MHT CET 2026 PCM Exam 2nd Attempt LIVE: May 18 Shift 1 Underway, Shift 2 Reporting Time, Guidelines

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2026 PCM second attempt examination is being conducted today, May 18, across several exam centres in the state. Thousands of engineering aspirants appeared for the examination in two shifts. While Shift 1 has already started, candidates scheduled for Shift 2 are preparing to reach their allotted centres on time.

The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, is conducting the PCM group examination for admission into undergraduate engineering and technology courses offered by colleges across Maharashtra. The second attempt examination is especially important for students who want to improve their scores or who could not perform well in the earlier session.

Students are advised to carefully follow all examination day instructions, reporting guidelines, and document requirements to avoid any last-minute issues at the centre. Security arrangements and identity verification are also being carried out strictly at all examination venues.

Shift 1 Exam Begins Across Maharashtra

The Shift 1 examination for the PCM group began in the morning at designated centres. Candidates started arriving early to complete frisking, biometric attendance, and verification procedures. Several centres witnessed long queues outside the gates before entry began.

Students were instructed to carry a printed copy of the MHT CET 2026 admit card along with a valid photo identity proof. Entry was allowed only after proper verification of documents and biometric details.

The exam authorities also ensured that all centres followed standard examination procedures. CCTV monitoring, invigilator checks, and electronic surveillance were reportedly active throughout the examination.

According to initial reactions from students, the paper was moderate in difficulty during the early section of the exam. However, a complete paper analysis and memory-based questions are expected after the conclusion of both shifts.

MHT CET 2026 Shift Timings

The PCM examination today is being conducted in two separate shifts. Candidates appearing for the second shift must report to the examination centre well before the gate closing time.

Shift 1 Timing

• Reporting Time: 7:30 AM
• Gate Closing Time: 8:45 AM
• Exam Start Time: 9:00 AM
• Exam End Time: 12:00 PM

Shift 2 Timing

• Reporting Time: 12:30 PM
• Gate Closing Time: 1:45 PM
• Exam Start Time: 2:00 PM
• Exam End Time: 5:00 PM

Candidates arriving after the gate closing time are not allowed to enter the examination hall under any circumstances. Therefore, students are advised to leave early and keep extra travel time in mind due to traffic or weather-related delays.

Important Guidelines for Shift 2 Candidates

Candidates appearing in Shift 2 should carefully follow all the instructions mentioned on the admit card. The CET Cell has issued several important guidelines for smooth conduct of the examination.

Carry Mandatory Documents

Students must carry:

• Printed copy of MHT CET 2026 admit card
• Valid photo ID proof
• Passport-size photograph, if required
• PwD certificate, if applicable

Accepted photo ID proofs include:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Passport
• School or college ID card

Without valid documents, candidates may face difficulty entering the examination hall.

Items Prohibited Inside Exam Hall

The CET Cell has strictly prohibited several items inside the examination centre. Students should avoid carrying unnecessary materials.

Restricted items include:

• Mobile phones
• Smart watches
• Bluetooth devices
• Calculators
• Notes or papers
• Bags and wallets
• Electronic gadgets

Candidates found carrying unfair means material may face disqualification from the examination.

Dress Code and Exam Conduct

Although there is no strict dress code mentioned officially, students are advised to wear simple and comfortable clothing. Heavy jewellery, metallic accessories, and smart devices should be avoided to reduce delays during security checks.

Candidates are also advised to maintain discipline inside the examination hall. Any attempt to communicate with other students or violate exam rules can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Exam Pattern for MHT CET PCM Group

The MHT CET PCM paper includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The examination is conducted in online computer-based mode.

Subject-wise Distribution

• Mathematics: 50 Questions
• Physics: 50 Questions
• Chemistry: 50 Questions

Mathematics carries higher weightage compared to Physics and Chemistry in the PCM examination.

Question Type

• Multiple-choice questions
• Four answer options
• One correct answer

Marking Scheme

• Mathematics: 2 marks per question
• Physics and Chemistry: 1 mark each
• No negative marking

The total duration of the examination is 180 minutes.

Students Share Initial Reactions

Several students who appeared in Shift 1 shared their early reactions after coming out of the exam hall. Many candidates said that the Mathematics section was slightly lengthy, while Physics was considered moderate.

Some students also mentioned that Chemistry questions were mostly based on NCERT concepts and standard formulas. Overall, the difficulty level was reported to be balanced for average preparation students.

A detailed section-wise analysis along with expected good attempts and unofficial answer keys is likely to be released by coaching institutes later in the day.

Expected Paper Analysis

Based on previous years’ trends and initial student feedback, experts expect the paper to include a mix of conceptual and application-based questions.

Mathematics

The Mathematics section reportedly included:

• Calculus
• Algebra
• Coordinate Geometry
• Probability
• Trigonometry

Students said the section required good time management because some questions were calculation intensive.

Physics

Physics questions were said to focus on:

• Current Electricity
• Optics
• Thermodynamics
• Modern Physics
• Electrostatics

Several numerical questions were included in the paper.

Chemistry

The Chemistry section reportedly had questions from:

• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Bonding
• Electrochemistry
• Biomolecules
• Coordination Compounds

Students found the Chemistry section relatively easier compared to Mathematics.

What Happens After the Exam?

After the completion of the examination process, the CET Cell is expected to release the provisional answer key on the official website. Candidates will be allowed to raise objections against any question or answer within the specified time period.

The final answer key will be prepared after reviewing all objections submitted by students.

Following the release of the answer key:

1. Response sheets will be uploaded
2. Objection window will open
3. Final answer key will be published
4. Result declaration date will be announced

The MHT CET 2026 result is expected to be declared online in the coming weeks.

Importance of MHT CET Scores

The MHT CET examination is one of the most important entrance tests for engineering admissions in Maharashtra. Scores obtained in the PCM examination are used for admission into:

• BE courses
• BTech programmes
• Integrated engineering courses

Both government and private engineering colleges in Maharashtra participate in the counselling process conducted through the CET Cell.

Candidates with higher percentile scores have better chances of getting admission into top colleges in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and other cities.

Counselling Process After Results

After the declaration of results, qualified candidates will need to participate in the Centralised Admission Process (CAP).

The counselling process generally includes:

• Registration for CAP
• Document verification
• Choice filling
• Seat allotment
• College reporting

Students are advised to keep all educational documents ready for the counselling stage.

Instructions for Candidates After Exam Completion

Candidates should carefully preserve:

• Admit card
• Application form copy
• Login credentials
• Response sheet copy

These documents may be required during counselling and admission procedures later.

Students should also regularly check the official website for updates related to answer keys, results, and counselling schedules.