For thousands of students in Maharashtra, the wait is finally over. On 20 May 2026, the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra released the provisional answer key for the MHT CET 2026 PCM Group (Session 1). This isn't just a list of correct answers; it's your first real chance to calculate your probable score and challenge any discrepancies before the final results are locked in.
The release marks a critical juncture for aspirants aiming for engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture seats across the state. Alongside the answer key, candidates can now download their response sheets and question papers from the official portal. Here’s the thing: you have a very narrow window to act. If you believe an answer was marked incorrectly, you need to move fast.
What Just Happened?
The State CET Cell made the MHT CET 2026 PCM Answer Key available on its official website, cetcell.mahacet.org. This release covers the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) stream for the first attempt. The exam itself was conducted earlier this year, with sources indicating the PCM sessions ran between 11 April 2026 and 19 or 20 April 2026, depending on the specific centre schedule.
Interestingly, while the PCM group is just getting its provisional key, the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group has already moved past this stage. A revised answer key for the PCB group is already live, meaning their objection window has closed and their scores are likely finalized. For PCM candidates, however, the clock is ticking.
How to Access Your Answer Key and Response Sheet
The process is straightforward but requires precision. You’ll need your login credentials ready—specifically your application number (or roll number) and password. Here is the step-by-step flow most education portals like Careers360 and Shiksha recommend:
- Visit the official site:
cetcell.mahacet.org. - Look for the "View MHT CET 2026 Answer Key" link on the homepage.
- Log in using your registered email ID or roll number and password.
- Select your specific exam version (subject-wise).
- Once logged in, you can view the answer key, download your response sheet, and access the question paper.
It’s worth noting that these documents are session-specific. Make sure you’re downloading the materials for Session 1. The files are provided in PDF format, so keep a printed copy handy for reference during the objection phase.
Raising Objections: The Rules and Costs
This is where things get serious. The provisional nature of the answer key means it’s not set in stone yet. If you spot an error—a wrong option marked as correct, or a question with multiple valid answers—you can file a challenge. But there’s a catch: it costs money.
To raise an objection, you must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 1,000 per question. Yes, per question. So if you want to challenge five questions, that’s Rs 5,000 out of pocket. The process involves:
- Navigating to the "Objection Tracker" or "Raise Objections" section within your candidate login.
- Selecting the specific Question ID you wish to challenge.
- Uploading supporting documents or evidence for your claim.
- Paying the processing fee online.
The deadline is strict. The objection window opens on 20 May 2026 and closes sharply on 22 May 2026. After that date, the portal will lock, and no further challenges will be accepted for Session 1. Missing this window means accepting the provisional key as final for this stage.
Exam Structure and Score Expectations
Understanding how your score is calculated helps in deciding which questions are worth challenging. The MHT CET 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 180 minutes. The structure is split into two parts:
- Physics and Chemistry: 100 questions to be attempted in 90 minutes.
- Mathematics: 50 questions to be attempted in 90 minutes.
Totaling 150 questions, the exam tests speed and accuracy equally. While official cut-offs aren’t declared until after all objections are processed, industry analysts at Collegedunia suggest expected cut-offs for reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, PwD) might range between 70–80 marks. These figures are indicative, not guaranteed, but they give you a benchmark for whether your current tally is competitive.
What’s Next for Candidates?
If you appeared for the second attempt, scheduled between 10 May 2026 and 16 May 2026, don’t panic. Your answer key hasn’t been released yet. The State CET Cell typically follows a staggered release pattern. Expect the Session 2 keys to drop later in May 2026, likely following a similar objection timeline.
For Session 1 PCM candidates, focus on verifying your responses immediately. Compare your memory of the exam with the official key. If the discrepancy could swing your rank significantly, the Rs 1,000 fee might be a small price to pay. Otherwise, use this time to prepare for counseling procedures, which usually begin shortly after the final results are published.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the objection window close for MHT CET 2026 PCM Session 1?
The objection window for the PCM Group Session 1 closes on 22 May 2026. Candidates must submit all challenges and pay the required fees before the portal shuts down on this date. Late submissions will not be entertained.
Is the objection fee refundable if my challenge is rejected?
No, the objection fee of Rs 1,000 per question is non-refundable. It is charged as a processing fee regardless of whether the State CET Cell accepts or rejects your challenge. Ensure you only challenge questions where you have strong evidence.
Why is the PCB answer key already revised while PCM is provisional?
The PCB group exams were conducted slightly later (April 21-26, 2026), but their grievance process appears to have been completed earlier or in parallel. The revised PCB key indicates that their objection window has already closed and corrections have been applied. PCM candidates are currently in that active review phase.
How do I log in to download the answer key?
You need to visit cetcell.mahacet.org and use your application number (or roll number) and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" feature linked to your registered email ID to reset it before attempting to access the key.
Will there be another attempt for MHT CET 2026?
Yes, a second attempt was scheduled for both PCM and PCB groups between 10 May 2026 and 16 May 2026. Answer keys for this session will be released separately later in May 2026, following a similar process of provisional release and objection windows.