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 11 Feb 2026, 12:47 PM IST

JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2026: MHT CET and JEE Main are both engineering exams widely taken by aspirants. MHT CET is a state level exam while JEE Mains is nationally conducted. More than 1400 colleges accept JEE Main for engineering admission and at least 375 colleges provide BTech admission through MHT CET scores. Many students also wonder if JEE preparation is enough for MHT CET. The answer is yes. MHT CET 2026 will open up enormous opportunities for engineering aspirants who are anyway preparing for the JEE Main 2026 because it has a lower difficulty level. Moreover, a number of prestigious engineering colleges use MHT CET scores for admission. In this article, we have compared the two entrance exams so that the students can prepare for them with a common strategy for the upcoming year. The JEE Mains January session is completed and candidates are now preparing for the April session next. Whereas, MHT CET is yet to be conducted for both April and May sessions as per scheduled.

This Story also Contains

  1. JEE Main VS MHT CET: Which is Better?
  2. JEE Main 2026 Vs MHT CET 2026: Differences And Similarities
  3. Difference between JEE and CET Syllabus 2026
  4. JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2026: Exam Patterns Compared
  5. How To Prepare For MHT CET along with JEE Main 2026?
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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AspectJEE MainMHT CET
Exam LevelAll-India national levelState level (Maharashtra)
Conducting BodyNTA (National Testing Agency)State CET Cell, Maharashtra
PurposeAdmission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs; eligibility for JEE AdvancedAdmission to engineering, pharmacy & agriculture colleges in Maharashtra
Programs CoveredBTech, BArch, BPlanBTech/BE, BPharma, Pharma-D (Maharashtra)
Difficulty LevelHigherRelatively easier
Eligibility for IITsYes (via JEE Advanced)No
Scope of CollegesPan-IndiaMaharashtra only
FrequencyMultiple sessions per yearOnce a year
Syllabus BaseClass 11 & 12 CBSE/State BoardsClass 11 & 12 Maharashtra State Board
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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 2026, can attempt for MHT CET 2026 as well.

Also Read:


JEE Main 2026 Vs MHT CET 2026: 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 as per previous statistics. For JEE Main, Over 12.31 lakh students enrolled for the four JEE Main January sessions and 12.57 lakh in previous year.

  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.

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Difference between JEE and CET Syllabus 2026

Are you wondering if the MHT CET and JEE syllabus is 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 2026: 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 2026: 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 2026: 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 2026: 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- 5

  • Physics- 50

  • Chemistry- 50

  • Mathematics- 50

Total questions

75

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 2026?

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 2026 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.

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. 

Q: How difficult was the JEE Mains Jan session?
A:

The JEE Mains Jan session was moderately difficult.

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Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

There are many NITs that accepts JEE Main rank below 35,000 in different branches including Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and many more. These NITs are -

Yes, based on previous years' trends, some of the good colleges that offer BTech admissions with JEE Main rank between 65,000–80,000 include:

Arnav Gautam & P.Mohith secured 300 out of 300 in JEE Mains session 1, as per the provisional answer key. The list of toppers to be released with JEE Main results

JEE Main 2026 session 1 result is not declared yet. JEE Main session 1 result will be declared on February 12.