

The Maharashtra Hotel Management Common Entrance Test (MAH HM CET) 2026 is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. This exam provides admission to undergraduate programs in Hotel Management across top government and private colleges in Maharashtra.
Hotel Management is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, offering career opportunities in hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and catering services. MAH HM CET evaluates a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning ability, English proficiency, and basic knowledge of hotel management concepts, making it a gateway to a promising career in the hospitality industry.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and post-exam process, helping you plan and excel.
Table of Contents
Highlights of MAH HM CET 2026
| Exam Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Level | State-Level |
| Conducting Body | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| Exam Mode | Online / Offline (check official notification) |
| Duration | 90 – 120 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 – 120 MCQs |
| Maximum Marks | 100 – 120 |
| Negative Marking | Usually None (verify official notification) |
| Language | English and Hindi (if applicable) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Purpose | Admission to BHMCT/BHM programs in Maharashtra |
This snapshot helps students get quick reference points and understand the exam at a glance.
Important Dates for MAH HM CET
| Event | Tentative Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Application Form Start | January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 |
| Exam Date | March/April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April 2026 |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | May – June 2026 |
Students should keep checking the official CET cell website for the exact dates and any updates.
Eligibility Criteria for MAH HM CET
1. Age Limit:
Minimum: 17 years on or before 31st December 2026.
Maximum: 25 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government norms).
2. Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have passed 10 2 (HSC) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
English as a mandatory subject in 10 2.
Minimum aggregate marks: 50% (45% for reserved categories).
3. Domicile Requirement:
Maharashtra domicile is required for admission under state quota seats.
Non-Maharashtra candidates may apply for management quota seats in private colleges, if applicable.
4. Medical Fitness:
Candidates should be medically fit to handle practical aspects of hotel management like kitchen work, housekeeping, and service areas.
Checking eligibility beforehand saves time and prevents application rejection.
Application Process for MAH HM CET
Online Registration: Visit the official MAH HM CET portal and register using your valid email ID and mobile number.
Filling Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and contact information correctly.
Upload Documents: Recent photograph, signature, HSC mark sheet, domicile certificate, and category certificate (if applicable).
Application Fee Payment: Pay the fee online using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Submit Form: Review all details carefully before submission.
Confirmation and Printout: Save and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Uploading incorrect file format or size.
Entering wrong date of birth or contact details.
Missing the application fee deadline.
Exam Pattern for MAH HM CET
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | 90 – 120 min | MCQ |
| English Language and Comprehension | 20 | 20 | 90 – 120 min | MCQ |
| Reasoning and Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 | 90 – 120 min | MCQ |
| Hotel Management Basics | 30 | 30 | 90 – 120 min | MCQ |
Key Points:
The exam primarily consists of objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Duration is 90–120 minutes, depending on official notification.
Some exams may have a slight variation in number of questions, so always check the notification.
Syllabus for MAH HM CET
1. General Knowledge and Current Affairs:
Latest national and international events
Important awards, sports achievements, and scientific developments
Indian tourism, hospitality trends, and industry updates
2. English Language and Comprehension:
Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms
Reading comprehension passages
Sentence correction, error spotting, and paragraph completion
3. Reasoning and Numerical Ability:
Logical reasoning and analytical reasoning puzzles
Basic arithmetic: percentages, ratios, averages, profit/loss, time and work, simple algebra
Data interpretation and problem-solving
4. Hotel Management Basics:
Food production fundamentals (kitchen operations, ingredients, hygiene)
Food and beverage service procedures
Front office operations (guest check-in/check-out, reservation systems)
Housekeeping basics and safety procedures
Preparation Tips and Strategy
1. Time Management:
Create a daily timetable allocating 2–3 hours for each section.
Focus on weak areas but revise strong areas regularly.
2. Reference Books and Materials:
Hotel Management by Sudhir Andrews
Lucent’s General Knowledge
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
Online mock tests and practice papers
3. Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers:
Solve at least 5–10 previous year papers to understand question trends.
Take timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
4. Stay Updated:
Read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow hospitality-related updates.
5. Practical Knowledge:
Familiarize yourself with hotel operations, kitchen procedures, and service etiquettes.
Admit Card and Exam Day Instructions
Admit Card: Download from the official website using login credentials.
Required Documents: Admit card and valid photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, Driving License).
Reporting Time: Arrive 30–45 minutes early.
Exam Day Instructions:
No electronic devices allowed.
Follow invigilator instructions strictly.
Carry a transparent water bottle if permitted.
Result and Counselling
Result Declaration:
Declared online on the official portal.
Candidates can check their scores and download the merit list.
Counselling Process:
Document verification: HSC marksheet, domicile, category certificate.
Choice filling: Select preferred colleges.
Seat allotment based on merit and availability.
Reserved category students must carry relevant certificates.