MAH MCA CET 2026 Registration Extended to Feb 18: Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Top Colleges

⚠️ Urgent Update: The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has extended the registration deadline to February 18, 2026. If you have not submitted your form, this is your final opportunity.

The MAH MCA CET is one of the most competitive entrance exams in Maharashtra, offering access to prestigious institutions like VJTI, SPIT, and SPPU. With no negative marking and a compact 90-minute duration, speed and accuracy are your best assets.

Critical Snapshot: Dates & Details

Eligibility Criteria

Before you pay the fee, ensure you meet the specific requirements set by the Maharashtra State CET Cell.

• Nationality: You must be an Indian National.
• Educational Qualification:
  • Degree: Passed a Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university.
  • Minimum Marks: At least 50% aggregate marks (45% for Reserved Categories, EWS, and PwD candidates belonging to Maharashtra State only).
  • Mandatory Subject: You must have studied Mathematics as one of the subjects at either the 10+2 level or at the Graduate level.
• Final Year Students: If you are appearing for your final year degree exams in 2026, you are eligible to apply.

Documents Required for Registration

Gather these documents before you start filling out the form to prevent session timeouts.

Mandatory IDs (New for 2026):

• Aadhaar Card: You must have a valid Aadhaar number.
• APAAR ID: The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID is now mandatory. You can generate this via DigiLocker if you don’t have one.

Files to Upload:

• Photograph: 2-inch x 2-inch (50mm x 50mm). White background; Face covering 80% of image. JPG/JPEG format (20KB – 50KB)
• Signature: On white paper with Black Ink. JPG/JPEG format (10KB – 20KB).
• Identity Proof: PDF of Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID. PDF (Max 500KB)

Information Needed:

• Class 10th & 12th Marksheets (for marks entry).
• Graduation Marksheets (if completed).
• Caste Certificate/Tribe Validity Certificate (if applying under Reserved Category).
• Domicile Certificate (for Maharashtra State candidates).

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: New Registration

• Visit the official website: cetcell.mahacet.org
• Click on the “MAH MCA CET 2026” portal.
• Select “New Registration”.
• Enter your Name, Contact details, and Email.
• Note: The system will generate a provisional Registration Number and Password. Save these immediately.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Login using your new credentials.
• Personal Details: Fill in your parents’ names, gender, date of birth, and marital status.
• Category & Domicile: Select your category carefully (Open/SC/ST/OBC/etc.). You must have valid documents to prove your claim during admission.
• Qualification Details: Enter marks for SSC, HSC, and Graduation. If you are in the final year, select the “Appearing” option.

Step 3: Exam Centre Preference

• You can select up to 3 or 4 preferred cities for the exam centre. Choose the one nearest to your location as your first preference.

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Upload your Photograph and Signature strictly adhering to the size limits mentioned above.
• Upload your Proof of Identity.

Step 5: Application Fee Payment

• The fee must be paid online (Net Banking, Card, UPI).

Step 6: Final Submission

• Preview your application form. Once submitted, you cannot edit personal details.
• Click “Final Submit” and print the e-Receipt and Application Form for future reference.

Exam Pattern Overview

The MAH MCA CET is unique because there is no negative marking. This means you should attempt 100% of the questions.

Top Colleges & Cut-off Targets (2025 Trends)

To get into the top tier, you need to score above 140. Below are the expected cut-offs based on previous years.

Syllabus & Subject-Wise Breakdown

The exam consists of 100 questions divided into four sections. The difficulty level is generally comparable to 12th-grade mathematics and basic logical reasoning.

Mathematics & Statistics (30 Questions / 60 Marks)

• Algebra: Indices, Logarithms, Permutations & Combinations, Arithmetic/Geometric/Harmonic Progressions.
• Coordinate Geometry: Lines, Circles, Conics (Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola).
• Differential Equations: Order, Degree, and simple solutions.
• Trigonometry: Identities, Heights & Distances, Solutions of Triangles.
• Probability & Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Binomial/Poisson distributions.

Logical / Abstract Reasoning (30 Questions / 60 Marks)

This section tests your speed.

Topics: Seating Arrangements (Linear/Circular), Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Series Completion, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, and Non-Verbal Reasoning (Pattern completion).

English Comprehension (20 Questions / 40 Marks)

Topics: Reading Comprehension, Synonyms & Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Grammar (Prepositions, Articles), One-word Substitution.

Computer Concepts (20 Questions / 40 Marks)

A high-scoring section if you know the basics.

• Computer Basics: CPU organization, I/O devices, Memory types (RAM/ROM).
• Data Representation: Binary, Hexadecimal, Octal conversions, Binary Arithmetic (1s and 2s complement).
• Programming: Basic C concepts (Loops, Arrays, Pointers).
• Operating Systems: Basics of OS, Process management.

Preparation Strategy: The “90-Minute” Plan

Since you have 90 minutes for 100 questions, you have less than 1 minute per question.

1. Mathematics Strategy: Do not solve every step on paper. Use options to eliminate wrong answers. Focus heavily on Coordinate Geometry and Probability as they have high weightage.
2. Computer Concepts: Memorize the powers of 2 (up to $2^{16}$), ASCII values, and basic C syntax. These questions can be solved in 10-15 seconds each, saving time for Math.
3. The “Sweep” Technique:
   • Pass 1 (0-45 mins): Solve all the “easy” questions from Computer, English, and Logic.
   • Pass 2 (45-75 mins): Tackle the doable Math problems and time-consuming Puzzles.
   • Pass 3 (75-90 mins): Mark answers for every remaining question. Since there is no negative marking, never leave a question blank.

Troubleshooting Registration Issues

Payment Deducted but Status Pending? Wait for 24 hours. Do not pay again immediately. If not updated, email the helpdesk with your Transaction ID.

Mistake in Name/DOB? If you haven’t submitted the final form, edit it. If submitted, you cannot change it online. You will have to fix this via an affidavit during the admission process.

Don’t Wait: Even with the extension to Feb 18, servers can get slow in the final hours. Complete your registration today.

FAQs about MAH MCA CET 2026

What is MAH MCA CET 2026?
MAH MCA CET 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra State CET Cell for admission to MCA programs in Maharashtra colleges.

What is the last date to apply for MAH MCA CET 2026?
The final extended deadline is February 18, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.

Has the MAH MCA CET 2026 registration deadline been extended?
Yes, the registration deadline has been officially extended from February 10 to February 18, 2026.

Who conducts the MAH MCA CET exam?
The exam is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

What is the official website for MAH MCA CET 2026?
The official website is cetcell.mahacet.org.

Who is eligible to apply for MAH MCA CET 2026?
Indian nationals with a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years and Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level are eligible.

What is the minimum percentage required for MAH MCA CET 2026?
General category candidates need 50% aggregate marks, while reserved category candidates from Maharashtra need 45%.

Can final year students apply for MAH MCA CET 2026?
Yes, candidates appearing for their final year exams in 2026 are eligible to apply.

Is Mathematics compulsory for MAH MCA CET 2026?
Yes, Mathematics must have been studied either at 10+2 level or during graduation.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for MAH MCA CET 2026 registration?
Yes, a valid Aadhaar number is mandatory for registration.

What is APAAR ID and is it compulsory?
APAAR ID is an Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry ID and it is mandatory for MAH MCA CET 2026.

How can I generate my APAAR ID?
You can generate your APAAR ID through DigiLocker.

What documents are required for MAH MCA CET 2026 registration?
Photograph, signature, identity proof, Aadhaar, APAAR ID, and academic details are required.

What is the application fee for MAH MCA CET 2026?
The fee is ₹1,200 for General/OMS candidates and ₹1,000 for Reserved, PwD, and EWS candidates from Maharashtra.

What payment modes are accepted for the application fee?
Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, and UPI are accepted.

Can I edit my MAH MCA CET 2026 application form after submission?
No, once the final submission is done, personal details cannot be edited online.

What is the exam date for MAH MCA CET 2026?
The exam is expected to be held on March 30, 2026.

When will the MAH MCA CET 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card is tentatively expected in mid-March 2026.

What is the exam duration of MAH MCA CET 2026?
The total exam duration is 90 minutes.

How many questions are asked in MAH MCA CET 2026?
A total of 100 questions are asked in the exam.

Is there negative marking in MAH MCA CET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking.

What is the total marks for MAH MCA CET 2026?
The exam is conducted for a total of 200 marks.

What subjects are included in MAH MCA CET 2026?
Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, and Computer Concepts.

Which section has the highest weightage in MAH MCA CET 2026?
Mathematics and Logical Reasoning have the highest weightage with 60 marks each.

What is a good score in MAH MCA CET 2026?
A score above 140 is considered good for top colleges.

What score is required for VJTI Mumbai in MAH MCA CET?
Generally, a score of 155+ is required for VJTI Mumbai.

Which are the top colleges accepting MAH MCA CET scores?
VJTI Mumbai, SPIT Mumbai, SPPU Pune, PCCOE Pune, and VESIT Mumbai.

Can OMS candidates apply for MAH MCA CET 2026?
Yes, Outside Maharashtra State candidates can apply under the OMS category.

How many exam centre preferences can I select?
You can select up to 3 or 4 preferred exam cities.

What should I do if payment is deducted but status is pending?
Wait for 24 hours and contact the helpdesk with your transaction ID if not updated.

Is domicile certificate required for MAH MCA CET 2026?
It is required only for Maharashtra State candidates claiming state reservation.

What helpline numbers are available for MAH MCA CET 2026?
+91-9175108612 and 18002090191 are the official helpline numbers.

Can I leave questions unanswered in the exam?
You should not leave any question unanswered since there is no negative marking.

What is the best strategy for MAH MCA CET 2026 preparation?
Focus on speed, accuracy, high-weightage topics, and attempt all questions using a multi-pass strategy.

Is MAH MCA CET tougher than other MCA entrance exams?
It is considered competitive due to limited seats in top colleges, but the syllabus is manageable with proper preparation.

Will there be any further extension of the registration date?
No further extension has been announced, so candidates should not wait beyond February 18, 2026.