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)

Which Group Should You Choose?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearing MHT CET is only the first step. To get a seat through CAP, you must also satisfy the admission eligibility rules set by the Government of Maharashtra. The rules below are from the official CAP 2026-27 Information Brochure for First Year B.E./B.Tech; the 2027-28 brochure may change them.

First Year B.E./B.Tech: Eligibility for Maharashtra State Candidates

• Passed HSC (Std XII) or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of: Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Technical Vocational subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies, Electronics or Entrepreneurship.

• Obtained at least 45% marks (at least 40% for backward class categories, EWS and persons with disability candidates of Maharashtra State) in the above subjects taken together.

• Obtained a non-zero score in MHT CET (PCM group).

Alternative Routes Allowed by the Brochure

B.Pharm and Pharm.D

Pharmacy admissions are run on a separate CAP portal. Under recent pharmacy admission rules, candidates need to have passed Std XII with Physics and Chemistry along with Mathematics or Biology, with the minimum aggregate prescribed in the pharmacy brochure, and a valid MHT CET score (PCM or PCB). News reports on the 2026 pharmacy CAP indicate that NEET-UG candidates could also register. Always confirm the exact marks requirement in the pharmacy CAP information brochure for your year.

Key Takeaways

• Engineering needs Physics + Maths compulsory, plus one optional subject from the approved list.

• Minimum 45% (40% for Maharashtra reserved, EWS and PwD candidates) and a non-zero MHT CET PCM score.

• PCB candidates can get engineering seats only in nine notified branches.

• Pharmacy has its own CAP brochure — check it for the exact rules.

Pro Tip: “Non-zero score” is the bar for eligibility, not for a good college. Use the cutoff data in the colleges section to set a realistic target percentile.

Source: CAP 2026-27 Information Brochure (UG/PG, dated 02.07.2026), State CET Cell, Maharashtra

Frequently Asked Questions