Eligibility
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria
A common source of confusion is the difference between being eligible to write MHT CET and being eligible for admission through CAP. The test itself has very simple entry conditions. The stricter rules — subject combinations, minimum marks and domicile — apply later, at the admission stage.
Eligibility to Appear for MHT CET (2026 Brochure)
|
Criterion |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Nationality |
Indian national |
|
Qualifying exam |
Passed or appearing in HSC (Std XII) or equivalent examination |
|
Age limit |
No age limit |
|
Domicile to appear |
Not required — candidates from any state can appear (domicile matters only at admission) |
|
Group choice |
PCM, PCB or both groups, depending on the courses you want |
|
Exam centres |
Located within Maharashtra (district headquarters) |
Which Group Should You Choose?
|
If you want… |
Appear for |
|---|---|
|
B.E./B.Tech (engineering and technology) |
PCM |
|
B.Planning, integrated M.E./M.Tech, integrated M.Planning |
PCM |
|
B.Pharm / Pharm.D |
PCM or PCB (either group score can be used, as per pharmacy admission rules) |
|
Both engineering and pharmacy options |
Both PCM and PCB |
|
Engineering branches open to PCB candidates (e.g. Biotechnology, Food Technology) |
PCM preferred; PCB route allowed only for notified branches (see next subsection) |
Who Does Not Need to Appear?
As per the brochure, NRI, OCI, PIO, children of Indian workers in Gulf countries and foreign national candidates are exempted from appearing in MHT CET. They are admitted to the seats meant for them on the basis of their qualifying examination, as per the admission rules.
Key Takeaways
Any Indian national who has passed or is appearing for Std XII can write MHT CET.
There is no age limit for MHT CET.
Choose PCM for engineering; PCB or PCM for pharmacy; both if you want to keep all options open.
Domicile and minimum-marks conditions apply only at the CAP admission stage.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure between engineering and pharmacy, register for both groups. The extra fee is small compared to the flexibility it gives you during CAP.
Source: MHT CET 2026 Information Brochure, State CET Cell, Maharashtra