Maharashtra may add Class 12 marks to MHT‑CET merit list for B.Pharm admissions – impact for students
Maharashtra may tweak B.Pharm admissions by blending Class 12 marks with MHT‑CET scores. Here’s what that means for aspirants and parents today.
The state government is reportedly mulling a change that would let Class 12 board percentages sit alongside MHT‑CET marks when the B.Pharm merit list is compiled. This is a departure from the existing single‑exam formula that has governed pharmacy admissions for years.
At present, a candidate’s position on the merit list is decided purely by the MHT‑CET rank. No weight is given to the 12th‑grade percentage, even if a student scored 95 % or higher in chemistry and biology. The proposed blend would give a slice of the board score a role in the final ranking.
Who stands to gain or lose?
Students who excelled in their Class 12 board but slipped a little in the CET stand to benefit. Imagine a candidate with 93 % board marks but a modest CET score; the added board weight could push them above the cut‑off for a government college seat.
Conversely, aspirants who banked on a strong CET performance while holding average board results may see a marginal dip in rank. The exact shift depends on the weighting ratio the government finally adopts – a detail that will appear in the official notification.
What changes compared with the status‑quo?
Today, the merit list is a straight‑line graph: higher CET percentile equals a higher rank. The new model would turn that line into a curve, where two variables intersect. In practical terms, the same CET score could translate into a different rank for two students with different board percentages.
From a counselling perspective, this adds a layer of complexity. Applicants will need to calculate two scenarios – one with the old CET‑only system and another with a blended score – before deciding which colleges to target.
Trade‑offs and realistic expectations
The upside is clear: a solid school record gets a second chance to shine. For families that invested heavily in board‑exam coaching, the change could feel like a validation.
The downside is that the CET will not become irrelevant. Even with a perfect 12th‑grade score, a very low CET result could still keep a candidate out of the merit list, because the exam remains a mandatory component.
A senior counsellor would caution: “Don’t treat the board‑mark addition as a free pass. It’s a safety net, not a replacement for CET preparation.” The advice is to keep polishing both fronts until the policy is finalised.
How this sits with other admission routes
Private B.Pharm colleges already look at board marks alongside entrance scores, and they often charge considerably higher tuition than government institutions. If the state adopts the blended merit list, government seats may become slightly more competitive, nudging some students toward private options where the fee structure can be a major factor.
For families weighing cost, the blended system could preserve the lower‑fee government seats for strong board performers, while those relying solely on CET scores might need to budget for private college fees.
Key timeline cues
The proposal is still in the consultation stage. No final order has been issued, so exact dates are not available yet. Historically, Maharashtra releases admission‑related orders a few weeks before the counselling round, which for B.Pharm usually kicks off in early October.
Students should watch for the official notification – that will spell out the exact weighting, the cut‑off dates and any procedural tweaks.
What should you do now?
1. Draft a simple spreadsheet that applies a 50‑50 and a 60‑40 CET‑board split to your scores. See where you land in each scenario.
2. Keep a scanned copy of your Class 12 mark sheet ready; you will likely need to upload it when the new merit list is published.
3. If your CET score is borderline, consider a short, focused revision in pharmacy‑core subjects – it can still be the decisive factor.
4. Subscribe to the Directorate of Technical Education’s SMS alerts so you hear about the official notification as soon as it appears.
5. Talk to your school counsellor about the pros and cons of aiming for a government seat versus a private college, especially in terms of fee differences and long‑term career goals.
Frequently asked questions
Will the board‑mark addition apply to other pharmacy programmes?
The current discussion is limited to the undergraduate B.Pharm course under MHT‑CET. No mention has been made of D.Pharm or postgraduate pharmacy programmes.
Can I still apply if I missed the CET deadline?
No. The CET score remains mandatory; the change only adds a second data point, it does not replace the entrance exam.
How will the weighting be decided?
The exact formula will be detailed in the official order. Until then, assume a moderate blend and plan your preparation accordingly.
Reported across 1 news outlets including Medical Dialogues. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.
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