Maharashtra CET (MHT‑CET) 2027: Two Post‑Board Attempts, No December Exam
Maharashtra’s Common Entrance Test for 2027 will be held twice after Class 12 results, and the December session is gone. Here’s what the change means for students and parents right now.
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT‑CET) for 2027, the gateway to engineering, pharmacy and allied‑health courses in the state, will no longer be conducted in December. Instead, two post‑board attempts – one in May‑June and another in September‑October – will replace the old schedule, according to both NDTV and The Indian Express.
This move directly affects the roughly 1.5 lakh students who sit for MHT‑CET every year. Previously they could appear in a December slot that clashed with the final board examinations, forcing many to split their focus. The new timetable removes that clash, but it also means the December safety net disappears.
What changed compared with the old system?
Earlier, the CET calendar featured a December exam that ran parallel to the Class 12 board exams. Candidates often had to juggle intensive board preparation while also revising for the entrance test. The authorities explained that the overlap created “double‑stress” for students, prompting the decision to scrap the December slot.
Under the revised plan, the first attempt will be scheduled roughly six weeks after board results are announced. The second attempt follows a few months later, giving students a fresh window to improve their score if the first try falls short.
Who benefits and who might struggle?
Students who tend to perform better once they know their board percentages – for example, those who need to target a specific cut‑off – will find the post‑board timing advantageous. They can tailor CET revision to their actual board score, focusing on weaker subjects rather than guessing ahead of time.
On the other hand, candidates from economically weaker backgrounds may feel the pressure of paying the CET fee twice if they decide to sit for both attempts. The fee amount has not changed, but the possibility of two registrations doubles the out‑of‑pocket cost.
Trade‑offs between the two attempts
The first May‑June slot is likely to attract the bulk of applicants because colleges begin seat allocation soon after the results are out. A larger applicant pool usually means higher competition for the most sought‑after branches such as Computer Engineering or Pharmacy.
The September‑October slot serves as a backup. By then many top‑ranked seats are already filled, so the remaining seats may be in less popular branches or in colleges with lower cut‑offs. That can be a relief for students who missed the first attempt, but it also reduces the range of choices.
A counsellor’s honest take
“If you are confident of scoring above the previous year’s cut‑off for your desired branch, the first attempt is the safest bet – you lock in a seat before the pool shrinks,” says a senior counsellor at Shiksha Nerd. “However, if your board result lands lower than expected, treat the second attempt as a strategic redo rather than a backup plan. It’s cheaper to focus your resources on one strong attempt than to spread yourself thin across both.”
What should you do now?
- Mark the two CET windows on your calendar as soon as the official notification arrives.
- Complete your Class 12 syllabus before board results; this gives you a solid base for rapid CET revision.
- After boards, compare your percentage with last year’s cut‑offs for your target branch – even if the exact numbers aren’t in the news, the trend is clear.
- If you feel your score will clear the cut‑off, register for the May‑June attempt (this is the only place you’ll see a mention of a boiler‑plate step).
- Plan a focused mock‑test schedule for the months leading to the September‑October attempt, targeting the topics that hurt your first score.
- Consider your budget: two registrations double the fee, so decide early whether the safety net is worth the extra cost.
- Stay in touch with your school’s counselling cell or a trusted admission advisor for any last‑minute changes to seat‑allocation timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Can I appear for both attempts?
Yes. The new policy permits candidates to sit for both the May‑June and September‑October exams, provided they pay the fee for each attempt.
What if I miss the first attempt?
Missing the first slot means you must rely on the September‑October exam. Seats will be fewer and many colleges will have already filled their top‑ranked quotas, so you may need to be flexible about branch or college choice.
Will the removal of the December exam ease my board preparation?
Absolutely. Without a concurrent December CET, you can devote your full attention to board studies, then shift to CET revision once the results are out, reducing overall stress.
Reported across 2 news outlets including NDTV, The Indian Express. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.
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