
MHCET 2026 Strategy serves as a vital roadmap for aspiring law students looking for a prominent alternative to exams like CLAT or AILET. The MH-CET is a state-level test, and it grants admission to some of India's most prestigious law schools, such as GLC Mumbai and ILS Pune. Here, we provide information on providing guidelines on how to prepare for the MH-CET while outlining its structure, key colleges, and an effective study strategy for the upcoming examination.
Many aspirants target premier institutions like Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai, and Indian Law Society's Law College (ILS), Pune. GLC Mumbai is renowned for its exceptional alumni base, including prominent legal figures like Ram Jethmalani and Harish Salve, making it a foundational institution for legal education.
ILS Pune is equally sought after. Other notable institutions in Maharashtra include DY Patil and Pravin Gandhi College. This strategy is designed for the four-month period leading up to the MH-CET, covering January through April.
Understanding the examination structure is crucial for effective preparation. This discussion specifically addresses the 5-Year integrated LLB program.
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MH-CET Five-Year LLB Examination Overview |
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Parameter |
Details |
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Exam Mode |
The examination is conducted Online, which is a key distinction from CLAT and AILET. |
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Question Type |
All questions are Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs). |
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Exam Date |
Tentatively expected in the last week of April or first week of May, with probable dates around May 8 or May 10. |
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Exam Duration |
120 minutes (2 hours) are allotted to complete the paper. |
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Total Questions |
A total of 120 questions, revised from the earlier 150-question format. |
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Time per Question |
Candidates need to solve 120 questions in 120 minutes, i.e., approximately 1 minute per question. |
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Marking Scheme |
1 mark per question; no negative marking, making it advisable to attempt all questions. |
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Medium of Exam |
The question paper is available in English and Marathi. |
The 120 questions are distributed across five distinct sections. While the total number of questions has changed, the proportional emphasis on sections remains consistent.
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MH-CET Exam Pattern: Section-wise Question Distribution |
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Section |
Number of Questions
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Legal Aptitude |
32 |
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English |
24 |
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Current Affairs with General Knowledge (GK) |
24 (Includes Static GK) |
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Logical & Analytical Reasoning |
32 |
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Mathematical Aptitude |
8 |
Unlike CLAT, where Legal and Current Affairs often hold higher weightage, in MH-CET, Legal and Logical Reasoning have the highest weightage. Mathematics, conversely, constitutes less than 10% of the paper.
Many students prioritize GLC Mumbai or ILS Pune, sometimes even over National Law Universities (NLUs), due to distinct pedagogical and practical advantages.
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Comparative Advantage of GLC Mumbai & ILS Pune over NLUs |
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Feature |
National Law Universities (NLUs) |
GLC Mumbai & ILS Pune
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Primary Focus |
Emphasis on theoretical learning. |
Balanced approach between theoretical and practical learning. |
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Attendance |
Attendance is generally compulsory and strictly enforced. |
Attendance policies are often more flexible, which is a significant advantage. |
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Internships |
Practical experience is primarily gained during designated internship breaks between semesters. |
Flexible attendance allows students to undertake internships concurrently with their academic semesters. This continuous practical exposure is highly valued. |
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Location Advantage |
Varies by NLU. |
Located in Mumbai and Pune, major hubs for law firms, offering excellent access to internships and networking. |
This structure enables students from GLC and ILS to graduate with substantial practical experience, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
To secure a seat in premier institutions like GLC Mumbai or ILS Pune, aspirants should aim for ambitious scores in each section:
Legal Aptitude: 27+ out of 32
English: 20+ out of 24
GK & Current Affairs: 22+ out of 24
Logical Reasoning: 28+ out of 32
Mathematical Aptitude: 8 out of 8
For those with prior CLAT preparation, a competitive edge can be gained by focusing on three key areas:
Logical Reasoning: Mastering analytical reasoning topics such as blood relations and puzzles is crucial.
Static GK: Unlike CLAT, MH-CET has a significant component of static general knowledge.
Mathematics: Despite its low weightage, achieving a perfect score in Maths can be a deciding factor due to its scoring potential.
Mastering these sections is an effective strategy for differentiation and securing admission.
Students concurrently preparing for their board examinations in March need a balanced study approach. For January and February:
Board Exams: Allocate approximately 2/3 (around 66%) of your daily study time. For instance, if you study for 10 hours, dedicate 6.5-7 hours to boards.
MH-CET Preparation: Devote the remaining 1/3 of your study time. This would translate to 3-3.5 hours daily.
This allocation prioritizes board exams while ensuring consistent progress for MH-CET. After board exams conclude, 100% of study time can be directed towards MH-CET.
A structured, daily study formula like R-W-S-R is more effective than a rigid, hour-by-hour timetable. (Memory Tip: R-W-S-R stands for Read, Write, Solve, and Revise. Remember, it's a cycle for continuous learning.)
Focus Subjects: Legal Aptitude, Current Affairs, and General Knowledge (GK).
This phase is for absorbing and understanding new information.
Focus Subjects: Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, English, and Legal Aptitude.
These subjects demand active problem-solving and consistent practice to develop speed and accuracy.
Focus Subjects: GK, Current Affairs, and Legal GK.
Revision is vital for retention, especially before sleeping, as it builds confidence and reinforces daily learning. For Maths or Analytical Reasoning, consistent practice itself serves as a form of revision.
Purpose: This step is beneficial for students who struggle with long-term retention, as writing helps solidify memory.
Focus Content: Current Affairs one-liners and Static GK facts (e.g., lists of awards, honors, and appointments).
Consistency is the key to the success of this formula. Regular, sustained effort is more impactful than the sheer number of hours studied.