Registrations for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 have crossed 11.42 lakh candidates, marking the highest participation in the past four years. The surge in applications follows the introduction of a two-attempt examination format for engineering and pharmacy aspirants. According to data released by the State CET Cell, a total of 11,42,610 candidates registered for the exam across the two major streams—Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) and Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB). The increase highlights growing interest in professional undergraduate programmes in the state.
MHT CET 2026 PCM stream sees major growth
The PCM group accounted for the largest share of registrations this year. Around 7,60,981 candidates applied for engineering-related courses through this stream. In comparison, 3,81,629 candidates registered for the PCB group, which is primarily used for admissions to pharmacy and life sciences programmes. Officials noted that the number of PCM applicants has been steadily rising over the past few years. Registrations for this group increased from 3,13,731 in 2023 to 3,79,794 in 2024 and 4,64,262 in 2025, before climbing significantly in 2026 after the introduction of the two-attempt format.
Two-attempt system boosts participation in MHT CET 2026
The new exam format allows candidates to appear twice in the same academic cycle, giving them an opportunity to improve their scores. If students take both attempts, the best score will be considered for admission. Education officials believe the change has encouraged more students to register because it reduces the pressure of performing well in a single exam and offers a second chance to improve results. The first attempt of the PCM