Short answer
Your MHT-CET percentile is your score in the exam, and the brochure says it is not the same as the percentage of marks you got. Your merit number (the brochure uses this term rather than “merit rank”) is your position in the CAP merit list: the State CET Cell gives one only to eligible candidates who submit the CAP application form by the last date, and for B.E./B.Tech. the list is based on the CET score. The merit list shows where you stand compared with others; it does not guarantee you a seat.
Based on the MHT-CET 2026 Information Brochure and the State CET Cell's Information Brochure for 2026–27 admissions (dated 02.07.2026). The 2027–28 brochures haven't been published yet — rules can change, so check them when they are.
Who this applies to
Candidates applying for first-year B.E./B.Tech. through Maharashtra CAP on the basis of MHT-CET
The rule, explained
Percentile: the MHT-CET brochure states that a percentile score is not the same as the percentage of marks obtained. The detailed normalisation document is published separately on the State CET Cell website.
Merit number: only eligible candidates who have submitted the CAP application form on or before the last date are given a merit number. If you take MHT-CET but don't apply for CAP, you won't be on the merit list.
Ties: for first-year B.E./B.Tech., when two candidates have the same score, the one with higher Mathematics marks in the CET is placed first, then the one with higher Physics marks, and then further tie-breakers based on CET and HSC marks in the order the brochure lists.
The CET Cell first shows a provisional merit list, lets candidates raise grievances within the set period, and then publishes the final merit list. The brochure notes that the merit list gives your relative position and does not guarantee admission to any course or institute.
What the official document says
Percentile score is not the same as percentage of marks obtained.
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure MHT-CET 2026 (updated on 10.02.2026), PDF page 12 (opens the official site)
The Eligible Candidate who have submitted Application Form on or before the last date specified for submission of Application Form for admission through CAP shall be assigned a merit number. The merit list shall be prepared on the basis of CET score or on the basis of marks obtained at qualifying examination, or any other criterion as specified in sub-rule(3) of this rule.
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 65 (opens the official site)
Provided that, in case of tie, the relative merit of Candidates shall be resolved in the following order of preference and methodology as specified below,- (a) higher marks or score in Mathematics at CET; (b )higher marks or score in Physics at CET;
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 66 (opens the official site)
NOTE: - The merit list gives relative position of the candidate and it does not guarantee admission to any course/ institute.
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 76 (opens the official site)