MHT CET 2026 2nd Attempt PCM Exam LIVE: May 13 Shift 1 Over, Shift 2 Dress Code, Guidelines, Reporting Time

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell successfully conducted Shift 1 of the MHT CET 2026 PCM second attempt examination on May 13. Thousands of engineering aspirants appeared for the examination across various test centres in Maharashtra and nearby states. With Shift 1 now completed, candidates appearing for Shift 2 are preparing to enter examination centres while checking important instructions related to reporting time, dress code, exam guidelines, and required documents.

The MHT CET PCM examination is one of the most important entrance exams for students seeking admission into undergraduate engineering and technology courses in Maharashtra. The second attempt gives students another opportunity to improve their scores and secure better ranks for admission into top engineering colleges.

Candidates appearing in Shift 2 are advised to carefully follow all exam day instructions issued by the CET Cell to avoid any last-minute issues. Authorities have also increased security and monitoring at exam centres to ensure fair conduct of the examination.

Shift 1 Exam Successfully Concluded

The first shift of the MHT CET 2026 PCM second attempt concluded smoothly at most centres. According to early reactions from students, the paper was of moderate difficulty level. Mathematics was reported to be lengthy, while Physics and Chemistry were considered balanced.

Many students said the Mathematics section required proper time management because several questions involved lengthy calculations. Physics included concept-based and numerical questions, while Chemistry contained a mix of theoretical and application-oriented questions.

Candidates also stated that the overall paper followed the expected exam pattern and syllabus prescribed by the State CET Cell. Most questions were asked from Class 11 and Class 12 Maharashtra State Board topics.

The exam authorities maintained strict verification processes at centres before allowing students inside the examination hall. Biometric verification, hall ticket checking, and frisking procedures were conducted smoothly.

Shift 2 Reporting Time

Candidates appearing for Shift 2 must strictly follow the reporting schedule mentioned on their admit cards. Students are advised to reach the examination centre at least one hour before the reporting time to complete security and verification formalities.

The expected schedule for Shift 2 is as follows:

Students arriving after the gate closing time may not be allowed to enter the examination hall under any circumstances. Authorities have clearly instructed candidates to avoid delays caused by traffic or document-related issues.

Documents Required at Exam Centre

Candidates must carry all necessary documents to the examination centre. Without proper documents, entry may be denied.

The following documents are mandatory:

• MHT CET 2026 Admit Card
• Valid photo identity proof
• Passport-size photograph
• Self-declaration form, if mentioned in instructions

Accepted photo identity proofs include:

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

Candidates should ensure that the details on the identity proof match the information mentioned on the admit card.

MHT CET 2026 Shift 2 Dress Code

The CET Cell has prescribed a simple dress code to maintain transparency and security during the examination. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing and avoid items that may create problems during security checks.

Allowed Dress Items

• Simple half-sleeve shirts or T-shirts
• Trousers or simple pants
• Slippers or sandals with thin soles
• Light clothing without large pockets

Not Allowed

• Heavy jewellery
• Watches
• Caps or hats
• Full-sleeve jackets
• Shoes with thick soles
• Electronic gadgets
• Smart watches
• Bluetooth devices

Candidates wearing prohibited items may be asked to remove them before entering the exam hall.

Items Allowed Inside the Exam Hall

Candidates are only permitted to carry limited items inside the examination hall. Students should avoid bringing unnecessary belongings because storage facilities may not be available at every centre.

Allowed items include:

• Admit card
• ID proof
• Transparent water bottle
• Simple ballpoint pen if instructed
• Required medical items for students with special permissions

Electronic items such as mobile phones, calculators, earphones, smart bands, and digital devices are strictly prohibited.

Exam Pattern of MHT CET PCM 2026

The MHT CET PCM paper consists of three subjects:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics

The paper is conducted in online computer-based mode. Questions are multiple-choice in nature.

The marking scheme generally follows this pattern:

Mathematics carries double weightage compared to Physics and Chemistry. Therefore, performance in Mathematics plays an important role in determining overall scores and ranks.

There is no negative marking in the examination, which allows students to attempt all questions without fear of losing marks.

Student Reactions from Shift 1

Students who appeared in Shift 1 shared mixed reactions after leaving the exam centres. Several candidates found the Mathematics section lengthy but manageable with proper preparation.

Some students said:

• Physics had more conceptual questions
• Chemistry was comparatively easier
• Mathematics required speed and accuracy
• Numerical problems consumed more time

Experts believe that students with strong time management skills may perform better in the examination.

Several coaching institutes are also expected to release memory-based answer keys and unofficial paper analyses later in the day.

Important Guidelines for Shift 2 Candidates

Candidates appearing in Shift 2 should keep the following guidelines in mind:

Reach Early

Heavy traffic and long queues outside exam centres may cause delays. Students should leave home early and reach the centre before the reporting time.

Check Exam Centre Location

Candidates should verify the exact exam centre location one day before the examination. This helps avoid confusion on exam day.

Follow Seating Instructions

Students must sit only at the system allotted to them. Changing computers or seats without permission is not allowed.

Read Instructions Carefully

Before starting the exam, candidates should carefully read all instructions displayed on the computer screen.

Avoid Malpractice

Any unfair means or suspicious behaviour may lead to cancellation of candidature.

Technical Arrangements at Exam Centres

Authorities have arranged technical support teams at centres to handle computer-related issues during the exam. Backup systems and invigilators are available to assist students if technical problems occur.

The online examination platform includes features such as:

• Timer display
• Question navigation panel
• Mark for review option
• Subject switching facility

Students are advised to remain calm in case of technical delays and immediately inform invigilators if any issue arises.

Expected Difficulty Level and Cutoff Trends

Based on Shift 1 reactions, experts predict that the overall difficulty level may remain moderate for the second attempt PCM examination.

Expected trends indicate:

• Mathematics may continue to be lengthy
• Physics could remain concept-focused
• Chemistry may stay NCERT-oriented

The final cutoff for engineering admissions will depend on:

• Number of candidates
• Difficulty level
• Overall performance
• Seat availability

Top engineering colleges in Maharashtra usually witness high cutoff scores, especially for Computer Science and Information Technology branches.

What Happens After the Exam?

After the completion of all exam shifts, the State CET Cell is expected to release:

• Candidate response sheets
• Official answer key
• Objection window
• Final answer key
• Result and percentile scores

Candidates will get an opportunity to raise objections against the provisional answer key by paying the required fee within the specified deadline.

The final merit list will be prepared based on normalized scores and percentile calculations.

Advice for Candidates After the Exam

Students are advised not to panic after the examination. Instead, they should:

• Wait for official answer keys
• Compare responses carefully
• Avoid believing rumours on social media
• Keep checking official notifications regularly

Candidates planning for counselling should also begin collecting necessary academic documents in advance.

The MHT CET counselling process usually includes:

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

Students aiming for top engineering institutes are expected to closely monitor the upcoming admission schedule.

Summary

The MHT CET 2026 PCM second attempt examination continues to remain a major opportunity for engineering aspirants across Maharashtra. While Shift 1 concluded successfully with moderate student reactions, Shift 2 candidates are now preparing for their examination with focus and caution.

Candidates should strictly follow reporting timings, dress code rules, and exam guidelines to ensure smooth entry into the examination hall. Proper preparation, calmness, and careful time management will play a key role in achieving a strong score.

The State CET Cell is expected to continue conducting the remaining shifts under strict monitoring and security arrangements. Students are advised to stay updated through official announcements and avoid last-minute stress before entering the exam hall.