In a major decision aimed at providing greater flexibility and more opportunities for aspiring students, the State Education Board has announced that the Common Entrance Test (CET) will be conducted twice every year starting from 2026. The new pattern will apply to students seeking admission to courses under PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), and MBA programs.
This change marks a significant shift in the state’s higher education admission process, bringing it closer to national-level entrance systems that already offer multiple sessions. The move is expected to reduce students’ exam stress and enhance their chances of getting admission into top colleges in their preferred courses.
The board has confirmed that the first CET exam will be conducted in April 2026, while the second session will be held in May 2026. Candidates will be able to appear for one or both examinations, and their best score among the two attempts will be considered for the admission process.
Aim to Reduce Exam Stress and Improve Opportunities
Officials from the State Education Board said that the main objective behind introducing a biannual exam schedule is to provide flexibility and relieve students from the stress of a single high-stakes examination. Previously, students had to wait an entire year if they failed to perform well in one attempt. With this new model, candidates can plan their preparation better and reattempt within the same academic cycle.
Education experts across the state have welcomed the move, calling it a student-centric reform. By organizing CET twice a year, the board ensures that students who might have faced medical issues, technical errors, or other unforeseen circumstances during one session will have another fair chance to prove their potential.
Separate Schedules for PCM, PCB, and MBA Streams
The CET will cater to three major categories:
- PCM stream: For students seeking admission to Engineering, Architecture, and related technical programs.
- PCB stream: For aspirants looking to join Medical, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences courses.
- MBA stream: For graduates applying for management programs in the state’s leading universities and institutes.
The board will release separate application forms and schedules for each category, ensuring that there are no clashes between streams. Students will be able to register online, download admit cards, and check their results through the official education board portal.
Digital and Transparent Examination Process
According to officials, the 2026 CET examinations will continue to be conducted in a computer-based format to ensure transparency and efficiency. Students can expect an improved interface, faster result processing, and detailed scorecards.
The board will also strengthen its technical infrastructure to avoid server slowdowns and ensure smooth online registrations. A mock test facility will be available two months before the April session, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the exam interface and marking system.
In addition to this, helpline services and digital counseling support will be offered to assist students in resolving any registration or technical issues.
Admission and Counseling Through Best-of-Two Scores
The best feature of this new system is that students who appear in both CET sessions can use their best score for the admission process. This “best-of-two” approach ensures fairness and encourages aspirants to perform without fear of losing a year over a single attempt.
Counseling for admissions will commence after the May session results are announced. Colleges affiliated with the state education board and universities will accept scores from either session. Students will need to upload their scorecards, academic documents, and category certificates (if applicable) through the centralized admission portal.
Preparing Students for Competitive Learning
This policy change reflects the education department’s evolving approach toward student welfare and quality improvement. Conducting CET exams twice a year not only aligns with the practices of national-level entrance exams like JEE and NEET but also boosts the state’s competitiveness in higher education.
Teachers and coaching institutes have already begun adjusting their curriculums and practice schedules. It is expected that the new pattern will develop a continuous learning culture, motivating students to dedicate consistent efforts throughout the year.
The State Education Board has mentioned that it will issue a detailed notification in early January 2026, outlining important dates, eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and syllabus details for all streams. Students are advised to follow official updates carefully and begin their preparations ahead of time.
Encouraging Future-Focused Reforms
Education authorities emphasized that this decision is part of a wider set of reforms planned for 2026–27. The goal is to make the examination system more efficient, accessible, and student-friendly. More regional exam centers will be established across districts to ensure that students from rural and semi-urban areas can appear without long-distance travel.
The board aims to improve participation rates and ensure equal opportunities for all sections of society. Officials reiterated that the CET exams will remain merit-based with strict adherence to transparency and fairness.
As the new academic season approaches, the announcement has already generated excitement among students, teachers, and parents alike. It marks a new chapter in the state’s education system—one that focuses on flexibility, accessibility, and sustained learning.
The decision to hold the CET twice a year from 2026 demonstrates the State Education Board’s commitment to reforming the examination framework to meet modern educational needs. With exams scheduled in April and May, PCM, PCB, and MBA aspirants will now have dual opportunities to showcase their potential and fulfill their academic dreams.
