About the exam
What is MAH-MCA-CET, and who can appear?
The Maharashtra MCA Common Entrance Test is the state-level entrance test for admission to the two-year MCA (Master of Computer Applications) course in Maharashtra. Everything below is from the official 2026 information brochure; the next brochure may change details.
What it is
MAH-MCA-CET is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra (cetcell.mahacet.org), once a year, usually in March–April, as an online computer-based test.
Its score is used for admission to MCA courses in government, government-aided, university-managed and unaided colleges across Maharashtra, through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) run by the CET Cell after the result. Candidates are ranked by percentile.
Who can appear
- Indian nationals.
- Anyone who has passed any graduation degree (B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Voc, BCA and so on), preferably with Mathematics at 10+2 or at graduation level.
- At least 50% marks in the qualifying degree; 45% for candidates of reserved categories, EWS and persons with disability belonging to Maharashtra.
- Students in the final year of their degree may also appear.
- There is no age limit and no limit on the number of attempts in the brochure.
Who should consider it
Graduates from any stream who want a postgraduate computing qualification and a software career, including students from B.Sc, B.Com and BCA backgrounds. If you did not study Mathematics after 10th, you can still appear; check the latest brochure for any bridge-course requirement at admission.
How the test works
One online paper, 90 minutes, four sections and a single timer. Every question is a four-option multiple-choice question worth 2 marks, and there is no negative marking. The medium is English only.
Pattern at a glance
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics & Statistics | 30 | 60 |
| Logical / Abstract Reasoning | 30 | 60 |
| English Comprehension & Verbal Ability | 20 | 40 |
| Computer Concepts | 20 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Marks per correct answer: 2
- Negative marking: None
- Medium: English
- Mode: Online (computer-based)
- Eligibility: Any graduation degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc/B.Com/B.Voc/BCA etc.), preferably with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level, with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories, EWS and PwD candidates belonging to Maharashtra). Final-year students may also appear.