Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test (MAH AAC CET ) is a state-level exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admission to undergraduate programs in Applied Arts and Crafts. The exam is held once a year in offline mode and evaluates candidates' creativity, design skills and general knowledge. The test comprises four papers: Design Practical, Object Drawing Practical, Memory Drawing Practical and General Knowledge, with a total of 190 marks. The first three papers are practical-based, while the General Knowledge paper is theoretical. Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) to be eligible. Indian nationals, minority category candidates, and certain foreign nationals (including NRI, OCI, PIO) can apply. The application process is online through the official website (cetcell.mahacet.org), where candidates must register, fill in details, upload documents, and pay the application fee. Admit cards will be available online before the exam and candidates must carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID on exam day. After the results, qualified candidates can participate in the centralized counselling process for admission to affiliated institutions in Maharashtra.
MAH AAC CET 2026 Highlights
The MAH AAC CET 2026 Highlights section provides essential information about the exam, including its full name, conducting authority, level, frequency and official website. This helps candidates understand the basic details before proceeding with registration and preparation.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | MAH AAC CET 2025 |
| Full Name | Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| Level of Exam | State Level |
| Frequency | Once a Year |
| MAH AAC CET Official Website | https://cetcell.mahacet.org/ |
MAH AAC CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for MAH AAC CET requires minimum qualifying marks in Class 12, Indian nationality (with provisions for minority, NRI, OCI, PIO, and foreign candidates), and correct Maharashtra State Candidature Type (A–E) based on education and domicile conditions.
Basic Eligibility & Special Categories
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Marks | 45% in Class 12/HSC/Equivalent (General); 40% (Reserved Category). |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian national. |
| Religious / Linguistic Minority | Eligible as per state-defined minority categories. |
| NRI Candidature | Eligible if conditions in clause (n) of Section 2 of the Act are met. |
| Foreign / OCI / PIO Candidature | Eligible if defined under relevant clauses of the Act and Rules. Children of NRI/OCI/PIO, children of Indian workers in Gulf countries, and foreign nationals are exempt from appearing for MAH AAC CET. |
Maharashtra State Candidature Types (Choose only one)
| Type | Eligibility Criterion |
|---|---|
| Type-A | (i) Passed SSC and HSC (or Diploma in Engineering or B.Sc.) from a recognised institution in Maharashtra and/or (ii) Candidate is domiciled in or born in Maharashtra. |
| Type-B | Father or Mother is domiciled in Maharashtra and holds a valid Domicile Certificate (candidate need not meet Type-A). |
| Type-C | Father or Mother is an employee of the Government of India or a GOI Undertaking, posted and reported for duty in Maharashtra before the last date to submit the CAP application. |
| Type-D | Father or Mother is an employee or retired employee of the Government of Maharashtra or a Maharashtra Government Undertaking (candidate not covered in A–C). |
| Type-E | Passed SSC and/or HSC from a recognised institution in the disputed Maharashtra–Karnataka Border Area and mother tongue is Marathi. |
MAH AAC CET 2026 Application Process
The details for MAH AAC CET 2026 have not yet been revised and are expected to remain the same as the previous year.
Step 1: Visit the official website of MAH AAC CET 2026.
Step 2: Click on the “New Registration” link on the homepage.
Step 3: Read the instructions carefully, accept them and provide personal details, address, and create a password.
Step 4: Verify your mobile number using the OTP sent to the registered number.
Step 5: After verification, the system will generate an application number. Save this number for future reference.
Step 6: Fill in the application form with details like exam centre preference and domicile information.
Step 7: Upload required documents in the prescribed size and format:
- Photograph: 30–35 KB
- Signature: 15–20 KB
Step 8: Review all the entered details, then proceed to pay the application fee online and submit the form.
MAH AAC CET 2026 Syllabus
The MAH AAC CET 2026 Syllabus has not yet been revised and is expected to remain the same as the previous year. The MAH AAC CET 2026 syllabus focuses on testing candidates' creativity, visualisation, and general awareness. It covers subjects like Design, Memory Drawing, General Knowledge, and Object Drawing. Each section includes key topics essential for applied arts and crafts studies.
| Subject Name | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Design | Elements of Design, Visual Composition, Design Concepts, Colour Theory, Principles of Design, Typography, and more. |
| Memory Drawing | Imagination and Visualisation, Conceptual Drawing, Creativity, Composition, Memory Retention Skills and more. |
| General Knowledge | Current Affairs, History, Indian Economy, Important Dates, Sports, Indian Polity, Books and Authors, Geography, General Science, Awards and Honours and more. |
| Object Drawing | Object Proportions, Shading and Rendering Techniques, Textures, Still Life, Observational Drawing and more. |
MAH AAC CET 2026 Exam Pattern
The MAH AAC CET 2026 Exam Pattern has not yet been revised and is expected to remain the same as the previous year. The MAH AAC CET 2026 exam pattern consists of four papers: Design Practical, Object Drawing, Memory Drawing, and General Knowledge. The first three are practical-based, while the fourth tests theoretical knowledge. The total marks for the exam are 190.
| Paper and Subject Name | Total Question | Marks per question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I Design Practica | 1 | 50 | 50 |
| Paper II Object Drawing | 1 | 50 | 50 |
| Paper III Memory Drawing Practical | 1 | 50 | 50 |
| Paper IV General Knowledge | 40 | 1 | 40 |
MAH AAC CET 2026 Admit Card
Students can visit the official website of MAH AAC CET to download the MAH AAC CET 2026 Admit Card once it is released. Candidates must register themselves before accessing the admit card. It is important to check the details mentioned on the admit card, such as exam date, time, candidate name, exam centre, location and registration number, to ensure accuracy.
If any discrepancies are found, candidates should immediately contact the examination authority for correction. On the exam day, candidates must carry a printed copy of the MAH AAC CET 2026 admit card along with a government-approved photo ID, such as a Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, PAN Card, or a university/college identity card. The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall and verification purposes.
MAH AAC CET 2026 Counselling
The MAH AAC CET 2026 Counselling Schedule will be released by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, after the announcement of the MAH AAC CET 2026 result.
Candidates who qualify for the MAH AAC CET 2026 exam will be eligible to participate in the counselling process. Students must complete the online registration for counselling based on their category and upload the required official documents to secure admission to their preferred institute.
After registration, candidates should prepare all necessary documents for the document verification process. Students belonging to J&K Migrants, OCI, PIO, NRI, CIWGC, and FN categories will be allowed to submit their documents via courier to the following address:
Arts School Campus, Directorate of Arts, Dr. D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai, 400001.
MAH AAC CET 2026 FAQs
Ques. What minimum marks are required to be eligible for MAH AAC CET 2026?
Ans. For MAH AAC CET 2026, General category students need 45% in Class 12/HSC/Equivalent, while reserved category students need 40%.
Ques. Who can apply for MAH AAC CET 2026 under nationality criteria?
Ans. Indian nationals are eligible. Provisions also exist for religious/linguistic minority, NRI, OCI, PIO, foreign candidates, and certain special categories.
Ques. Are any candidates exempt from appearing for the MAH AAC CET 2026 exam?
Ans. Children of NRI/OCI/PIO, children of Indian workers in Gulf countries, and foreign nationals are exempt from appearing for MAH AAC CET 2026.
Ques. How do students register for MAH AAC CET 2026?
Ans. Visit the official website, complete new registration, verify mobile via OTP, note the generated application number, fill details, upload documents, and pay the fee online.
Ques. What documents must be uploaded in the MAH AAC CET 2026 application?
Ans. Upload a photograph (30–35 KB) and signature (15–20 KB) in the prescribed format, along with other required documents as instructed during the form.
Ques. What subjects are covered in the MAH AAC CET 2026 syllabus?
Ans. MAH AAC CET 2026 covers Design, Memory Drawing, General Knowledge, and Object Drawing, focusing on creativity, visual skills, awareness, and observational ability.
Ques. What is the exam pattern for MAH AAC CET 2026?
Ans. The exam has four papers: Design Practical (50 marks), Object Drawing (50), Memory Drawing Practical (50), and General Knowledge (40 MCQs ×1 mark = 40); total 190 marks.
Ques. How will candidates download the MAH AAC CET 2026 admit card?
Ans. Registered candidates must log in to the official website, download the admit card, verify details, and print it. A valid photo ID must be carried with the admit card on exam day.
Ques. What address should special category candidates use for MAH AAC CET 2026 document submission by courier?
Ans. J&K Migrant, OCI, PIO, NRI, CIWGC, and FN candidates may send documents to: Arts School Campus, Directorate of Arts, Dr. D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai, 400001.
Ques. How is Maharashtra State Candidature determined for MAH AAC CET 2026?
Ans. Candidates must choose one Type (A–E) based on schooling in Maharashtra, domicile of parents, parent’s Government posting in Maharashtra, Maharashtra Government employment, or eligibility from the Maharashtra–Karnataka Border Area with Marathi as mother tongue.