The MAH MCA CET 2026 registration window closed on 10 February 2026. The exam was held on 30 March 2026. More than 100 government, aided, and private MCA institutes in Maharashtra will admit students based on the scores from this single computer-based test. If you are reading this in June 2026, the current cycle’s exam is over and CAP counselling is underway. But if you are planning for the 2027 cycle, or want to understand exactly what the 2026 process demanded - this step-by-step guide is drawn directly from the official information brochure released by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.
Everything here - fees, photo dimensions, section weights, correction window dates, eligibility fine print - is taken verbatim from the authoritative sources. Bookmark this. When the 2027 notification arrives, the core structure will almost certainly repeat. The official website remains cetcell.mahacet.org.
MAH MCA CET 2026: The Official Timeline
The schedule below is as it actually happened in 2026. For 2027, expect a similar window starting in January, with the exam likely in March or April. Always confirm dates on cetcell.mahacet.org the moment the notification is published.
The exam was conducted in a single shift as a computer-based test, entirely in English. Admit cards were available only through candidate login, and the State CET Cell explicitly warned that no candidate would be permitted to enter the test centre without a printed hall ticket and a valid original photo ID bearing the same name.
Eligibility: Who Could Apply in 2026
The eligibility conditions for MAH MCA CET 2026 are unlikely to change dramatically. Here is what the official brochure mandated:
- Nationality: Indian.
- Educational qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university - B.E., B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, B.Voc, and others are all accepted.
- Mathematics requirement: You must have studied mathematics either at the 10+2 level or as a subject during your graduation. The brochure says “preferably at 10+2 level or at graduation level,” but in practice, either is sufficient.
- Minimum marks: 50% aggregate in the qualifying degree for general category. For reserved categories (SC, ST, VJ/DT, NT, OBC, SBC, SEBC, EWS) and Persons with Disability belonging to Maharashtra State, the minimum aggregate is 45%. Aggregate means the grand total of marks in subjects on which the class declaration is made at the respective university.
- Age limit: None. There is no upper or lower age restriction.
- Appearing candidates: Final-year students were eligible to apply, provided they completed their degree before document verification during CAP counselling. Admission remained provisional until original mark sheets were submitted.
- Grade/CGPA candidates: The brochure states that conversion of grades or CGPA to percentage must follow the procedure certified by the university/institution.
Outside Maharashtra State (OMS) candidates could apply, but reservation benefits apply only to Maharashtra domicile holders. The official brochure and CAP rules define several candidature types (Type A, B, C, D, E) based on domicile, birth, or parent’s employment - critical during counselling but not during the CET application itself.
Application Fee: Category-Wise Breakdown
The application processing fee was non-refundable and payable only online - Internet banking, debit/credit cards (RuPay/Visa/Mastercard/Maestro), IMPS, UPI, cash cards, and mobile wallets were accepted. The 2026 fee structure, as published in the brochure:
Service charges, if any, were additional. Once paid, the fee could not be transferred or refunded under any circumstance.
Documents to Keep Ready Before You Begin
The application was entirely online. No offline forms were accepted. Based on the official brochure and the registration portal’s requirements, here is the checklist you must prepare - whether for 2026 revision or for your 2027 preparation:
- Scanned passport-size photograph: 2 inch × 2 inch (50 mm × 50 mm), colour, face covering about 80% of the frame, plain light-coloured or white background, uniform lighting, neutral expression, both ears visible. File format JPEG. File size: minimum 100 KB, maximum 5 MB. No selfies, no sunglasses, no caps. Head coverings only for religious reasons, with the face edges clearly shown. The photograph must be recent.
- Scanned signature: Sign on white paper with black ink; avoid capital letters. The portal typically expects JPEG, file size around 10-20 KB, but exact dimensions are set by the online system. Use your natural running-hand signature - the same you will use on the exam day attendance sheet. Mismatch leads to disqualification.
- Aadhaar card: Aadhaar authentication was mandatory during registration. Ensure your Aadhaar details - name, date of birth, gender, address - are updated and match your application form exactly. The CET Cell also verified APAAR ID through DigiLocker.
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets: For accurate academic details. The name and date of birth must match the Aadhaar and the application form.
- Graduation mark sheets / degree certificate: All semesters or consolidated.
- Category certificate (if applicable): Issued by a competent Maharashtra authority in the latest prescribed format. The brochure specifies that caste validity certificate and non-creamy layer certificate (valid up to 31/03/2027) would be required at the time of CAP, but uploading category details during CET registration was allowed.
- EWS certificate (if applicable): For general category candidates claiming EWS quota.
- PWD certificate (if applicable): For candidates with benchmark disability.
- Active mobile number and email ID: You must retain these until the admission process ends. OTPs for registration, login, and all future communications go here. They typically cannot be changed later.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The 2026 application portal used Aadhaar-based authentication and required candidate login creation. The exact interface may change, but the logic remains every year.
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to cetcell.mahacet.org. Click on the CET examination portal link for 2026-27, then select “M.C.A./M.HMCT CET” and hit “New Registration.”
Step 2: Register and verify
Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. You will receive separate OTPs on both. Verify them to generate a registration number and password. Save both immediately - screenshot or write them down. The mobile number and email are locked for all future correspondence.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Login with your credentials. The application form is divided into tabs. Fill sequentially:
- Personal details: Name must be identical to your Class 10 certificate. Parent’s name, gender, date of birth, nationality, communication address. Any mismatch with Aadhaar can trigger a verification query.
- Academic details: Enter board, year of passing, percentage/CGPA, and subjects for Class 10, 12, and graduation. If results are awaited, choose “Appearing.”
- Test city preference: Select cities from the list of test centres within Maharashtra only. The brochure lists multiple cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, Thane, Kolhapur, Solapur, Amravati, Latur, Dhule, Nanded, Jalgaon, Akola, Sangli. The CET Cell reserves the right to allocate any centre.
- Category selection: If claiming reservation, select the appropriate category and upload a scanned certificate in PDF. Ensure the certificate date meets the CAP requirement - typically issued on or after April 2026 for EWS/OBC-NCL.
Step 4: Upload photograph and signature
This is the step where most rejections happen. Follow the official specifications exactly:
Photograph specifications (as per the 2026 brochure):
- Size: 2 inch × 2 inch (50 mm × 50 mm).
- Face coverage: about 80%.
- Background: plain light-coloured or white. No shadows.
- Eyes open, head centered, no tinted glasses. Glare on eyeglasses must be avoided.
- Format: JPEG. File size: 100 KB - 5 MB.
- The photograph must be recent; wearing of head coverings is permitted only for religious reasons, but facial features from chin to forehead and both edges must be visible.
Signature specifications:
- Black ink on white paper. Running-hand signature, not all capital letters.
- The portal typically accepts JPEG, size around 10-20 KB, but exact pixel dimensions are enforced by the upload module. Prepare multiple versions if needed.
- The signature must match the one you will sign on the exam day register.
Live photograph capture: Some CET portals also require a real-time photograph via webcam or mobile QR code. Follow the on-screen prompt.
Step 5: Review and pay the fee
After uploading, the portal shows a preview. Read every field. Check spelling, photo ID number, category, and test city. Once satisfied, proceed to the payment gateway. Pay the applicable fee using one of the online modes. If payment fails but your bank account is debited, wait a few hours. If the status still shows “Unpaid” after 24 hours, contact the CET Cell help desk at the toll-free number: 18002090191 or helpline numbers 07969134401 / 07969134402, available from 10.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. You can also email [email protected].
Step 6: Download confirmation
After successful payment, a confirmation page with your application number and details is generated. Download it and print at least two copies. This page is your proof that the application is complete.
The Correction Window: What You Can Fix
The State CET Cell opened a very brief online edit window for MCA CET 2026 from 26 February 2026 to 28 February 2026. This came after many candidates had made errors during registration - and the Cell issued an official notice allowing corrections. The fields that were editable were:
- Candidate’s name
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Signature
- Gender
During this period, candidates had to log in to their accounts, make the necessary changes, and submit the form again. No other fields (mobile number, email ID, category, exam city) were open for editing. If you missed this window, no further manual corrections were entertained. This is a pattern you should expect for 2027 as well - a 2 to 3 day window immediately after the registration deadline.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The MAH MCA CET 2026 was a 90-minute online test with 100 compulsory multiple-choice questions. There was no negative marking. Each question carried 2 marks, making the total maximum score 200. The question paper was in English only.
You can navigate freely between sections. The test system allowed you to mark questions for review. Since there is no negative marking, you should attempt every question. Use the last 5 minutes to fill any unattempted ones with reasonable guesses.
Syllabus: Section-Wise Topics
The official syllabus, published in the information brochure and expanded by the CET Cell, covers the following:
Mathematics & Statistics (30 questions, 60 marks)
Topics: Algebra (fundamental operations, quadratic equations, indices, logarithms, progressions, binomial theorem, permutations & combinations), coordinate geometry (lines, circles, distance formula, conic sections, transformations), differential equations (first-order, linear with constant coefficients), trigonometry (identities, triangle properties, heights & distances), probability & statistics (measures of central tendency, dispersion, distributions, correlation, regression), arithmetic (ratios, percentages, time-work, speed-distance), set theory & functions, mensuration (areas, volumes of solids).
Logical / Abstract Reasoning (30 questions, 60 marks)
This section tests speed and logical thinking. Expect questions on: series completion, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, visual reasoning (figure series, mirror images, pattern completion), puzzles (seating arrangements, scheduling), data sufficiency, syllogisms, analogies. There are also passage-based logical situations that require drawing inferences.
English Comprehension & Verbal Ability (20 questions, 40 marks)
Topics: reading comprehension, basic English grammar (error spotting, sentence correction, tenses, parts of speech), vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution), jumbled paragraphs, sentence ordering, and fill in the blanks. The passages are generally short and drawn from everyday social or technology-related themes.
Computer Concepts (20 questions, 40 marks)
Covers: computer basics (CPU, memory, I/O devices, organisation), data representation (binary/hexadecimal, binary arithmetic, floating point, Boolean algebra, truth tables, Venn diagrams), computer architecture (block structure, interrupts, communication with I/O), computer languages (assembly vs high-level, C programming fundamentals), and operating system basics.
Admit Card and Exam Day
Admit cards for 2026 were downloadable from 17 March 2026 via candidate login using registration number/roll number and password/date of birth. Candidates were required to affix a recent passport-size photograph (preferably the same as uploaded) on the printed hall ticket.
On exam day, you had to carry:
- Printed admit card with photograph affixed.
- Original valid photo ID (PAN card, passport, driving licence, voter ID, bank passbook with photo, Aadhaar, or a college/university ID card). Note: ration card and learner’s driving licence were not valid.
- No electronic devices, smartwatches, or mobile phones inside the hall.
The name on the hall ticket and the ID must match exactly. Female candidates with a changed surname post-marriage were advised to carry an original marriage certificate or gazette notification if there was a mismatch. Reporting time was ahead of the test start, with about 140 minutes of total venue time including formalities. Latecomers were not admitted.
After the Exam: Answer Key, Result, and CAP
In 2026, the provisional answer key was released in the first week of April. Candidates could raise objections for a fee. The final answer key then led to result declaration - also in the first week of April. Scorecards were downloadable from the candidate portal and contained raw scores, percentile, and state rank.
Centralised Admission Process (CAP)
Qualified candidates had to register separately for CAP counselling, expected to begin in late May 2026. The process involved:
- Online registration and document upload.
- Document verification via e-scrutiny or at designated centres.
- Display of provisional merit list, grievance window, and final merit list.
- Category-wise seat matrix publication.
- Online choice filling and locking (preference of institutes).
- Multiple rounds of seat allotment (typically 4 CAP rounds) with auto-freeze and betterment rules.
- Reporting to the allotted institute with all original documents and fee payment.
For CAP, you must keep ready: CET scorecard, admit card, Class 10 & 12 mark sheets, graduation certificates, domicile certificate (if claiming Maharashtra state quota), caste certificate, caste validity certificate, non-creamy layer certificate (valid till 31/03/2027 for OBC/SEBC), EWS certificate, PWD certificate, transfer/migration certificate, and photo ID. Incomplete documentation can cost you a seat even with a high score.
Common Mistakes That Derail Registration
Year after year, the same errors trip up candidates. Here are the ones to watch:
- Uploading a photograph that doesn’t match the official format: Selfies, dark backgrounds, or photos smaller than 100 KB or larger than 5 MB.
- Signature in capital letters or typed/digital fonts: These are rejected during identity verification.
- Name mismatched with Class 10 certificate: Even an extra initial can cause a problem during CAP document verification.
- Invalid category certificate: OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must be issued in the current financial year and valid for the 2026-27 cycle. Uploading an expired one wastes your quota claim.
- Skipping the correction window: The Cell opens it for only 2-3 days - once it shuts, even a misspelt name stands.
- Not saving the confirmation page: If the portal glitches, you have no proof of payment or submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will MAH MCA CET 2027 registration start? The State CET Cell typically releases the notification in December or early January, with registration opening the same day. Check cetcell.mahacet.org from December 2026 onwards. The 2026 window ran from 7 January to 10 February 2026; expect a similar timeline.
What is the application fee? For the 2026 cycle, it was ₹1,500 for open category (Maharashtra State, OMS, J&K migrants) and ₹1,300 for Maharashtra State reserved category, PWD, orphan, and transgender candidates. The fee is non-refundable and payable online only.
What are the photograph specifications? As per the official 2026 brochure: 2 inch × 2 inch (50 mm × 50 mm), colour, plain light-coloured/white background, face covering 80% of the frame, JPEG format, file size 100 KB to 5 MB. The photograph must be recent, with full face, front view, eyes open, and without sunglasses or caps.
Can I edit my application after submission? In 2026, a correction window was open from 26-28 February. Only five fields were editable: candidate name, date of birth, photograph, signature, and gender. No other changes were allowed. For 2027, expect a similarly short window immediately after the registration deadline.
Is there negative marking in the exam? No. Every correct answer fetches 2 marks; incorrect or unattempted questions carry zero. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should attempt all 100 questions.
Is Aadhaar mandatory? Yes, the CET Cell used Aadhaar authentication during registration in 2026. APAAR ID was also verified. Ensure your Aadhaar details are current and accurate before applying.
Can outside Maharashtra candidates apply? Yes. OMS candidates can take the test and participate in CAP under the all-India quota. However, reservation benefits and lower fee caps apply only to Maharashtra domicile holders.
How is the merit list prepared? Based on the CET percentile score and normalisation (if multiple sessions are held). The result includes a state rank, which determines your position in CAP counselling.
What is the syllabus for computer concepts? Fundamentals of computers, data representation (binary/hex arithmetic, Boolean algebra), computer architecture, basics of C programming, and operating system concepts. The official brochure lists the topics in detail.
How long is the score valid? The score is valid only for admission in the 2026-27 academic year. You must reappear for the subsequent year’s CET.
What if I forget my registration number or password? Use the “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Application Number” link on the portal. You will need your registered mobile number or email ID to recover credentials. If those are inaccessible, contact the CET Cell help desk immediately.
What happens if I miss the CAP registration? You lose your chance for admission that year. CAP registration is separate from the CET application. There is no automatic enrolment; you must proactively register and fill choices within the announced window.