MHT CET 2026 records about 18.12 lakh registrations, a 28% year-on-year rise
MHT CET 2026 logged approximately 18.12 lakh student registrations, marking a 28% increase over the previous academic year, official CET Cell reports show. The surge reflects growing demand for professional courses across Maharashtra.
MHT CET 2026: Registration breakdown and courses covered
The CET Cell conducts entrance tests for 17 professional courses , including engineering, pharmacy and agriculture, across the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups. Officials say this volume required rapid scaling of testing capacity to keep schedules and standards intact.
MHT CET 2026: CBT expansion, CET-ATAL assessments and mock exams
To handle the large candidate pool, the CET Cell expanded its computer-based testing (CBT) infrastructure and introduced CET-ATAL assessment tests. CET-ATAL includes mock exams and psychometric tools designed to familiarise students with digital test formats.
Officials reported that these digital initiatives helped bridge the rural-urban divide. Rural participation rose noticeably as students in remote areas used mock tests and local facilities to prepare for CBT.
Targets, inclusion measures and district extension centres
The authority has set a target of reaching 18 lakh unique student participations annually by 2029-2030 . To support this, the CET Cell proposed establishing extension centres across all 36 districts of Maharashtra. These centres aim to help students who do not have personal digital devices access the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) and testing platforms.
The push for extension centres and digital outreach is framed as a move to improve the state's Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by widening access to professional-course entrances.
Immediate student impact and what to expect next
Short-term impacts include more CBT slots and official mock-test access through CET-ATAL for candidates preparing in both PCM and PCB streams. CAP procedures will remain inclusive, with facilities for device-less students at proposed extension centres.
The CET Cell has not published exact exam dates, detailed fee structures, or a full counselling schedule in its initial release. Students should watch official CET Cell announcements for dates, seat matrices, and CAP timelines.
Key figures at a glance
- Registrations: 18.12 lakh (2026)
- Year-on-year growth: 28%
- Courses managed by CET Cell: 17 professional courses
- Districts proposed for extension centres: 36
- Participation target: 18 lakh annually by 2029-2030
This coverage summarises official CET Cell data and policy directions affecting candidates for MHT CET 2026.