MAH MBA CET: pattern, no negative marking and a scoring plan
MAH MBA CET is Maharashtra's state entrance test for MBA and MMS admissions, conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. Its score is used by JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, K. J. Somaiya, N. L. Dalmia and more than 300 other colleges in the state. The paper has 200 questions in 150 minutes, one mark each, and no negative marking.
The 2027 dates are not announced yet at the time of writing. Going by recent years, registration is likely from January to February 2027 and the test in March to May 2027. Watch cetcell.mahacet.org for the official notice.
MAH MBA CET at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | State CET Cell, Maharashtra |
| Questions | 200 multiple choice, five options each |
| Duration | 150 minutes, no sectional time limit |
| Marking | +1 for each correct answer, no negative marking |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree (3 years) with 50% (45% for reserved categories from Maharashtra); final-year students can apply |
| 2027 dates | Not announced yet |
Sections
| Section | What is asked |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Arrangements, series, coding, blood relations, syllogisms, statement-based questions |
| Abstract Reasoning | Figure series, odd figure out, analogies with shapes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, number system, data interpretation, data sufficiency |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Passages, grammar, vocabulary, para-jumbles |
Reasoning (logical plus abstract) has carried the largest share of questions in recent papers, which is why CET rewards reasoning speed more than any other MBA entrance.
Strategy: 45 seconds a question
200 questions in 150 minutes gives you 45 seconds per question. Two rules follow:
- Attempt every question. There is no negative marking, so a blank is always worse than a guess. Keep the last three minutes to mark answers for anything left.
- Skip and return. If a question needs more than a minute, mark any option, flag it, and move on. Come back only if time remains.
A practical order is reasoning first (your biggest scoring block), then verbal, then quant, with abstract reasoning wherever you feel freshest.
A 10-week preparation plan
- Weeks 1 to 4: daily reasoning practice (50 questions), one quant topic a day, and one reading passage a day.
- Weeks 5 to 8: sectional tests against the clock; learn short-cuts for arrangements and data sufficiency.
- Weeks 9 and 10: two full 200-question mocks a week, analysing where you lost time.
Free reasoning and quant questions with solutions are on Target Campus, including the OMET section.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in MAH MBA CET?
No. Every question carries one mark and wrong answers lose nothing, so attempt all 200.
Is there a sectional time limit?
No. You have 150 minutes for the whole paper and can move between sections freely.
Can students from outside Maharashtra take MAH CET?
Yes. Candidates from other states can take the test and apply for the All India seats in Maharashtra colleges, as set out in the CET Cell's rules for each year.
Published 2 Nov 2026 · Facts last checked 2 Nov 2026 by Team Target Campus. Exam bodies and companies can change details at any time, so confirm on the official website before you apply.