with the official brochure. For preparatory purposes, candidates can check this page for a detailed MHT CET exam pattern

Can NRI candidates apply for MHT CET 2026 exam?

Yes, NRI candidates can apply for MHT CET 2026. They will not have to fill out the MHT CET 2026 application form and are eligible for direct admission to the respective institutes. As per the eligibility, candidates of Indian workers in the Gulf countries, and Foreign Nationals have to register for direct counselling. 

Do the candidates have to appear for different papers as per their programme preference?

Yes, for Engineering and Technology disciplines the candidates have to take the Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics papers and the Pharmacy aspirants have to sit in the Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics papers as per their preference. 

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