The State Common Entrance Test Cell released the final merit list for PCM and PCB groups on July 28 2026. Candidates must submit an option form by July 30 2026 to be considered for seat allotment scheduled for August 2 2026.

The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell of the Government of Maharashtra posted the final merit list for the 2026 MHT CET counselling on its official portal (https://fe2026.mahacet.org/) on July 28 2026 [1]. The list covers candidates who applied for the Physics‑Chemistry‑Mathematics (PCM) and Physics‑Chemistry‑Biology (PCB) streams. The merit list is accessible through the “Final Merit List” link on the home page of the portal [1].

The merit list pertains to students who appeared for the MHT CET examination conducted earlier in the year and who meet the eligibility criteria for counselling [2][3]. The State Common Entrance Test Cell compiled the list based on the official exam scores, applied the reservation and category norms, and posted the results online for public verification [1][2]. Candidates are required to log in to the portal, review their rank and status, and then submit an option form to confirm their preferred institute and course [3].

Merit List Publication

The merit list released on July 28 2026 includes separate rankings for the PCM and PCB groups, reflecting the distinct admission streams for engineering and pharmacy programmes [3]. The list is presented in a downloadable PDF format and also as an online table that displays each candidate’s roll number, name, category, and rank [4]. The State CET Cell confirmed that the list is final and will serve as the basis for subsequent seat allocation [3].

The portal indicates that the merit list will remain open for verification until the option‑form submission window closes on July 30 2026. Any discrepancies reported by candidates within this period will be addressed by the Cell before the seat‑allotment process begins [3]. The official notice on the website also advises candidates to keep a copy of the merit list for future reference [1].

Counselling Process and Deadlines

Following the merit‑list release, the counselling schedule outlines three key dates. First, the option‑form submission period runs from July 28 to July 30 2026, during which candidates must select their preferred colleges and courses [3]. Second, the seat‑allotment list will be generated and published on August 2 2026, based on the submitted preferences and available seats [3]. Third, candidates allotted a seat must confirm acceptance and complete any required documentation within the timeframe specified in the seat‑allotment notice [3].

The official notice on the website also advises candidates to keep a copy of the merit list for future reference [1].

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The option‑form submission is conducted through the same online portal used for the merit list. Candidates log in with their registration credentials, enter their choices, and submit the form electronically. The system automatically validates the entries against eligibility criteria, such as category reservation limits and minimum qualifying marks [2]. Once submitted, the form cannot be altered, and the candidate’s preferences become binding for the seat‑allocation algorithm [2].

The seat‑allotment list will rank candidates according to their merit rank, category reservation, and the order of preferences submitted. The Cell will notify candidates of their allotted seat via email and SMS, and the details will also be posted on the portal [3]. Candidates who do not receive a seat in the first round may be considered in subsequent rounds, subject to vacancy and additional preferences [3].

Immediate Actions Required by Candidates

Students appearing on the final merit list must complete the option‑form submission by the close of business on July 30 2026 to remain eligible for seat allocation [3]. Failure to submit the form within the stipulated window will result in the candidate’s rank being excluded from the seat‑allotment process [3]. The Cell advises candidates to verify their personal details, category code, and preferred institute names before final submission [2].

After the seat‑allotment list is released on August 2 2026, allotted candidates must acknowledge the seat, pay the required admission fees, and submit supporting documents such as proof of identity, domicile, and academic qualifications [3]. The portal provides a checklist of required documents and payment instructions. Non‑compliance with the post‑allotment requirements may lead to cancellation of the seat and re‑allocation to the next eligible candidate [3].

The timeline is designed to ensure that the admission process for engineering, pharmacy, and related programmes proceeds without delay for the academic year commencing in August 2026. Institutions receiving allotted candidates are expected to confirm enrollment numbers to the State CET Cell within the prescribed period [1].

Students who secure a rank within the cutoff for their chosen stream must act promptly to submit the option form, thereby influencing their placement in engineering or pharmacy colleges across Maharashtra [3].

Impact on Students and Institutions

The release of the final merit list marks the transition from examination results to actual college admissions for approximately 1.2 million MHT CET candidates [2]. Students who secure a rank within the cutoff for their chosen stream must act promptly to submit the option form, thereby influencing their placement in engineering or pharmacy colleges across Maharashtra [3]. The defined deadlines create a narrow window for decision‑making, emphasizing the need for candidates to monitor the portal regularly.

Higher‑education institutions in Maharashtra will receive seat‑allocation data on August 2 2026, enabling them to plan intake, allocate resources, and finalize faculty appointments for the upcoming academic session [1]. The timely completion of the counselling process also supports state‑wide planning for student accommodation, transportation, and ancillary services associated with the influx of new entrants [1].

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For students, the merit list provides a transparent reference point for their standing relative to peers, facilitating informed choices about college preferences. The process eliminates the need for physical document submission during the initial stage, reducing administrative burden and accelerating the overall admission timeline [2]. Institutions benefit from an automated, centrally managed allocation system that aligns seat distribution with state reservation policies and institutional capacity [1].

Key Facts

What: Final merit list for MHT CET counselling 2026 released for PCM and PCB groups.

Impact: Candidates must submit preferences within two days to secure admission; institutions receive allocation data on August 2 2026.

When: Merit list published July 28 2026; option‑form deadline July 30 2026; seat allotment August 2 2026.

Impact: Candidates must submit preferences within two days to secure admission; institutions receive allocation data on August 2 2026.

Sources

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• State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra – Official Portal [1]
• MHT CET Counselling 2026 – Merit List and Details – Careers360 [2]
• MHT CET Counselling Final Merit List 2026 Released for PCM, PCB Groups – News18 [3]
• MHT CET Rank List 2026 (PDF) – Careers360 [4]