Pune: The MBA/MMS entrance examination organised by the state common entrance test (CET) cell to be held between April 6 and 8 began on Monday across Maharashtra with record registrations for the 2026-27 academic session.The computer-based exam will be held at 173 centres in all 36 districts, said state CET officials. They said smooth and fair conducting of the exam has become complex due to the large scale of participation, with elaborate arrangements being put in place.In a key reform, candidates have been given two attempts this year, on the lines of the national-level entrance exams. The first started on Monday and the second is scheduled on May 9. Of the total 1.8 lakh registrations, over 1.3 lakh candidates will write the test in the first attempt — marking it the first time a single session has crossed the one-lakh mark — and 48,588 in the second.“Candidates are required to appear for at least one attempt, while the second remains optional. The higher percentile score will be considered for admissions if both are taken,” said the CET official.Registrations have shown a steady rise — from 1.3 lakh in 2023-24 to 1.8 lakh this academic year — indicating a growing demand for management education. The applicant pool also reflects inclusivity, with eight transgender candidates, 482 aspirants who are orphan and 487 differently abled candidates registering.With rising numbers and a new two-attempt format, the CET cell’s preparedness is being closely watched as it conducts one of its largest entrance exams to date.
