MHT CET 2027 Revised Exam Date Updates: Both Attempts to Be Held After Board Exams

The Higher and Technical Education Department of Maharashtra has announced a significant shift in the examination schedule for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test. Under the MHT CET 2027 Major Update, both attempts of the state-level entrance examination for engineering and pharmacy degree admissions will now be conducted after the Class 12 (HSC) board examinations.

This decision changes the state's prior plan to conduct the first session in late winter, giving candidates dedicated focus time for their board exams before sitting for the competitive entrance tests. Candidates can check 

MHT CET Syllabus 2026 PDF

MHT CET 2027 Major Update: Both Exam Attempts to Be Held After Board Exams

The two attempts for the current academic year were initially scheduled for December 2026 and April 2027. Maharashtra’s higher and technical education department has decided to reschedule the two attempts of the state’s Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) for engineering and pharmacy courses, with both now set to be held after the Class 12 board examinations. 

The two attempts for the current academic year were initially scheduled for December 2026 and April 2027. However, following feedback from parents, counsellors and educationists, both will now be held between March and May, according to officials aware of the developments.

Maharashtra announced the two-attempt format in November last year to bring the CET in line with national-level entrance examinations such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and reduce academic stress on students by giving them a second chance to improve their scores.

The two CET attempts for the 2025-26 academic year were held in April and May, as the decision to introduce the format came late last year. From the current academic year, however, the state had planned to hold the first attempt in December and the second in April.

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MHT CET 2027 Revised Timeline 

According to officials from the Higher and Technical Education Department, the two exam sessions for the upcoming academic session will now take place between March and May. 

Why Was the Schedule Changed?

The decision to revise the timeline came after extensive feedback from parents, academic counselors, and education experts. Conducting an entrance test in December created scheduling friction and preparation pressure for students balancing practical exams, preliminary tests, and board exam preparation. MHT CET 2027 Session 1 exam for better practice. 

By aligning both attempts between March and May, the state ensures that candidates complete their Class 12 theory and practical examinations without parallel entrance exam stress.

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Background of the Two-Attempt Rule in Maharashtra CET

Maharashtra introduced the two-attempt model for the MHT CET 2027 exam to bring state admissions in line with national competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Key objectives behind the two-attempt system include

• Score Improvement Opportunity: Students get a second chance to improve their percentile ranking without waiting an entire academic year.

• Best-of-Two Scoring: The higher score of the two attempts is considered for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) seat allocation.

• Reduced Exam Anxiety: Having a backup attempt reduces single-day performance pressure on aspirants.

During the 2025–26 session, the two CET sessions were held in April and May because the policy was finalized late in the academic cycle. While the department initially intended to establish a December-April schedule for future batches, feedback prompted the permanent alignment of both attempts after board exams.

How This Update Impacts Engineering and Pharmacy Aspirants

The shifted timeline affects study strategies for students preparing for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) streams:

1. Clear Focus Split: Students can focus entirely on Class 12 board exam preparation until February/March without dividing attention between descriptive board answers and multiple-choice CET speed tests.

2. Back-to-Back Revision Window: With both attempts scheduled between March and May, aspirants will need an intensive revision strategy to manage two attempts within a tighter window post-boards.

3. Better Alignment with National Exams: The March–May window positions MHT CET attempts alongside JEE Main Session 2 and NEET UG timelines.

What Students Should Do Next

• Prioritize Board Syllabus: Focus on mastering the HSC Class 12 textbook concepts thoroughly, as the MHT CET questions heavily reflect the State Board curriculum.

• Track CET Cell Notifications: Regularly check the official Maharashtra CET Cell portal (cetcell.mahacet.org) for exact registration windows, syllabus weightage, and detailed session dates.

• Plan Mock Tests Post-Boards: Schedule full-length computer-based mock tests after finishing board exams to adjust to the speed and accuracy required for MHT CET.

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