Maharashtra to Hold Pharmacy CET Twice a Year from 2026
Mumbai: In a major move to ease academic pressure and expand opportunities for students, the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell will now conduct pharmacy entrance exams twice a year, starting from the 2026-27 academic session. The first session is scheduled for April 2026, followed by a second in May 2026, giving candidates two chances in a single academic year to improve their performance.
Announcing the reform, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil said the initiative aims to provide students with greater flexibility and reduce the stress of a single high-stakes exam. Mirroring the structure of national-level entrance tests like JEE, candidates can appear for one or both sessions, with their best score considered for admission.
This decision brings much-needed relief for thousands of pharmacy aspirants across Maharashtra, who face intense competition for limited seats each year. The move is expected to benefit over six lakh students annually, ensuring those who do not perform well in the first attempt get another fair chance.
To support the twice-a-year format, the state government will significantly enhance examination infrastructure. The current capacity of around 7,000 computer systems used for online CET exams will be expanded to 20,000 systems across the state. Government-run colleges and university campuses will also receive upgraded facilities, including high-speed internet connectivity and improved computer labs, to ensure seamless conduct of exams.
Additionally, about 40 new district-level CET help centres will be set up to provide on-ground support for applicants. These centres will guide students through registration, address grievances, and handle documentation locally—eliminating the need to travel to Mumbai for assistance.
According to a recent media report by Hindustan Times, the CET Cell—established in 2015 following a Supreme Court directive—will now operate with full-time staff appointed through the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE). The reform aims to make the examination process more efficient, transparent, and student-friendly.
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