JEE Main vs MHT CET 2025: How To Plan Your Preparation Strategy

JEE Main vs MHT CET 2025: How To Plan Your Preparation Strategy

K Guna SahitiUpdated on 07 Oct 2024, 12:26 PM IST

JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2025: MHT CET is a state-level engineering entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra CET cell. Whereas, JEE Main is a national-level engineering entrance examination held by NTA. It is natural to wonder which is best for engineering, CET or JEE? The answer is both. More than 1400 colleges accept JEE Main for engineering admission and at least 375 colleges provide BTech admission through MHT CET scores. Candidates must be curious to know whether the JEE preparation is enough for MHT CET. Well, definitely yes. MHT CET 2025 will open up enormous opportunities for engineering aspirants who are anyway preparing for the JEE Main 2025 because it has a lower difficulty level. Moreover, a number of prestigious engineering colleges use MHT CET scores for admission. In this article, Careers360 compares the two entrance exams so that the students can prepare for them with a common strategy for the upcoming year.

LiveJEE Mains 2026 Registration LIVE: Exam city option not removed, says NTA; application process updatesOct 12, 2025 | 12:58 PM IST

The JEE Main 2026 registration category-wise fee details are provided below.

Category

Paper 1 BE, BTech or Paper 2A: BArch or Paper 2B: BPlanning


Fees for appearing in India

General

Male - Rs 1,000

Female - Rs 800

Gen-EWS/ OBC(NCL)

Male - Rs 900

Female - Rs 800

SC/ST/PwD/PwBD

Rs 500

Third Gender

Rs 500

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. JEE Main VS MHT CET: Which is Better?
  2. JEE Main 2025 Vs MHT CET 2025: Differences And Similarities
  3. Difference between JEE and CET Syllabus 2025
  4. JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2025: Exam Patterns Compared
  5. How To Prepare For MHT CET along with JEE Main 2025?
JEE Main vs MHT CET 2025: How To Plan Your Preparation Strategy
Plan smart: Understand the common syllabus of MHTCET and JEE Main

JEE Main VS MHT CET: Which is Better?

JEE Main is an All-India level exam, whose scores are mandatory for admission to 32 NITs, 26 IIITs, GFTIs and many other top engineering colleges in India. Also, it is the first stage of admission to 26 IITs which is done through JEE Advanced. Qualifying JEE Main will make the candidates eligible to apply for admission to the 4-year BTech and 5-year BArch/ B.Plan programmes.

MHT CET is a state entrance exam, which is accepted by around 357 private sector institutions and 18 state government colleges in Maharashtra. The state CET cell conducts MHT CET every year for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy and agriculture (BTech/BE, Pharma D and B.Pharma) offered by colleges in Maharashtra.

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The analysis of JEE Main Vs MHT CET difficulty level shows that the later exam is comparatively easier. Those who are preparing for JEE Main 2025, can attempt for MHT CET 2025 as well.

Also Read:

JEE Main 2025 Vs MHT CET 2025: Differences And Similarities

These are the differences and similarities between the two major exams:

  1. Both of them will be conducted in computer-based mode.

  2. As per previous year statistics, for the MHT CET examination, 7.25 lakh candidates registered in 2024. For JEE Main, Over 12.31 lakh students enrolled for the four JEE Main January sessions and 12.57 lakh for the April session in 2024.

  3. JEE Main is considered more difficult than MHT CET.

  4. The questions of MHT-CET will be based on the syllabus of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Questions from the syllabus of Class 11 will have 20% weightage and 80% weightage will be given to questions from the Class 12 syllabus. JEE Main will focus almost equally on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus.

JEE Main 2026: Preparation Tips & Study Plan
Download the JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips PDF to boost your exam strategy. Get expert insights on managing study material, focusing on key topics and high-weightage chapters.
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Difference between JEE and CET Syllabus 2025

Is MHT CET and JEE syllabus same? Aspirants can check the following sections for the detailed syllabus comparison of Class 11 and Class 12 chapters for JEE Main and MHT CET.

MHT CET Vs JEE Main Physics 2025: Chapter Wise Syllabus Comparison

The foundation of Physics is conceptual comprehension. Candidates must ensure that their notions are clear in each topic of this subject. Solving problems will help with clarity of concepts and lead to more confidence in the subject. The summary and extra questions of NCERT are helpful in solving the tricky questions of JEE Main.

JEE Main Vs MHT CET Syllabus: Physics

NCERT Physics Class 11

JEE Main

MHT-CET

Units And Measurements

Motion In A Straight Line

Motion In A Plane

Laws Of Motion

Work, Energy And Power

System Of Particles And Rotational Motion

Gravitation

Mechanical Properties Of Solids

Mechanical Properties Of Fluids

Thermal Properties Of Matter

Thermodynamics

Kinetic Theory

Oscillations

Waves

NCERT Physics Class 12

JEE Main

MHT-CET

Electric Charges And Fields

Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance

Current Electricity

Moving Charges And Magnetism

Magnetism And Matter

Electromagnetic Induction

Alternating Current

Electromagnetic Waves

Ray Optics And Optical Instruments

Wave Optics

Dual Nature Of Radiation And Matter

Atoms

Nuclei

Semiconductor Electronics

Communication Systems

Experimental Skills

MHT CET Vs JEE Main Maths 2025: Chapter Wise Syllabus Comparison

As the questions are consistently tough, this subject needs more practice. The more applicants learn and practise Maths, the more analytical and problem-solving skills they will gain. Learning the tricks to solve questions helps students to save time and get exact answers. These tricks are available on YouTube.

JEE Main Vs MHT CET Syllabus: Maths

Class 11 Maths NCERT

JEE Main

MHT-CET

Sets

Relations And Functions

Trigonometric Functions

Principle Of Mathematical Induction

Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations

Linear Inequalities

Permutations And Combinations

Binomial Theorem

Sequence And Series

Straight Lines

Conic Sections

Introduction To Three Dimensional Geometry

Limits And Derivatives

Mathematical Reasoning

Statistics

Probability

Class 12 Maths NCERT

JEE Main

MHT-CET

Relations And Functions

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Matrices

Determinants

Continuity And Differentiability

Application Of Derivatives

Integrals

Application Of Integrals

Differential Equations

Vector Algebra

Three Dimensional Geometry

Linear Programming

Probability

MHT CET, JEE Main Chemistry 2025: Chapter wise syllabus comparison

Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry are the three fields of Chemistry that candidates must be familiar with. Go through all the Reaction Mechanisms and make a list of all of the named reactions. Make notes while studying each chapter. The theoretical chapters of Chemistry are the scoring chapters for both JEE Main and MHT CET.

JEE Main Vs MHT CET Syllabus: Chemistry

NCERT Chemistry Class 11

JEE Main

MHT-CET

Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry

Structure Of Atom

Classification Of Elements And Periodicity In Properties

Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure

States Of Matter

Thermodynamics

Equilibrium

Redox Reactions

Hydrogen

The s - Block Elements

The p - Block Elements

Organic Chemistry Some Basic Principles And Techniques

Hydrocarbons

Environmental Chemistry

Class 12 Chemistry NCERT

JEE Main

MHT-CET

Solid States

Solutions

Electrochemistry

Chemical Kinetics

Surface Chemistry

General Principle And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements

The p-Block Elements

The d-And f-Block Elements

Coordination Compounds

Haloalkanes And Haloarenes

Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers

Aldehydes, Ketones And Carboxylic Acids

Amines

Biomolecules

Polymers

Chemistry In Everyday Life

Exam Preparation:

JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2025: Exam Patterns Compared

Here is a comparison table between JEE Main exam pattern and MHT CET exam pattern. Aspirants can refer to the information below before starting their preparation.

JEE Main Exam Pattern Vs MHT CET Exam Pattern

Particulars

JEE Main

MHT CET

Mode of exam

Computer-based

Computer-based

Types of questions

MCQs

Numerical type

MCQs

Number of sections

One

Two

Number of subjects

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics

  • Paper 1- Mathematics

  • Paper 2- Physics and Chemistry

Number of questions

Each section-

  • MCQs- 20

  • Numerical based questions- 10 (5 questions compulsory)

  • Physics- 50

  • Chemistry- 50

  • Mathematics- 50

Total questions

90 (75 compulsory)

150

Exam duration

3 hours

3 hours

Marking Scheme

  • 4 marks for a correct answer

  • -1 mark for wrong answer

  • Physics and Chemistry- one mark for each correct answer

  • Mathematics- 2 marks for each correct answer

  • No negative marking

Language

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.


  • Physics and Chemistry- English / Marathi / Urdu

  • Mathematics- English

Practice with:

JEE Main Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

How To Prepare For MHT CET along with JEE Main 2025?

Candidates wondering if JEE preparation is enough for MHT CET can check the exam strategy given below. Those who are preparing for JEE Main can easily attempt the MHT CET exam due to the similarity in syllabus and the exam pattern. However, note that JEE Main is considered tougher than MHT CET.

  • Know The Syllabus And Exam Pattern: To ace at any exam the candidates must understand its pattern and syllabus before starting their preparation. The syllabus of MHT CET 2025 is based on the subjects taught in Class 11 and 12. So, the candidates must necessarily know which topic to study from the syllabus of both classes. The same goes for JEE Main. Most of the topics overlap for both exams. Thai would save a lot of time.

  • Prepare A Timetable: Candidates should always prepare a study timetable. They should divide their preparation time in such a way that all the important topics are covered before the exam.

  • Study Material: Selection of suitable books and study material is very important. One must start with NCERT books and refer to other books only after that. Candidates can also check the list of best books for JEE Main and MHT CET online.

  • Revision: Candidates should make a provision in their study plan for extra time for revision. As the syllabus is vast the candidates must revise all the topics at least once before the exam.

  • Sample Papers And Mock Tests: Candidates should practise a number of sample papers and mock tests in order to increase speed in problem solving. This will also help in time management. Since the difficulty level of JEE Main is higher than MHT CET, students can practice with JEE Main mock tests for better revision. The sample papers and mock tests are usually based on the pattern of the exam. By attempting them the candidates will also be able to analyse their performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the syllabus of MHT CET and JEE Main same?
A:

No, the MHT CET syllabus and JEE Main syllabus are not exactly same. There are a few differences between both. For more details check the article above. 

Q: Which is best for engineering, JEE or MHT CET?
A:

Both, JEE Main and MHT CET are considered best for engineering. One must note that MHT CET is a state level exam and JEE is a national-level engineering entrance exam.

Q: Is JEE preparation enough for MHT CET?
A:

Mostly yes. Since the exam difficulty level of JEE Main is higher, it automatically prepares one for the MHT CET exam. However, there are a few differences in their syllabi and exam patterns. So, aspirants will have to strategize accordingly. 

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Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello,

Here are some important chapters for JEE Mains:

Mathematics:

  1. Calculus: Integral Calculus, Limits & Continuity, Differentiability, Application of Derivatives.
  2. Coordinate Geometry: 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Vector Algebra.
  3. Algebra: Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Statistics and Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Sequence and Series.

Physics

  1. Mechanics: Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Rotational Motion, Kinematics.
  2. Thermodynamics & Waves: Thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves
  3. Electricity & Magnetism: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism
  4. Optics: Ray Optics, Wave Optics.

Chemistry

  1. Physical Chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, Chemical; Kinetics, Thermodynamics.
  2. I norganic Chemistry: P-block elements, Coordination Compounds, Periodic Table.
  3. Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Organic Chemistry - some basic principles and techniques, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acid.

These are the high-weightage chapters; by focusing on these chapters, you can improve your score.

you can also check this link for more details:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/most-important-chapters-of-jee-main

I hope this answer helps you!

Hello, Based on the current date, the application process for both sessions of the JEE Main 2025 has already been completed. The exams for 2025 were conducted earlier this year.

You are likely asking about the upcoming JEE Main 2026 examination.

Based on the schedule followed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in previous years, here is the expected timeline for the JEE Main 2026 application forms:

For the First Session (January/February 2026):

  • The application forms are expected to be released in November or December 2025.

For the Second Session (April 2026):

  • The application window for the second session typically opens after the results of the first session are declared, which is usually in February or March 2026.

Hope it's helpful to you.

Hello,

Yes, you are right; you can upload your class 10th marksheet for the JEE Main 2026 registration, as DigiLocker documents are considered equivalent to original physical documents by law. You should download the digitally signed marksheet from your DigiLocker account to upload it to the JEE Main application form.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

As of the JEE Main January 2026 session, candidates can no longer choose their preferred exam cities. Instead, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will assign your exam center based on the address linked to your Aadhaar card.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

Generally, UPES( University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) might have different admission criteria depending on the specific program. Some may require specific JEE Main scores, while others might consider alternative criteria like their own entrance exams (UPES Engineering Aptitude Test), merit in 12th grade or any other factors. Therefore, even if you didn’t qualify for JEE Mains, you might still be eligible for  certain programs at UPES. It’s best to check official UPES site for accurate admission requirements.

I hope this answers helps you!