The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra, has issued an official notification extending the MAH MBA CET 2026 registration deadline for the third time. Aspirants seeking admission to MBA and MMS programs across Maharashtra now have until February 25, 2026, to complete their online applications and confirm their candidacy. This extension is particularly crucial as the CET Cell has made the generation of an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) via the DigiLocker platform a mandatory step for registration this year, a requirement that has caused technical hurdles for many applicants.
To stay updated on the release of the MAH CET hall tickets and shift-wise difficulty analysis, follow Only Education News.
Revised Timeline for MAH MBA CET 2026
The CET Cell is following a two-attempt model this year, giving students a second chance to improve their scores.
| Event | New Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Final Registration Deadline | February 25, 2026 |
| MAH MBA CET Exam (Attempt 1) | April 6 – April 8, 2026 |
| MAH MBA CET Exam (Attempt 2) | May 9, 2026 |
| Hall Ticket Release (Attempt 1) | Late March 2026 (Expected) |
Mandatory Checklist: APAAR ID and Aadhaar
Candidates must ensure they follow the new authentication protocols to prevent their applications from being rejected:
- APAAR ID: Students must log in to DigiLocker to create their unique 12-digit academic ID. This ID will track all academic credits and certifications throughout their career.
- Aadhaar Linking: The registration portal requires a valid Aadhaar ID for real-time authentication. Ensure that the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is active to receive OTPs.
- Two-Attempt Registration: Candidates are advised to decide during this window if they wish to appear for one or both attempts, as it simplifies the seat allotment process later during the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).
What Happens After Registration?
Once the registration window closes on February 25, the CET Cell will likely open a brief correction window. However, candidates are urged to fill in their preferences for exam cities and academic details with extreme care today.
- Exam Format: The test remains a 200-question computer-based exam covering Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability.
- No Negative Marking: Like other Maharashtra CETs, the MBA CET does not have negative marking, making speed and accuracy the most vital factors for a 99.9+ percentile.
Targeting the Top Percentiles
With the exam dates for the first attempt set for early April, students have roughly six weeks to refine their strategies. High-scorers typically target the JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) and SIMSREE cut-offs, which usually hover around the 99.95 to 99.99 percentile for the All India category.
For a detailed list of the top 20 MBA colleges in Maharashtra that accept the MAH CET score and their previous year’s CAP round cut-offs, follow Only Education News.