Maharashtra’s State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell will introduce a single entrance examination for multiple undergraduate courses starting in 2026. This new unified test, named MAH–BHMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026, will streamline admissions for students seeking entry into Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), and Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) programs.
The decision to consolidate these entrance exams aims to simplify the application process for thousands of students across the state. This single examination replaces two separate CETs previously conducted for BHMCT and for the group of BCA, BBA, BMS, and BBM courses. The State CET Cell cited shared eligibility criteria among these programs as the primary reason for this unification.
New Exam Structure and Schedule
The MAH–BHMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 is tentatively scheduled to run from April 28, 2026, to April 30, 2026 . Each session of the combined entrance test will have a duration of 120 minutes. This is an increase compared to the previous format, where both the BHMCT CET and the BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM CET were conducted separately, each lasting 90 minutes.
This change means candidates will now sit for one longer, comprehensive exam instead of managing schedules for two distinct tests. This move is expected to reduce logistical complexities for both test-takers and examination authorities, ensuring a more efficient admission cycle for these popular undergraduate streams.
Eligibility Criteria: What to Expect
The State CET Cell confirmed that the various courses grouped under the new unified exam share similar admission requirements. While the specific, finalized eligibility criteria for the MAH–BHMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026 will be officially released, students can refer to previous year’s guidelines for BHMCT as an indicator of general expectations.
Previous BHMCT Eligibility Requirements (Reference)
Based on the prior BHMCT entrance exam information bulletin, candidates had to meet specific academic and age conditions. These included:
| Category | Academic Qualification | Minimum Aggregate Marks (HSC/Equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| General Candidates | Passed HSC or equivalent | 45% |
| Persons with Disability (Maharashtra) | Passed HSC or equivalent | 40% |
| Backward Class Candidates | Passed HSC or equivalent | 40% |
Age Limits for BHMCT (Reference)
- The upper age limit for General, Other Backward Class (OBC), and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates belonging to General and OBC categories was set at 25 years .
- For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST categories, the upper age limit was 28 years .
Applicants for the 2026 examination should closely monitor the official website for the definitive and combined eligibility rules that will apply to all courses covered by the new single CET.
Official Information and Next Steps
All candidates, parents, and educational institutions are advised to visit the State CET Cell’s official website, cetcell.mahacet.org , for critical updates. The website will publish the complete syllabus, detailed exam pattern, marking scheme, and the final eligibility criteria for the MAH–BHMCT/BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM–CET 2026.
This initiative represents a significant reform in Maharashtra’s undergraduate admission system. It aims to create a more organized and accessible path for students aspiring to pursue careers in hotel management, computer applications, and business administration fields, starting with the 2026 academic year.