MAH-MBA/MMS CET guide: 2026 pattern, no negative marking and a speed plan
MAH-MBA/MMS CET: the 2026 pattern (200 questions, 150 minutes, no negative marking), fee, eligibility, 2027 status and a speed-first plan.
7 min read · updated 2026-11
Status of the 2027 cycle
- The only sign of the next cycle is an October 2026 circular inviting experts to set and review question papers for MAH-CET A.Y. 2027-28.
- For reference, the 2026 form ran from 10 January to 12 February 2026, with online payment up to 13 February 2026. That is not a promise for 2027.
- Exam date, result date and attempt count for 2027: not announced. The 2026 brochure said results would be notified separately.
The test is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra. Admissions to Government of Maharashtra management institutes, university departments, university-managed institutes and un-aided institutes covered by the Act in Maharashtra are based on the CET score.
The 2026 pattern
MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2026 was an online computer-based test in English, held in multiple shifts. It had 200 questions in 150 minutes. Every question carried 1 mark and had five options. The brochure states no sectional time limits.
| Section (2026) | Questions | Share of the paper |
|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 75 | 37.5% |
| Abstract Reasoning | 25 | 12.5% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 25% |
| Verbal Ability / Reading Comprehension | 50 | 25% |
| Total | 200 | 100% |
Reasoning dominates. Logical plus Abstract Reasoning is 100 of 200 questions, half the paper. That decides how you should split your study hours.
Marking: no negative marking
The 2026 brochure states there is no negative marking. A right answer earns 1 mark; a wrong or blank answer earns 0. So the score is simply your count of right answers.
- Five options, pure guess: p = 1/5 = 0.2. Expected right = 20 x 0.2 = 4.0.
- Two options removed: three remain, p = 1/3. Expected right = 20 x 1/3 = 6.67.
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so neither choice can cost marks.
Answer: About 4 marks from blind guessing and about 6.7 marks after eliminating two options. Never submit blanks.
- Average = 150 / 200 = 0.75 minutes = 45 seconds.
- Logical Reasoning: 75 questions x 36 seconds = 45 minutes.
- Abstract Reasoning: 25 x 48 seconds = 20 minutes.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 50 x 60 seconds = 50 minutes.
- Verbal Ability / RC: 50 x 42 seconds = 35 minutes.
- Total = 45 + 20 + 50 + 35 = 150 minutes.
Answer: Yes, the split uses exactly 150 minutes. It gives Quant the most time per question and Logical Reasoning the least. It is a suggestion, since the brochure sets no sectional limits.
Raw marks and percentile
The CET Cell uses percentile scores for admission. How raw marks across shifts are converted into percentiles is not in the facts we hold, so read the scoring section of the brochure when it appears. What you control is the raw mark, and you can track it as a share of the paper.
- Raw gain = 138 - 124 = 14 marks.
- Share of paper: 124 / 200 = 62% and 138 / 200 = 69%.
- Gain in share = 69% - 62% = 7 percentage points.
Answer: 14 marks, or 7 percentage points of the paper. Each extra right answer adds 0.5 percentage points (1 / 200), so 14 extra answers are worth 7 points.
Eligibility, fee and attempts (2026 brochure)
- A 3-year Bachelor's degree in any discipline, with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- The minimum is 45% for backward-class, EWS and PwD candidates belonging to Maharashtra State only. Candidates from other states do not get the 45% rule.
- Final-year students who have appeared for the final-year examination are eligible.
- No work-experience requirement is listed.
- Two attempts were offered in 2026, with the fee payable per attempt. If you appear for both, the best of the two percentiles is used for A.Y. 2026-27.
| Category (2026 fee) | One attempt | Both attempts |
|---|---|---|
| General, including candidates from outside Maharashtra and J&K migrants | Rs 1,500 | Rs 3,000 |
| Backward classes, EWS and PwD of Maharashtra only, orphan, transgender | Rs 1,300 | Rs 2,600 |
- General: 2 x 1,500 = 3,000.
- Reserved: 2 x 1,300 = 2,600.
Answer: Both products match the brochure's two-attempt amounts: Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,600. A second attempt costs the same as the first.
Section-wise approach
- Logical Reasoning (75): the biggest block. Practise arrangements, relations, series and deduction in sets of 25 against a 15-minute clock, which is 36 seconds a question.
- Abstract Reasoning (25): patterns in shapes and figures. Learn the standard moves (rotation, reflection, addition, removal) and spot the rule in under 30 seconds.
- Quantitative Aptitude (50): arithmetic first. Percentages, ratio, time and work, averages and basic algebra give the fastest marks.
- Verbal Ability / Reading Comprehension (50): grammar and vocabulary items first, then passages. Read for the main idea, not every detail.
Preparation plan for an unannounced date
The 2027 dates are not out, so build the plan in blocks and attach dates later.
| Block | Focus | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | Fundamentals in all four sections; daily Logical Reasoning sets. | 20 Logical Reasoning questions in 12 minutes (36 seconds each) |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | Timed sectionals; start Abstract Reasoning drills. | Quant 20 questions in 20 minutes (60 seconds each) |
| Weeks 9 to 12 | Full 150-minute mocks, one a week, then two a week. | 200 questions attempted every mock |
- ☐ Watch cetcell.mahacet.org for the 2027 brochure.
- ☐ Check your category and domicile against the 50% / 45% rule before paying.
- ☐ If two attempts are offered again, use the first as a real attempt and the second to fix what it exposed.
- ☐ Recheck the pattern against the 2026 table above when the brochure appears.
Common questions
Is there negative marking in MAH-MBA CET?
In the 2026 brochure, no. A right answer earns 1 mark and a wrong answer costs nothing. The 2027 brochure may differ, so recheck it.
How many questions and how much time in MAH-CET MBA?
In 2026, 200 questions in 150 minutes: Logical Reasoning 75, Abstract Reasoning 25, Quantitative 50 and Verbal/RC 50, one mark each.
Has MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2027 been announced?
Not as of 6 November 2026. The CET Cell has published no 2027 MBA/MMS notice, brochure or schedule. Only a call for paper-setters for A.Y. 2027-28 is visible.
What percentage do I need for MAH-CET?
Under the 2026 brochure, at least 50% in graduation (45% for backward-class, EWS and PwD candidates of Maharashtra State only). Final-year students can apply.