MHT CET 2026 2nd Attempt PCM Exam LIVE: May 12 Shift 1 Ongoing; Shift 2 Reporting Time, Guidelines, Dress Code

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 second attempt PCM examination is being conducted today, May 12, across various examination centres in the state and outside Maharashtra. Thousands of engineering aspirants are appearing for the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) group examination in multiple shifts. Candidates appearing for the exam are advised to follow all exam-day instructions carefully to avoid any inconvenience at the test centre.

As per the official schedule, the Shift 1 examination is currently ongoing, while candidates appearing in Shift 2 must prepare to report to their allotted examination centres within the specified reporting time. Students are also required to carry all necessary documents, follow the prescribed dress code, and comply with security procedures at the exam venue.

The MHT CET examination is conducted every year for admission into undergraduate engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses offered by colleges across Maharashtra. This year, the State Common Entrance Test Cell introduced a second attempt facility to provide students another opportunity to improve their scores.

MHT CET 2026 PCM Exam Today

The PCM group examination for the second attempt is taking place in two shifts. Candidates are advised to check their admit cards carefully for exact reporting time, gate closing schedule, and examination timings.

Shift-wise Exam Timing

Shift 1

• Reporting Time: 7:30 AM
• Last Entry to Exam Hall: 8:30 AM
• Exam Start Time: 9:00 AM
• Exam End Time: 12:00 PM

Shift 2

• Reporting Time: 12:30 PM
• Last Entry to Exam Hall: 1:30 PM
• Exam Start Time: 2:00 PM
• Exam End Time: 5:00 PM

Candidates who arrive late after the gate closing time may not be permitted to enter the examination hall under any circumstances. Therefore, students are advised to leave early and account for traffic delays or transportation issues.

Shift 1 Exam Ongoing

The first shift of the MHT CET PCM second attempt examination began at 9 AM. Initial reports from students suggest that the entry process at most centres remained smooth, although biometric verification and frisking took additional time at some venues.

Candidates shared that strict checking procedures were implemented before entry into the exam hall. Invigilators checked admit cards, valid photo ID proof, and candidate photographs before allowing students inside.

Many students reached their centres at least one hour before the reporting time to avoid last-minute stress. Parents were seen waiting outside several exam centres as students entered for the examination.

The difficulty level and subject-wise analysis of Shift 1 will be available after the exam concludes. Coaching institutes and subject experts are expected to release memory-based question paper reviews later in the day.

Shift 2 Reporting Time

Candidates appearing for the afternoon session must report to their centres by 12:30 PM. The entry gates are expected to close at 1:30 PM.

Students should keep the following points in mind before leaving for the examination centre:

• Carry the admit card printout
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
• Reach the centre early
• Avoid carrying prohibited items
• Follow dress code instructions
• Cooperate during biometric verification

Candidates are also advised to have a light meal before the examination and stay hydrated, especially due to rising temperatures in several parts of Maharashtra.

Important Documents Required at Exam Centre

Students must carry the following mandatory documents to the examination hall:

1. MHT CET 2026 Admit Card

The hall ticket is the most important document required for entry. Candidates without the admit card will not be allowed to appear for the examination.

2. Valid Photo ID Proof

Candidates must carry any one of the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Voter ID
• School or College ID

3. Passport-size Photograph

Students are advised to carry an extra passport-size photograph similar to the one uploaded during registration.

MHT CET 2026 Dress Code Guidelines

The CET Cell has issued guidelines regarding appropriate clothing and accessories for examination day. Candidates should avoid wearing items that may delay the security checking process.

Allowed Dress Code

• Light-weight clothes
• Half-sleeve shirts or tops
• Simple trousers or jeans
• Slippers or sandals with low heels

Items to Avoid

• Heavy jewellery
• Watches
• Caps and scarves
• Sunglasses
• Full-sleeve jackets
• Shoes with thick soles
• Metallic accessories

Candidates wearing cultural or religious attire that requires additional checking should reach the centre early to complete security formalities smoothly.

Prohibited Items Inside Exam Hall

The following items are strictly banned inside the examination centre:

• Mobile phones
• Smart watches
• Bluetooth devices
• Earphones
• Calculators
• Study material
• Notes and papers
• Bags and wallets
• Electronic gadgets

If any prohibited item is found with a candidate, strict action may be taken according to examination rules.

Exam Pattern for PCM Group

The MHT CET PCM paper consists of questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics based on the Maharashtra State Board syllabus.

Subject-wise Distribution

• Mathematics: 50 questions
• Physics: 50 questions
• Chemistry: 50 questions

Total Marks

• Mathematics carries higher weightage
• Total duration: 3 hours

Questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions. There is no negative marking in the examination, which allows students to attempt all questions without fear of losing marks.

Difficulty Level Expected

Experts believe the second attempt examination may maintain a moderate difficulty level similar to previous MHT CET exams. Mathematics is generally considered the lengthiest section, while Chemistry is often viewed as more scoring.

Students are advised to:

• Manage time carefully
• Attempt easy questions first
• Avoid spending too much time on one problem
• Revise marked questions later

Many candidates who appeared in earlier shifts of MHT CET this year stated that Mathematics required lengthy calculations, while Physics included conceptual questions.

Biometric Verification and Security Measures

To maintain transparency and prevent unfair practices, strict security arrangements have been made at all examination centres.

Security procedures include:

• Biometric attendance
• Frisking at entry gates
• Face verification
• CCTV monitoring
• Metal detector checks

Candidates must cooperate with staff members throughout the verification process.

Exam Day Instructions for Students

The CET Cell has asked candidates to carefully follow all instructions printed on the admit card. Students should maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary panic during the examination.

Important Instructions

• Reach the centre early
• Sit only at the allotted computer system
• Read all instructions carefully before starting
• Do not leave the hall before the exam ends
• Raise your hand if technical issues occur

Candidates should also ensure that rough sheets provided during the exam are returned to invigilators before leaving the hall.

What After the Exam?

After the completion of both shifts today, coaching institutes are expected to release:

• Memory-based questions
• Unofficial answer keys
• Difficulty level analysis
• Good attempts analysis

The official answer key for MHT CET 2026 is likely to be released later by the State CET Cell on the official website. Candidates will also get an opportunity to raise objections against any answer key discrepancies within the specified period.

The MHT CET 2026 result is expected to be announced after the completion of all examination phases. Qualified candidates will later participate in the counselling and admission process for engineering colleges across Maharashtra.

Students Hope for Better Scores in Second Attempt

The second attempt has provided relief to many students who wanted another chance to improve their performance. Several candidates appearing today said they used the additional preparation time effectively and felt more confident for the second attempt.

Parents and teachers also welcomed the opportunity, saying it reduces pressure on students and allows them to perform better with improved preparation.

As the Shift 1 exam continues and Shift 2 candidates prepare to enter their centres, students across Maharashtra remain hopeful for good scores and successful admission into top engineering institutes.

The complete Shift 1 paper analysis, student reactions, and expected difficulty review will become available after the conclusion of today’s examination.