Complete Guide to how to apply for ews category certificate for mht cet admissions 2026

To apply for the EWS category certificate for MHT CET 2026 admissions, visit your state’s Aaple Sarkar portal or your local Tehsildar’s office. You must submit proof of family income below 8 lakhs, land holding records (7/12 extracts), and identity documents. Ensure your certificate is issued before the CAP round registration.

What is the Exam?

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) is the gateway to professional degree courses in Engineering, Pharmacy, and Agriculture across the state of Maharashtra. Conducted annually by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, this examination evaluates candidates' proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM group). For thousands of aspirants, securing a seat in top-tier institutions like VJTI or COEP requires not just high marks, but also strategic navigation of category reservations. The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category provides a 10% reservation for students belonging to General categories whose annual family income is below ₹8 lakh.

Key Highlights 2026

• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Conducting Body: State CET Cell, Maharashtra
• Reservation Policy: 10% EWS reservation available
• Exam Duration: 180 Minutes (90 minutes per paper)
• Language: English, Marathi, Urdu
• Official Website: cetcell.mahacet.org

Syllabus 2026

The MHT CET syllabus is strictly based on the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education curriculum. Candidates must focus on Class 11 and 12 weightage.

Exam Pattern

The exam is divided into two papers. Physics and Chemistry are combined in one paper, while Mathematics is a separate paper. Candidates looking to excel should practice free mock tests for Engineering on Exam Bhai to understand the nuances of the negative marking and time management.

To master this pattern, we recommend students access structured study plans for Engineering on Exam Bhai to bridge any knowledge gaps.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official guidelines provided by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra, to claim EWS reservation:

1. The candidate must be a domicile of Maharashtra.
2. The candidate must not belong to SC, ST, or VJ/DT/NT/OBC/SBC categories.
3. The gross annual family income from all sources must be below ₹8,00,000.
4. Family assets must not exceed defined limits regarding agricultural land, residential plots, and flats.

Application Process

Applying for the EWS certificate is a state-specific administrative process managed under the 'Revenue Department'.

1. Documentation: Gather your Aadhaar card, PAN card, 7/12 extract (for landholders), Income Certificate (from Tehsildar), and Affidavit for EWS category.
2. Online Portal: Visit the Aaple Sarkar Maharashtra portal.
3. Registration: Create a user profile, upload a photograph, and select the 'Revenue Department' link.
4. Application: Select 'Income and Asset Certificate for Economically Weaker Section'.
5. Submission: Fill in the details, attach self-attested documents, and pay the nominal processing fee.
6. Tracking: Note the Application ID to track the status. The certificate is usually generated within 15–30 working days.

Preparation Strategy

Preparation for MHT CET is a marathon, not a sprint. We at Exam Bhai advise a three-pronged approach: Conceptual clarity, rigorous practice, and revision. Start by analyzing the previous year's papers to identify high-weightage chapters. Use expert-curated revision notes for Engineering on Exam Bhai to simplify complex concepts in Physical Chemistry and Mathematics. Always prioritize the state board textbooks over reference books in the final month.

Cut-Off Trends

Based on historical data from the State CET Cell, EWS cut-offs generally trail the Open (General) category by a margin of 2–5 percentile points. While top colleges like ICT Mumbai or COEP demand high percentiles (99+), the EWS category offers a significant buffer for students in the 90–95 percentile range. Always keep a close watch on the CAP round updates to ensure your documents are ready before the counseling commences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I apply for EWS if my family income is exactly 8 lakhs? Yes, the criteria state the income must be below 8 lakhs (excluding agricultural land income).

Q2: Is the EWS certificate valid for only one year? Yes, the EWS certificate for MHT CET must be valid for the financial year in which you are seeking admission.

Q3: What if my EWS certificate is under processing during CAP rounds? It is highly risky. Always ensure you have the certificate in hand before document verification to avoid rejection.

Q4: Does EWS category affect my seat allotment? Yes, there is a specific 10% quota for EWS, which can make a difference in securing a seat in your preferred branch.

Q5: Can I change my category from Open to EWS during the CAP round? No, you must declare your category during the initial MHT CET application form filling process.

Q6: Where can I get the EWS affidavit format? The format is available on the official Aaple Sarkar portal under the Revenue Department downloads section.