Confused about which exam to appear for: MHT CET vs JEE Main? MHT CET is a state-level entrance test, while JEE Main is conducted nationally for B.Tech. The article will provide a detailed comparison of both exams based on exam pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level.
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B.Tech aspirants are often seen facing the dilemma of MHT CET vs JEE Main exam, which one to appear for? The first difference between these two exams is that MHT CET is a state-level entrance test conducted for admission to institutions in the state of Maharashtra. Whereas, JEE Main is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to institutions across India.
Moreover, JEE Main is one of the toughest exams in the world, while the difficulty level of the MHT CET exam is said to be easy to moderate. Both exams are crucial to shaping a promising future in the engineering field, offering lucrative salaries and jobs.
Thus, candidates must be aware of the key differences between MHT CET and JEE Main. Check this article to wisely choose the exam they wish to appear for.
MHT CET vs JEE Main: Key Definitions
Both MHT CET and JEE Main entrance exams are conducted for admission to engineering courses at various government and private colleges in Maharashtra and India respectively. However, candidates must understand that MHT CET can be cracked with JEE Main (Paper 1) preparation as the questions will mostly be based on the state's board syllabus. Whereas, JEE Main cannot be cracked with MHT CET's preparation.
JEE Main requires intense preparation as the questions will be more conceptual. Candidates must have a thorough and deep understanding of the difference between JEE Main and MHT CET to choose which exam to take.
So, let's have a look at the core of MHT CET and JEE Main to understand their nature better:
What is MHT CET?
Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test or MHT CET is a state-level entrance test conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra. It is a gateway for admission to numerous undergraduate engineering and technical courses in Maharashtra.
The exam is conducted yearly in a computer-based format. Here's a detailed overview of the MH CET exam:
Particulars |
Details |
Name of the Exam |
Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test |
Level of Exam |
State-Level |
Competition |
Comparatively less competition, since the exam is at the state level. |
Application Mode |
Online |
Languages |
English, Urdu, Marathi |
Exam Mode |
Online |
Official Website |
mhtcet2025.mahacet.org |
Helpdesk |
022 2264 115 |
What is JEE Main?
The JEE Main is a national-level engineering and architecture exam conducted by the National Testing Agency. It offers admission to tier 1 engineering colleges in India. Moreover, candidates are qualified to take the JEE Advanced level examination.
The exam is conducted at more than 300 centres in India and Abroad twice a year. Candidates appearing for the JEE Main exam can take the exam in online and offline modes for different subjects.
Here's a complete overview of the JEE Main exam:
Particulars |
Details |
Name of the Exam |
JEE Main (Paper 1) |
Level of Exam |
National-Level |
Competition |
Has a higher level of competition since students from all over the country and abroad appear for the exam |
Application Mode |
Online |
Languages |
English, Bengali, Assamese, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odiya, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, and Urdu |
Exam Mode |
Online for B.E. & B.Tech |
Official Website |
jeemain.nta.nic.in |
Helpdesk |
7042399521, 7042399525, 7042399526 |
Also Read: How to Score 150+ in MHT CET 2025 for B.Tech Admission?
Key Difference Between MHT CET vs JEE Main
Now that the B.Tech, B.Arch & B.E. aspirants are aware of the basics of the MHT CET and JEE Main exams, let's understand the difference between JEE Main vs MHT CET:
MHT CET vs JEE Main Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for MHT CET and JEE Main differ as both are conducted at different levels. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for the JEE Main and MHT CET exams:
Particulars |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria |
MHT CET Eligibility Criteria |
Educational |
The candidates who have passed 10+2 or any other equivalent examination from a recognized educational board are eligible to appear for JEE Main. |
The candidates should have passed the 12th standard (or equivalent) from a recognized board/university |
Age |
No specific age limit. Candidates can visit the official website of JEE Main participating colleges to check the age criteria |
No age limit |
Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (Compulsory) Biology/Biotechnology (Optional) |
Physics and Mathematics (Compulsory) Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical/Vocational subjects (Optional) |
Percentage |
General and OBC: 75% aggregate Reserved Categories: 65% aggregate |
General Category: 50% (in aggregate of 5 subjects) Reserved Categories & PwD: 45% (in aggregate of 5 subjects) |
Nationality |
Indian candidates, NIOS, Nepal/Bhutan, PIO, OCI Candidates qualified from other foreign are eligible only for Other State Quota Seats or the All India Quota Seats |
The applicant must be a citizen of India, a ward of NRI, OCI, a Person of Indian Origin, an Indian worker in Gulf Countries, or a Foreign Nationals |
MHT CET vs JEE Main Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of entrance examinations is vital to the aspirants' preparation. The following are the differences and similarities in the MHT CET vs JEE Main exam patterns:
Particulars |
JEE Main (Paper 1) |
MHT CET |
Exam Mode |
Computer Based Test |
Computer Based Test |
Duration |
3 Hours |
3 Hours |
Medium |
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
English, Urdu, and Marathi |
Sections |
Physics, Chemistry. Mathematics |
Physics, Chemistry/Biology, Mathematics |
Total Number of Questions |
90 (Candidates have to answer 75) |
PCM Group: 150 questions (50 from each subject) PCB Group: 200 questions (100 from Biology and 50 from Physics and Chemistry each) |
Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme |
4 marks for every right answer |
Physics & Chemistry - 1 mark will be given for each correct answerMathematics - 1 mark will be given for every correct answer |
Total Marks |
300 |
200 |
Negative Marking |
MCQs: 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer Numeric Value Questions: No negative marking. |
No negative marking |
MHT CET vs JEE Main Syllabus
The MHT CET syllabus topics are covered in class 11 and class 12 board exam syllabus from the NCERT books. Though the JEE Main syllabus is also from the class 11 and class 12 board exam syllabus, the concepts of JEE Main require very deep learning.
On the other hand, since the candidates have to answer 150 questions in 3 hours in the MHT CET exam, the calculation and answering speed of the candidates must be worked on. In recent times, there are a few topics that are in the JEE Main syllabus but not included in MHT CET's syllabus.
The subject-wise topics of JEE Main that aren't to be covered in MHT CET are as follows:
Subject |
Topics |
Mathematics |
|
Physics |
|
Chemistry |
|
Also Read: Importance of Revision in JEE Main 2025 Preparation
Preparation Tips for MHT CET vs JEE Main
JEE Main vs MHT CET preparation require different approaches. While referring to the MH CET previous year's question papers is enough to prepare for the exam, the JEE Main preparation requires in-depth learning along with solving sample questions.
Here's a detailed overview of the preparation approaches required for JEE Main and MHT CET exams:
Particulars |
JEE Main |
MHT CET |
Syllabus |
Master the class 11th & 12th science syllabus prescribed by CBSE |
Master the class 11th & 12th science syllabus prescribed by the Maharashtra State Board |
Preparation Time Required |
Two to three years, with a minimum of 8 to 10 study hours of dedicated per day |
One year ideally, with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of study every day |
Detailed Learning |
Require an in-depth understanding of core concepts of Physics, Chemistry & Maths |
Does not require an in-depth study of concepts |
Study Material |
NCERT class 11th & 12th books along with two reference books for each subject, guides, sample papers |
NCERT class 11th & 12th books along with two reference books for each subject |
Solving Previous Year's Question Papers |
Highly recommended |
Highly recommended |
Mock Tests |
Highly recommended |
Depends upon students' level of preparation |
Coaching |
Required (depending upon students' requirements) |
Not required |
MHT CET Vs JEE Main: Which Exam is More Difficult?
As mentioned above, even though the MHT CET and JEE Main examinations' difficulty level is perceived to be the same, JEE Main requires intense preparation and deeper knowledge and understanding of the concepts.
Additionally, being a national-level examination, JEE Main has higher competition and is attempted by lakhs of students. Whereas, competition is lesser for MHT CET as it is limited to the candidates in the state of Maharashtra. These features make JEE Main more difficult than MHT CET.
Also Read: How to Improve Accuracy in JEE Main 2025?
Candidates seeking to gain admission to top engineering colleges in India must compare JEE vs MHT CET to understand which exam they must take. It will provide an idea of the scope and opportunities presented after taking the exam.
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