The introduction of a second attempt for MHT CET marks a significant change in the examination process, allowing students more opportunities to improve their scores. Starting on May 9, 2026, this new provision opens doors for 4,92,383 candidates who will participate in this crucial assessment.
This year’s examination cycle has already seen substantial participation. In the first attempt, 8,96,236 students registered, with 8,33,482 actually appearing — a remarkable attendance rate of 92.99%. The decision to introduce two attempts is unprecedented and aims to align with practices observed in national-level entrance exams like JEE (Main).
Key details about the upcoming exams:
- The second attempt for MHT CET starts on May 9, 2026.
- The MBA/MMS CET will also be conducted on the same day for 53,931 candidates.
- Students taking the PCB group exam are scheduled for May 10 and 11, with 1,16,538 expected participants.
- The PCM group exam will take place from May 12 to May 21, excluding May 16 and 17, involving 3,21,914 candidates.
This dual-attempt format not only enhances flexibility but also allows students to secure better scores. If candidates participate in both attempts, their higher percentile score will be considered for admission — an encouraging prospect for those striving for competitive positions in colleges.
Yet, there are still questions regarding how these changes will impact overall performance metrics. A score of 100 marks is projected to correspond to a percentile range of around 88 to 92 for the PCM group and between 85 to 90 for the PCB group.
The official release of the MHT CET 2026 Answer Key Session 1 is expected by May 2. Candidates can access their answer keys and response sheets through cetcell.mahacet.org — a vital step towards understanding their performance before the second attempt.
This initiative has been met with enthusiasm among students and educators alike. As one official noted: “If a candidate appears for both attempts, the higher percentile score will be considered for admission.” This shift reflects an understanding of the pressures faced by students during such high-stakes examinations.
