Every mark counts in an entrance exam, and one wrong answer can sometimes make a big difference. That’s why students preparing for MHT CET 2026 often ask one crucial question — “Is there negative marking?”
For many, this detail can shape how they plan their attempts, manage time, and even handle stress during the paper. The MHT CET, conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, is the gateway to top engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture colleges across the state.
Before you start solving hundreds of practice questions, it’s important to understand exactly how your answers are scored. This article explains the marking scheme of MHT CET 2026, the subjects covered, and why the absence of negative marking can actually work in your favour.
MHT CET 2026 Exam Overview
| Section | Details |
| Full Name of Exam | Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test (MHT CET). |
| Purpose | The MHT CET is a state-level entrance test that allows students to gain admission into undergraduate courses in Maharashtra. It covers engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture programs. |
| Conducting Authority | The exam is organised by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra (commonly called the CET Cell). This authority manages every stage of the process — from releasing notifications and collecting applications to conducting the test, declaring results, and handling counselling. |
| Exam Mode | The test is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Students sit at assigned computer centres, read the questions on screen, and select answers digitally. The system includes simple tools to mark, review, and change responses before submitting the final paper. |
| Streams and Eligibility | Students from both Science (PCM) and Biology (PCB) backgrounds can appear for the exam. The choice of group depends on the course they wish to pursue: engineering aspirants usually choose the PCM group, while those interested in pharmacy or agriculture may choose PCB. |
| Courses Covered | 1. B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering)2. B.Pharm / Pharm.D (Pharmacy)3. Agriculture and Allied Courses (such as B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, etc.) |
| Exam Groups | The MHT CET 2026 is divided into two papers based on the stream:• PCM Group – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics• PCB Group – Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Question Pattern | Each group has its own paper structure. The PCM paper is tougher in Mathematics and includes more numerical questions, while the PCB paper gives equal focus to all three subjects. The questions test understanding, application, and accuracy rather than memorisation. |
| Syllabus Basis | The syllabus follows the Class 11 and Class 12 subjects of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. About 20% of questions are based on the Class 11 syllabus, and 80% are from Class 12. |
| Scoring System | For the PCM group, Mathematics carries 2 marks per question, and Physics and Chemistry carry 1 mark each. For PCB, all subjects carry 1 mark per question. There is no negative marking, so wrong answers do not reduce the score. |
| Key Point for Students | MHT CET 2026 serves as the main gateway to top engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture colleges in Maharashtra. Since it is conducted annually, candidates should prepare according to the latest syllabus and exam pattern released by the CET Cell. |
Is There Negative Marking in MHT CET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in MHT CET 2026. You will not lose any marks for a wrong answer or an unanswered question. This rule has been the same for many years and is expected to continue for the 2026 exam as well.
This makes MHT CET different from exams like JEE Main or NEET, which reduce marks for every wrong answer. The absence of negative marking allows students to attempt every question without fear.
MHT CET 2026 Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme helps you plan your attempts and manage time during the exam. The MHT CET 2026 follows a clear and consistent pattern for both PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups.
Who Appears for Which Group?
- Engineering candidates must appear for the PCM group.
- Pharmacy candidates can appear for either PCM or PCB groups, depending on their choice of course.
Language of the Paper
- The Mathematics section will be available only in English.
- The Physics and Chemistry sections will be available in English, Urdu, and Marathi.
This allows students to choose the language they are most comfortable with while writing the exam.
The exam includes questions from both Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus of the Maharashtra State Board. About 20% of the questions come from Class 11 and 80% from Class 12.
Here’s the detailed distribution of marks and time:
| Subject | Number of Questions (Class 11) | Number of Questions (Class 12) | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
| Physics | 10 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 90 minutes (shared with Chemistry) |
| Chemistry | 10 | 40 | 1 | 50 | 90 minutes (shared with Physics) |
| Mathematics | 10 | 40 | 2 | 100 | 90 minutes |
MHT CET 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus is based on the Maharashtra State Board curriculum. It mainly covers topics from Class 11 and 12. About 20% of questions are from Class 11 and 80% from Class 12.
MHT CET 2026 Class 11 Syllabus
| Subjects | Chapters |
| Mathematics | Trigonometric functionsTrigonometric functions of Compound AnglesFactorization formulaeStraight lineCircle and ConicsSetsRelations and FunctionsProbabilitySequences and Series |
| Physics | MeasurementsScalars and VectorsForce, Friction in solids and liquidsRefraction of LightRay opticsMagnetic effect of electric currentMagnetism. |
| Chemistry | Some basic concepts of ChemistryStates of Matter (gases and liquids)Redox reactionSurface ChemistryNature of chemical bondHydrogens-Block elements (Alkali and alkaline earth metals)Basic principles and techniques in organic chemistryAlkanes. |
| Biology (Botany) | Diversity in organismsBiochemistry of cellPlant Water relations and Mineral NutritionPlant growth and development. |
| Biology (Zoology) | Organization of cellAnimal tissuesHuman NutritionHuman Respiration. |
MHT CET 2026 Class 12 Syllabus
| Subjects | Chapters |
| Mathematics | Mathematical LogicMatricesTrigonometric functionsPair of straight linesCircleConicsVectorsThree-dimensional geometryLinePlaneLinear programming problemsContinuityDifferentiationApplication of derivativeIntegrationApplications of definite integralDifferential equationStatisticsProbability distributionBernoulli trials and Binomial distribution. |
| Physics | Circular MotionGravitationRotational motionOscillationsElasticitySurface tensionWave motionStationary wavesKinetic theoryWave theoryInterference and diffractionElectrostaticsCurrent electricityMagnetic effects of electric currentMagnetismElectromagnetic inductionsElectrons and PhotonsAtoms, Molecules and NucleiSemiconductorsCommunication systems. |
| Chemistry | Solid StateSolutions and colligative propertiesChemical Thermodynamics and energeticElectrochemistryChemical KineticsGeneral Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elementsp-Block Elements,d and f Block ElementsCoordination CompoundsHalogen derivatives of alkanes (and arenes)AlcoholsPhenols and EthersAldehydesKetones and Carboxylic AcidsOrganic Compounds Containing NitrogenBiomoleculesPolymersChemistry in Everyday Life. |
| Biology (Botany) | Genetic Basis of InheritanceGene: its nature, expression and regulationBiotechnology: Process and ApplicationEnhancement in Food ProductionMicrobes in Human WelfarePhotosynthesisRespirationReproduction in PlantsOrganisms and Environment -I. |
| Biology (Zoology) | Origin and the Evolution of LifeChromosomal Basis of InheritanceGenetic Engineering and GenomicsHuman Health and DiseasesAnimal HusbandryCirculationExcretion and osmoregulationControl and Co-ordinationHuman ReproductionOrganisms and Environment-1 |
Students should use the latest MHT CET syllabus provided by the CET Cell and NCERT-based textbooks for accurate preparation.
Impact of No Negative Marking on MHT CET Exam Strategy
The lack of negative marking gives students a major advantage. It allows them to attempt every question confidently. Here are some practical strategies that can help you make the most of this benefit.
1) Attempt Strategy
Since there is no penalty, you should attempt all questions. Leaving questions blank reduces your chance of scoring higher. Even if you are unsure about an answer, make an educated guess. Try using the elimination method — remove the options that seem clearly wrong. This increases your chance of choosing the right answer. Intelligent guessing can help you earn extra marks that could make a difference in your rank. You should also divide your time between subjects carefully. Start with the subject you are most comfortable with, and then move to the others. This will build confidence and save time.
2) Time Management Tips
Managing time is very important during the exam. You have 180 minutes for a large number of questions, so planning matters.
- Don’t spend too long on one question. If you’re stuck, move on and return later.
- Answer easier questions first. This helps you pick up quick marks and builds your momentum for the tougher questions, so you don’t freeze when you face them.
- Use the review feature. The computer system allows you to mark questions for review. You can come back to them at the end.
Keep track of time. Divide your 3 hours smartly. For example:
- Physics – 50 minutes
- Chemistry – 50 minutes
- Mathematics/Biology – 80 minutes
This simple division helps you stay calm and focused throughout the exam.
3) Practice Approach
Practicing mock tests is one of the best ways to prepare for MHT CET. During mock tests, simulate the full 3-hour experience. Attempt all questions, just like in the real exam. Even though there is no penalty, tracking your accuracy will help you identify weak areas. Focus on improving concept clarity and speed. The more you practise, the easier it becomes to finish the paper in time. Use online mock tests, sample papers, and previous year question papers to understand the difficulty level.
Comparison Table: MHT CET vs Other Entrance Exams
Many students preparing for MHT CET 2026 also appear for other entrance exams such as JEE Main, NEET, or KCET. Each exam has its own marking rules, pattern, and difficulty level.
The biggest difference between MHT CET and most national-level exams is the absence of negative marking. This means you can attempt every question without the fear of losing marks for wrong answers.
Let’s look at the detailed comparison below.
| Exam | Negative Marking | Marks per Correct Answer | Conducted By | Mode | Subjects Included |
| MHT CET | No | 1 (PCM: 2 for Maths) | State CET Cell, Maharashtra | Online | PCM / PCB |
| JEE Main | Yes (-1) | 4 | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Online | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| NEET (UG) | Yes (-1) | 4 | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Offline | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| KCET | No | 1 | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) | Offline | PCM / PCB |
| BITSAT | Yes (-1) | 3 | BITS Pilani | Online | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Logical Reasoning |
| VITEEE | No | 1 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Online | PCM / PCB |
| SRMJEEE | No | 1 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Online | PCM / PCB |
| COMEDK UGET | No | 1 | Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka | Online | PCM |
| WBJEE | Yes (-1/4) | 1 or 2 | West Bengal Joint Entrance Board | Offline | PCM |
| AMUEEE | Yes (-0.25) | 1 | Aligarh Muslim University | Offline | PCM |
Key Observations
- No Negative Marking in MHT CET: Unlike exams such as JEE Main or NEET, MHT CET allows students to answer freely. Wrong answers do not reduce your score, which encourages full attempts.
- State vs National Level: MHT CET and KCET are state-level exams. JEE Main, NEET, and BITSAT are national-level exams that cover a wider syllabus and have higher competition.
- Marking Variation: MHT CET gives 2 marks for Mathematics questions and 1 mark for other subjects. JEE Main and NEET provide 4 marks per correct answer but also cut marks for errors.
- Mode of Exam: MHT CET, JEE Main, and BITSAT are conducted online, while NEET, WBJEE, and KCET are offline (pen-paper) exams.
- Ideal Exam for Students Who Prefer No Penalty: If you prefer to attempt every question confidently without losing marks for mistakes, MHT CET, KCET, or VITEEE are better options.
Conclusion
The MHT CET 2026 continues to be one of the most student-friendly entrance exams in India. Its biggest advantage is that it has no negative marking, which allows students to attempt every question without fear of losing marks. This rule encourages students to think freely, take calculated guesses, and make the most of every question in the paper. Whether you are aiming for engineering, pharmacy, or agriculture, the same principle applies — every correct answer adds to your score, and no wrong answer takes marks away.
Students should use this opportunity to practise full-length mock tests, improve accuracy, and work on time management. By staying focused and confident, you can make the most of this exam and secure a good score in MHT CET 2026.
FAQs
1) Will there be negative marking if I leave a question unanswered?
No, MHT CET 2026 does not have negative marking. If you leave a question unanswered, it neither adds nor reduces marks. Your score only depends on correct answers. You can skip any question without penalty and still complete the paper confidently within the given time.
2) Has MHT CET ever had negative marking in the past?
No. Since the introduction of the computer-based test system, MHT CET has never included negative marking. This rule has stayed the same every year. The exam focuses on testing knowledge and accuracy rather than penalising mistakes, which makes it fair for all candidates.
3) Does MHT CET follow JEE-style scoring?
No, MHT CET does not follow the JEE-style scoring system. In JEE Main, one mark is deducted for every wrong answer, but MHT CET does not reduce marks for mistakes. Each correct answer adds marks, and wrong or skipped answers have no effect on your total.
4) Can I safely guess the answers?
Yes, you can safely guess answers in MHT CET 2026 because there is no penalty for wrong attempts. Use logical elimination to remove unlikely options and make an informed guess. However, avoid random guessing without thinking, as it might reduce your accuracy over time.
5) How many hours should I study daily for MHT CET?
Study at least eight to ten focused hours daily. Divide your time wisely between subjects, and include revision and practice sessions. Take short breaks to stay fresh. Regular mock tests help improve accuracy, speed, and confidence before the actual computer-based exam.
6) Can students from other states apply for MHT CET?
Yes, students from other states can apply for MHT CET 2026. However, seats for them are limited, and they must meet specific eligibility rules mentioned in the official brochure. Maharashtra students usually get first preference for state quota seats during counselling rounds.
