MHT-CET Second Attempt — How the Multi-Session Policy Works

MHT-CET is typically conducted across two sessions, with the better score counted. Here's how the policy generally works.

General Process — Verify Current Details

This page describes the general, recurring MHT-CET multi-session structure followed in recent years. Exact session dates, fee amounts, and any policy changes for a given year are notified officially by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra on cetcell.mahacet.org — always confirm current-year specifics there.

How the Two-Session Structure Works

MHT-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) for Engineering/Technology has, in recent admission cycles, been held across two separate sessions or phases within the same exam year — often referred to informally as "attempt 1" and "attempt 2." Both sessions test the same syllabus (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics for the PCM group) using a similar exam pattern.

Candidates can register for and appear in both sessions if they choose. This gives students who feel they underperformed in the first session a genuine second chance to improve their percentile before the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) counselling merit list is prepared.

Best-Score Policy

Independent attempts

Each session's score is calculated separately using percentile normalisation for that session's candidates.

Best-of-two considered

For candidates who appear in both sessions, the higher percentile score of the two is used for the final merit list.

No penalty for a weaker second attempt

If your second-session score is lower than your first, it simply isn't used — your final percentile still reflects your best attempt.

One consolidated merit list

CAP counselling for Maharashtra engineering admissions uses a single merit list built from each candidate's best percentile, regardless of which session it came from.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT-CET's second attempt policy

Does MHT-CET allow more than one attempt?

Yes. MHT-CET has consistently been conducted across two sessions/phases within the same admission cycle, letting a candidate appear in both and have their better score considered. This structure has been in place for several recent years, including 2026.

Is the score from both MHT-CET sessions added together?

No. The two sessions are not additive — each session is an independent attempt at the same syllabus and exam pattern. The higher percentile score of the two attempts is what's used to prepare the final merit list for CAP (Centralized Admission Process) counselling.

Do I have to appear for both MHT-CET sessions?

No, appearing in the second session is optional. Candidates satisfied with their first-session score can skip the second session. However, since the better of the two scores is considered with no penalty for a lower second attempt, most candidates who aren't fully satisfied with session 1 choose to attempt session 2 as well.

Is there an extra fee for the second MHT-CET attempt?

Typically, yes — appearing for the second session usually involves an additional registration/exam fee, separate from the first session's fee. The exact fee amount is notified in the official MHT-CET information brochure for that year and should be checked on the official CET Cell Maharashtra website.

Does a lower score in the second attempt hurt my rank?

No. Since MHT-CET considers the best of your session scores, a lower score in a later attempt does not pull down your final percentile. This makes attempting the second session essentially risk-free from a scoring perspective, aside from the additional fee and preparation time involved.

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Disclaimer

General policy description based on recent-year patterns. Verify current-year session dates and rules on cetcell.mahacet.org.