It’s finally here. The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has released the final answer key for the MHT CET 2026 PCM group, marking a pivotal moment for thousands of engineering aspirants across Maharashtra. With both Session 1 and Session 2 exams now concluded, candidates are eagerly checking their responses against the official key to estimate their ranks before the results drop tentatively in June 2026.
Here’s the thing about this year’s cycle: it was chaotic. Between fee hikes, a new twice-yearly exam format, and a last-minute one-day registration window on April 23, 2026, many students were left guessing if they’d even make it into the test hall. Now that the dust is settling, the focus shifts entirely to performance analysis and rank prediction.
The New Normal: Twice-Yearly Exams
Starting from 2026, the landscape of entrance exams in the state has shifted dramatically. The State CET Cell, Maharashtra decided to conduct the MHT CET twice a year—once in April and again in May. This wasn’t just a scheduling tweak; it was a structural overhaul designed to give students multiple chances at securing a seat in government or private colleges for engineering, pharmacy, and planning courses.
For the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) group, the schedule looked like this:
- Session 1: April 11–20, 2026 (excluding April 12)
- Session 2: May 12–20, 2026
The PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group followed a similar pattern, with Session 1 running from April 21–26 and Session 2 compressed into just two days, May 10–11. This flexibility allows candidates to improve their scores in the second attempt, but it also adds complexity to the ranking process.
Fee Hikes and Last-Minute Chaos
Let’s talk money, because that was a major pain point this year. The application fee saw a noticeable jump. For General Category candidates opting for a single attempt in the PCM group, the cost rose to ₹1,300. If you wanted to play it safe and register for both attempts, the bill came to ₹2,600. Reserved category candidates paid ₹1,000 for a single attempt and ₹2,000 for both.
That’s a hike of ₹300 for general candidates and ₹200 for reserved categories compared to previous years. Oddly enough, despite the higher costs and strict deadlines, the CET Cell threw a lifeline to latecomers. On April 23, 2026—seven days after the Session 2 registration deadline of April 16—they reactivated the application link for exactly one day. It was a special window for those who had missed the boat earlier, ensuring maximum participation for the academic year 2026–27.
Answer Keys Released: What You Need to Know
The most immediate news for students is the availability of the answer keys. According to reports from education platforms like Careers360, the timeline for releases was as follows:
- PCB Final Answer Key: Released on May 21, 2026
- PCM Session 1 Answer Key: Released on May 20, 2026
- PCM Final Answer Key (Both Sessions): Now available
Candidates can now verify their answers online. The twist is that the final result, which consolidates scores from both sessions where applicable, is still pending. The authority has tentatively scheduled the publication of results for June 2026. Until then, students are left to crunch their own numbers.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern Remains Steady
While the schedule changed, the core content didn’t. The exam remains a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted at district headquarters across Maharashtra. The syllabus is based on the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Maharashtra curriculum.
A crucial detail for preparation: the weightage. Approximately 80% of the questions come from Class 12 topics, while only 20% are drawn from Class 11. This means if you focused heavily on your senior year studies, you’re likely in a stronger position. The test duration is 180 minutes, covering Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Biology depending on the group.
What Happens Next?
Once the results are declared in June, the centralized admission process begins. This includes cap rounds and open rounds for allocating seats in engineering, pharmacy, and planning institutions. With no age limit for appearing in the exam, the pool of applicants is vast, making every mark count.
For those who utilized the special registration window on April 23, this is their first real chance to see if their late entry paid off. For everyone else, it’s time to wait for the official rank list. The details are still unclear regarding exact cut-offs, but historically, competition for top-tier colleges in Mumbai and Pune remains fierce.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the MHT CET 2026 results be declared?
The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has tentatively scheduled the release of MHT CET 2026 results for June 2026. While the exact date hasn't been finalized, candidates should monitor the official website closely during the first half of June for announcements.
Is there an age limit for MHT CET 2026?
No, there is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in the MHT CET 2026. Any Indian national who has passed or is appearing for the HSC (12th Standard) examination or its equivalent is eligible to apply, regardless of their age.
How much did the MHT CET 2026 fee increase?
The application fee increased by ₹300 for General Category candidates and ₹200 for Reserved Category candidates compared to previous cycles. A single attempt for General candidates costs ₹1,300, while both attempts cost ₹2,600. Reserved category fees are ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 respectively.
Can I change my exam center after allotment?
No, the brochure explicitly states that "the center once allotted shall not be changed under any circumstances." Candidates must select their preferred districts during the online application form submission, and the final allocation depends on computer node availability.
Why was the registration link reopened on April 23, 2026?
The CET Cell reactivated the application link for one day on April 23, 2026, as a special registration window. This allowed candidates who missed the regular deadline and the Session 2 cutoff on April 16 to register for the exam, ensuring broader participation in the new twice-yearly format.
