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MBA - CET: Full Exam Guide for Every MBA Aspirant

Get to Know Everything about CET

What is the MAH MBA CET ?

The MAH MBA/MMS Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET) is a state-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

It is the gateway to over 330+ MBA/MMS colleges in Maharashtra, including top B-schools like

  • JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies)

  • Sydenham Institute of Management (SIMSREE)

  • PUMBA (Department of Management Sciences, University of Pune)

  • KJ Somaiya (via MAH-CET seat allotment for MMS)

With nearly 140,000+ candidates every year, MAH-CET is one of the most competitive MBA exams in India, offering access to high-ROI colleges.

Key Highlights

Conducting BodyState CET Cell, Maharashtra
Exam LevelState-level MBA/MMS entrance exam
Mode of ExamOnline (Computer-based test)
Duration2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes)
Number of Questions200
Type of QuestionsMultiple Choice (MCQs)
Courses OfferedMBA/MMS (Full-time)
Colleges Accepting330+ MBA colleges in Maharashtra
FrequencyOnce a year (March)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational Qualification: Graduate in any stream with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories & PwD from Maharashtra).

  • Final Year Students: Eligible (provisional admission subject to graduation).

  • Age Limit: No upper age limit.

  • Domicile: Candidates from all states can apply, but Maharashtra candidates get reservation benefits.

Exam Pattern

  • Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, no negative marking.

  • Mode: Online, multiple slots.

Syllabus Overview

1. Logical Reasoning (75 Qs)

  • Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations

  • Coding-Decoding

  • Syllogisms

  • Input-Output

  • Data Sufficiency

  • Series Completion

2. Abstract Reasoning (25 Qs)

  • Visual Reasoning

  • Figure Series & Completion

  • Pattern Recognition

3. Quantitative Aptitude (50 Qs)

  • Arithmetic (Time, Speed, Distance, Profit & Loss, Ratio)

  • Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration

  • Probability, Permutation & Combination

  • Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)

4. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (50 Qs)

  • Reading Comprehension (short-medium passages)

  • Grammar & Sentence Correction

  • Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)

  • Para Jumbles

Exam Difficulty Level

  • Easier than CAT/XAT but tougher than MAT/ATMA.

  • Heavy focus on speed-based solving (200 Qs in 150 mins).

  • Abstract reasoning is unique to MAH-CET, not seen in most MBA exams.

Cut-Off Trends

Section No. of Questions Marks
Logical Reasoning 75 75
Abstract Reasoning 25 25
Quantitative Aptitude 50 50
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension 50 50
Total 200 200
College Expected Cut-Off Percentile
JBIMS Mumbai 99.95+
SIMSREE Mumbai 98–99
PUMBA Pune 97+
KJ Somaiya (MMS Seat) 96–97
Welingkar Mumbai (WE School) 95–96
SIES College of Management Studies 85–95
NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research 98.65–98.98
Other Top Colleges 85–95

Application Process

  1. Visit official site: cetcell.mahacet.org.

  2. Register with email and mobile.

  3. Fill in academic and personal details.

  4. Upload scanned documents (photo, signature).

  5. Pay fees online.

Application Fees

  • General (Outside Maharashtra): ₹1,000

  • Maharashtra Reserved Category: ₹800

Important Dates

  • Registration Start: Last week of December 2025

  • Registration End: Last week of January 2026

  • Admit Card Release: 1st week of March 2026

  • Exam Date: 3rd week of March 2026

  • Result Declaration: Last week of May 2026

  • CAP Round (Counseling): July 2026 – August 2026

Preparation Strategy

  • Start Prep: 4–6 months before the exam.

  • Focus Areas: Logical + Abstract Reasoning carry 100 marks → highest weightage.

  • Mock Tests: Practice 20–25 mocks to master speed.

  • DI & Quant: Sharpen calculation speed with shortcuts.

  • RC & Verbal: Practice reading short passages under 5 minutes.

Best Books for MAH MBA CET

  • How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning – Arun Sharma

  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – R.S. Aggarwal

  • Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis

  • CET Mock Tests – IMS, Career Launcher, TIME

Career Scope After CET

  • Top MBA Colleges: JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar.

  • Placement Packages (2024 data):

    • JBIMS Avg CTC: ₹28–30 LPA

    • SIMSREE Avg CTC: ₹14–16 LPA

    • PUMBA Avg CTC: ₹8–10 LPA

  • ROI Advantage: MAH-CET offers low fees and high packages, making it one of the best ROI MBA exams in India.

FAQs

State CET Cell, Government of Maharashtra.

200 questions in 150 minutes.

No, there is no negative marking.

Yes, but only Maharashtra candidates get reservation benefits.

Easier than the CAT, but speed-based with unique abstract reasoning.

Our MAH CET Mentor

Munira Lokhandwala
An alumna of IIM Calcutta & a math graduate from St. Xavier's, Mumbai. She is also a US-CFA charter holder and also holds the FRM (GARP) certification. She has been a regular CAT topper with 100 percentiles more than once. She is very passionate about learning, teaching, and all things educational. She has also published a book for CAT Verbal with Wiley, India.

Munira Lokhandwala

IIM-C Alumna, US CFA
Download Study Material 2026

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