- Two CET attempts per year
- Longer spread-out exam window (not just March–May)
- Students can choose one or both attempts
- Best score will be used
- Multiple shifts with normalisation
In short, the CET structure will be s a twice-a-year, multi-day, multi-shift exam model with a best-score policy and a wide calendar spread.
The MBA CET & Engg CET will be scheduled and conducted across multiple attempts within a year, with a wide exam window and flexible choices for candidates. Key elements:
- Two Attempts per Year
CET is held twice annually — March to May (from CET 2027 January and April). - Choice to Appear Once or Twice
Students can take either one attempt or both.
If they take both, the better score is considered for admission. - Large Exam Window
Each attempt is conducted over multiple days and multiple shifts.
This reduces crowding and allows lakhs of candidates to appear smoothly. - Shift-wise Normalisation
Because questions differ across shifts, scores are normalised to ensure fairness. - Flexible Planning
Students preparing for boards, Olympiads, or other exams can pick the more suitable attempt. - Reduced Pressure
The “second chance” structure lowers the fear of losing an entire academic year.
The Maharashtra higher education department has announced that from the 2026–27 admission cycle, two key entrance examinations — MHT-CET and MBA/MMS-CET — will be conducted twice every year. Between March and May 2026, candidates will be allowed to take one or both attempts, depending on convenience. From 2027–28 onward, the exam calendar will be stretched across a longer window, following a structure similar to the JEE (Engineering) model.
This shift offers several advantages. Conducting two attempts gives students a second chance without losing a full academic year. Those who face illness, technical issues, or poor performance in the first attempt can improve their score in the second. The wider exam window also helps reduce stress and overcrowding at centres. It allows more flexibility for students balancing school board exams, practicals, and coaching schedules. Additionally, colleges receive a larger and more reliable score dataset, which can improve the fairness of the merit list. The JEE-style structure helps align state CETs with national exam patterns, easing planning for students preparing for both.
However, the dual-attempt model brings certain disadvantages as well. Students may feel compelled to take both attempts to stay competitive, increasing psychological pressure and financial burden. Coaching dependence may grow, as institutes begin designing two-phase preparation cycles. Extending the exam window could create uncertainty for final-year students and may compress the counselling calendar. The administrative load on the CET Cell also increases: more sessions mean more logistics, more question papers, higher risk of leaks, and greater demand for secure digital infrastructure. There may also be disparities between rural and urban candidates in accessing multiple attempts.
Overall, while the move aims to enhance convenience and fairness, its success will depend on robust implementation and ensuring that the added flexibility does not translate into added pressure.
