MHT CET 2026 Registrations Cross 12.5 Lakh: PCM Group Jumps 36%

MHT CET 2026 has set a new record in Maharashtra. For the first time, more than 12.5 lakh students have registered for the exam. Therefore, the state entrance test has become even bigger and more crowded than before. MHT CET 2026 registrations cross 12.5 lakh.

At the same time, the PCM group (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) has seen a huge jump in numbers. Registrations for this group have gone up by about 36% compared to last year. As a result, students who plan for engineering now face a tougher race for seats.

Record MHT CET 2026 registrations: what the numbers show

In this section, we look at the main numbers for MHT CET 2026. These figures help you see how large the exam has become. They also show why strong planning matters even more this year.

According to data shared by the State CET Cell, total registrations for MHT CET 2026 have crossed 12.5 lakh. This is the highest ever count for this exam. Moreover, the total includes students from both PCM and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups.

MHT CET 2026 – Key Registration Numbers

Earlier years saw lower totals. Now, with this new peak, MHT CET 2026 stands among the largest state-level entrance exams in India.

Read more: Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka

PCM group sees 36% surge: why this matters

This part explains the big rise in PCM students. Therefore, if you want an engineering seat, you can understand why the exam looks more crowded.

The State CET Cell has reported that PCM registrations have increased by about 36% over the last cycle. This means many more students with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths want to enter engineering, technology, and related courses through MHT CET.

Teachers and experts point to a few reasons for this surge. Firstly, more engineering seats have opened in new and existing colleges. Secondly, demand for jobs in IT, computer science, AI, and data fields continues to grow. Thirdly, some students from other states also choose MHT CET for extra options. Because of this strong push, the PCM list has grown faster than before.

Why more students are choosing MHT CET and PCM

Now let us see why so many Class 12 Science students pick MHT CET and the PCM route. When you know these reasons, you can plan your own path better.

Many students like MHT CET because it leads directly to government and private colleges in Maharashtra. These colleges offer BTech and BE in branches such as Computer Science, IT, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and more. Also, several of them show good placement records, especially in software and IT.

In addition, fees for MHT CET state quota seats often stay lower than fees in many private universities in other states. Therefore, for many families, CET looks like a value choice. Moreover, the CET syllabus matches a large part of the Maharashtra HSC syllabus. So, students can use the same study time for both boards and CET, and even for basic JEE Main preparation.

Impact on competition and cut-offs

This section looks at what the record rush means for seats and marks. Thus, you can set a more realistic target for your own score.

When total registrations rise, the competition for top seats usually becomes harder. If the number of good seats grows slowly, but applicants grow fast, then cut-off scores in top colleges may go up. For example, a branch that needed 140 marks last year may need a few marks more this year.

However, this does not mean you should give up. Instead, you should adjust your plan. Aim for a slightly higher score than last year’s cut-off. Also, make a college list in three parts:

• Dream colleges (high cut-offs)
• Safe colleges (near your target)
• Backup colleges (lower cut-offs)

As a result, even if your score falls a little, you will still have choices in the counselling rounds.

MHT CET 2026 exam pattern: quick look

Here we revise the exam pattern for MHT CET 2026. When you know the paper style well, you can use your study time in a better way.

The exam for the PCM group follows a clear and fixed pattern, similar to recent years. Questions come from Class 11 and 12 Science topics of the Maharashtra board, with a stronger focus on Class 12.

MHT CET 2026 – PCM Paper Pattern (Expected)

The exam uses MCQs (multiple choice questions). There is no negative marking, which gives you the freedom to attempt more questions. The test runs in online mode on computers in exam centres across Maharashtra.

What MHT CET 2026 aspirants should do now

In this final section, we move from numbers to action. Therefore, you will see clear steps you can follow after hearing about the record registrations.

First, do not panic about the 12.5 lakh figure or the 36% PCM surge. Many students may not prepare with full focus. If you plan well, you can still stay ahead of a large part of the crowd.

Next, complete your board syllabus with strong basics. At the same time, add daily or weekly MCQ practice for CET. Use mock tests to improve your speed and to get used to the computer-based format. Also, track only official updates through the CET Cell website (cetcell.mahacet.org) and trusted news sources, so that you do not waste time on rumours.

Finally, remember that exams change, but good preparation always helps. With steady work, clear concepts, and smart practice, you can still make MHT CET 2026 your doorway to a good engineering or pharmacy college, even in this record year.