MHT CET vs. JEE Main: Key Differences and How to Prepare for Both

Entrance exams after class 12 are significant for a student’s career. Students are often confused with the difference between MHT CET and JEE Main as both are engineering entrance exams. Here we will understand the key differences between the two so that you can understand which exam you would like to appear for.

JEE Main exam is for admission to IITs, NITs, and other top engineering colleges across the country conducted by the National Test Agency (NTA). The MHT CET exam is for admission to Maharashtra State engineering colleges conducted by the State CET Cell of Maharashtra.

MHT CET Vs. JEE

MHT CET and JEE are almost of the same difficulty level. A student preparing for the JEE main exam can sit for the MHT CET exam without extra preparation as both have the same syllabus. But if you are preparing for MHT CET you cannot sit for JEE Main as the paper is more challenging when compared to MHT CET. 

MHT CET Vs. JEE Main: Difficulty Level

The difference between the difficulty level and other aspects of examinations in MHT CET and JEE Main are discussed in the table below:

MHT CET Vs. JEE
Particulars	MHT CET	JEE Main
Level	State-level	National-level
Type of Questions in Paper	Formula-submission type	Conceptual
Number of Questions	150	75
Duration of Exam	3 hours	3 hours
Speed or Accuracy	Speed	Accuracy
Level of Difficulty	More questions are directly asked based on the formulas. Since the number of questions is more speed is more important with accuracy.	Questions are based on the concepts of the NCERT book posing a challenge to the students to check their problem-solving abilities.

Exam Pattern Difference Between MHT CET & JEE

MHT CET and JEE both exams are computer-based tests (CBT) still there are some differences in the exam pattern that a student should understand before preparing for both exams. The table below clears all the differences between the two:

Particulars	MHT CET	JEE
Exam Mode	Computer-based Test	Computer-Based Test
Duration	3 Hours	3 Hours
Language	English	English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
Subjects	Maths, Physics, and Chemistry	Maths, Physics, and Chemistry
Syllabus	Class 11 & 12 Maharastra Board	Class 11 & 12 CBSE Board
Number of Questions	150	90 (75 to be attempted)
Marking Scheme	1 mark for each question	4 marks for each correct answer
Negative Marking	No negative marking	1 mark for every wrong answer

MHT CET Vs. JEE Main: Syllabus Difference

After the reduction in the Maharastra State Board course, the MHT CET syllabus has also been reduced. Students appearing for the MHT CET exam will not be studying the following topics:

Topics Not Covered in the MHT CET Exam
Subject	Topics
Physics	Accuracy and precision of measuringInstrumentsNewton’s Law of MotionLaw of conservation of linear momentumTemperature and HeatChange of StateLongitudinal and transverse wavesPrinciple of superposition of wavesElectric ChargeProof of the Gauss’ lawElectric dipoleContinuous charge distributionElectric CurrentDrift velocityOhm’s lawElectrical energy and powerResistorsUltraviolet Rays, X & Gamma RayModulationSemiconductor DevicesRolling MotionBernoulli EquationThe behaviour of a gasIdeal Gas and Real GasMean Free PathLaw of Equipartition of EnergySecond Law of ThermodynamicsDamped OscillationsFree Oscillations, Forced Oscillations and ResonanceReflection of waves PolarizationRefraction of light at a Plane Boundary between two mediaResolving PowerEquipotential SurfacesConductors and insulatorsCyclotron MotionTorque Acting on a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic FieldMagnetic Properties of MaterialsHysteresisPermanent Magnet and ElectromagnetA.C. GeneratorPower in A.C. CircuitsDavisson and Germer experimentRadioactive DecaysZener Diode
Chemistry	MatterState of MatterDalton’s atomic theoryScientific FiguresCalculations with significant figuresChromatographyKossel and Lewis’s approach to chemical bondingIonic BondLattice enthalpyCovalent Bonding0HydrogenHydrogen PeroxideAllotropes of CarbonLiquid StateFactors affecting vapour pressureApplication of surface tensionAdsorption isothermsHomogeneous CatalysisHeterogeneous catalysisPreparation of colloidsCoagulationMethods of coagulationApplication of equilibrium constantCombustionStructure of BenzeneCrystalline solidAmorphous solidElectrical properties of solidsMagnetic properties of solidsDemonstration and Exceptions to Henry’s LawVan’t Hoff factorModification of expressions ofcolligative propertyVan’t Hoff factor and degree of dissociationProperties of BufferCommon ion effect and solubilityGibbs energyElectrodesDry cell and lead accumulator; Fuel cellsCollision theory of bimolecular reactionsTemperature dependence of reaction rateCompounds of XenonFactors affecting Crystal Field splitting parametersClassification of polymersPreparation of Bakelite
Mathematics	Properties of DeterminantsArea of TriangleFamily of LinesCondition of TangencySolution of Quadratic Equations in Complex Number SystemsArithmetic and Geometric ProgressionsSum up to n terms of Arithmetic and GeometricUniqueness of Inverse of a MatrixProofs of Properties of Inverse Trigonometric FunctionsVector Triple ProductRolle’s TheoremLagrange’s Mean Value TheoremIntegral as limit of a sumLinear Differential Equation

How to Prepare for MHT CET & JEE Main

Both exams have the same difficulty level but the competition in JEE is higher as it is a national-level exam. Preparing for the MHT CET and JEE together is possible as the course is similar. Some of the tips to prepare for both exams are as follows:

1. Understand the Exam Patterns: Get an insight into the exam pattern including the type of questions, marking scheme, difficulty level, etc.
2. Formulate Study Plan: Devise a study plan focusing on each subject. Understand your weaknesses and strengths and work on their improvement. 
3. Make Short Notes: While studying the topic note down the key points that can help you in easy revision. Use flow diagrams, charts, flashcards, etc. for effective learning.
4. Practise and Revision: Both are important factors for success in any exam. Regular revision improves understanding of the topics and better retention during exam time.
5. Time Management: Devise effective time management strategies to solve the questions. Solve the previous year’s question papers in the simulated exam environment to develop speed and accuracy.
6. Seek Guidance: Feel free to get expert guidance for understanding the topics. Join coaching classes or study groups that can motivate you to achieve your goals.

Conclusion

A candidate can prepare for both the JEE and MHT CET exams at the same time. Focusing on JEE Main is more important than MHT CET as the exam poses more challenges. JEE is a national-level exam targeting a problem-solving approach whereas MHT CET is based on a formula understanding approach. If you prepare for JEE you can easily clear the MHT CET examination. Consider your preference and focus on your goals to succeed in your future endeavours.
Chaitanya Academy is a leading JEE and MHT CET coaching institute in Pune, Maharashtra offering classes for 11, 12, repeaters, and tuition classes for 7th to 10th grade students. The experienced staff and innovative teaching methodologies at the institute can lay the path for your success in competitive exams and take you to new heights.