MAH MBA CET 2026 – About the Exam

MAH MBA CET Exam Overview and Importance

MAH MBA CET 2026 is a state-level entrance test conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admission into MBA/MMS programs across top colleges in the state. It is a computer-based exam accepted by over 300 institutes, including leading names like JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, and Welingkar.

More than 70,000 aspirants appear for the exam every year, making it one of the most competitive MBA entrance tests in India. It offers admission opportunities not just within Maharashtra but also for students across the country, as it’s held in multiple cities across India.


Exam Dates and Schedule

MAH MBA CET 2026 is expected to be conducted between March and April 2026. The official notification is likely to be released in December 2025. Below is the tentative schedule based on past trends:


EventTentative Date
Registration BeginsLast Week of December 2025
Application CorrectionFirst Week of March 2026
Admit Card DownloadThird Week of March 2026
Exam DateFirst Week of April 2026
Answer Key ReleaseSecond Week of April 2026
Result DeclarationFirst Week of May 2026
CAP RoundFirst Week of June to Third Week of August 2026

For the latest updates, visit the official site: cetcell.mahacet.org


Syllabus Highlights

The syllabus is designed to assess aptitude across logical, analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. The section-wise breakdown is:


Logical Reasoning

Topics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Direction Sense, Puzzles

Questions: 75 | Marks: 75


Abstract Reasoning

Topics: Visual patterns, Series, Analogies, Missing figures

Questions: 25 | Marks: 25


Quantitative Aptitude

Topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, DI, Probability

Questions: 50 | Marks: 50


Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Topics: Grammar, Vocabulary, RC Passages, Para jumbles

Questions: 50 | Marks: 50

Cutoff Trends

Top colleges accepting MAH MBA CET scores have high cutoffs every year. Here are the latest trends:


InstituteCutoff (Percentile)
JBIMS Mumbai99.99
SIMSREE Mumbai99.98
PUMBA Pune99.89
Welingkar Mumbai99.68

Cutoffs are relatively lower for reserved categories and vary based on seat intake, applicant volume, and exam difficulty.


Eligibility Requirements

To apply for MAH MBA CET 2026, candidates must meet the following:

  1. Educational Qualification: Graduate degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) from a recognized university
  2. Domicile Criteria: Maharashtra domicile candidates can apply under the MH category; others fall under All India category
  3. Final-Year Students: Eligible to apply provisionally
  4. Alternative Exam Scores: Scores from CAT, CMAT, GMAT, MAT, XAT, or ATMA can also be used for CAP counselling


Exam Pattern Details


ParameterDetails
ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration2.5 Hours (150 Minutes)
Total Questions200
Total Marks200
LanguageEnglish
Negative MarkingNone

All questions are multiple-choice. Each question carries one mark, and there’s no penalty for wrong attempts, encouraging full participation.


Admit Card Information

Candidates can download the admit card once released via the official portal. Steps:

  1. Visit cetcell.mahacet.org
  2. Click on the CET portal
  3. Log in with credentials
  4. Select the MBA/MMS admit card
  5. Enter application number and DOB
  6. Download and print the admit card

It contains exam details, venue, and instructions. Carry a printed copy and valid photo ID to the test centre.


Answer Key Details

The answer key and response sheet will be available within 7–10 days of the exam. Candidates can:

  1. Log in to the official portal
  2. Download the key and compare responses
  3. Raise objections if needed within the stipulated time
  4. Wait for the expert-reviewed final answer key

This step is crucial as it directly impacts result calculation and merit preparation.


Registration Process

Registration for MAH MBA CET 2026 is online. The step-by-step process:

  1. Visit cetcell.mahacet.org
  2. Access the CET portal for AY 2025-26
  3. Click on 'New Registration'
  4. Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
  5. Create login credentials
  6. Upload photo, signature, and documents
  7. Choose test city preferences
  8. Pay the fee (INR 1,200 for General; INR 1,000 for Reserved)
  9. Submit and download confirmation

Keep a copy of the form and receipt for future reference.