
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduate courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agriculture in Maharashtra. One of the most important aspects for aspirants to understand is the MHT CET Total Marks 2026, as it directly influences preparation strategy and target score planning.
Here, it provides a complete overview of the total marks, subject-wise distribution, marking scheme, and exam pattern for MHT CET 2026.
The total marks for MHT CET 2026 are:
PCM group (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics): 200 marks
PCB group (Physics, Chemistry, Biology): 200 marks
Candidates applying for Engineering programs appear for the PCM group, while those applying for Pharmacy or Agriculture programs appear for the PCB group.
The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, and the total duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).
Students appearing for Engineering courses take the PCM combination. The marks distribution is as follows:
Physics: 50 questions, 1 mark each (Total 50 marks)
Chemistry: 50 questions, 1 mark each (Total 50 marks)
Mathematics: 50 questions, 2 marks each (Total 100 marks)
Total: 200 marks
In the PCM group, Mathematics carries the highest weightage with 100 marks. This makes Mathematics a crucial subject for Engineering aspirants aiming for a high score.
Candidates applying for Pharmacy or Agriculture courses appear for the PCB combination. The marks distribution is:
Physics: 50 questions, 1 mark each (Total 50 marks)
Chemistry: 50 questions, 1 mark each (Total 50 marks)
Biology: 100 questions, 1 mark each (Total 100 marks)
Total: 200 marks
In the PCB group, Biology carries the highest weightage with 100 marks, making it the most important subject for these aspirants.
Understanding the marking scheme is essential for maximizing the total score.
Physics and Chemistry: 1 mark for each correct answer
Mathematics (PCM): 2 marks for each correct answer
Biology (PCB): 1 mark for each correct answer
One of the major advantages of MHT CET is that there is no negative marking. This means candidates do not lose marks for incorrect answers. As a result, students are encouraged to attempt all questions.
The key features of the MHT CET 2026 exam pattern include:
Mode of Examination: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs
Total Marks: 200
Total Duration: 180 minutes
Medium of Exam: English, Marathi, or Urdu
Syllabus: Based on Maharashtra State Board Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum
The question difficulty level is generally moderate, with a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions.
Knowing that the exam carries 200 total marks helps candidates:
Set a realistic target score
Allocate preparation time according to subject weightage
Focus more on high-weightage sections
Plan mock test strategy effectively
For PCM candidates, Mathematics contributes half of the total marks. For PCB candidates, Biology contributes half of the total marks. Therefore, strengthening the highest-weightage subject is crucial for improving overall performance.
Although the total marks are 200, admission is granted based on percentile and rank. A higher raw score generally translates to a higher percentile, depending on exam difficulty and normalization.
In competitive branches and top government colleges, candidates typically aim for higher scores to secure admission. Therefore, targeting a score well above the average can significantly improve chances of selection.
Since the total marks are distributed unevenly among subjects, candidates should plan accordingly.
Give significant focus to Mathematics due to its 100-mark weightage.
Maintain consistent practice in Physics and Chemistry.
Solve previous year question papers and full-length mock tests.
Prioritize Biology, as it carries 100 marks.
Revise conceptual topics from Physics and Chemistry regularly.
Focus on accuracy and time management during practice sessions.
Regular revision, concept clarity, and timed practice tests are essential for maximizing scores in a 200-mark examination.