India, June 20 -- The number of students appearing for the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) has touched a new high this year, with over 7 lakh candidates taking the exam-marking a clear rise in the popularity of engineering and related professional courses due to higher employment opportunities.

This is the first time in four years that student participation in the entrance test has not only crossed the 7-lakh mark in terms of registration but also in attendance, pointing to a renewed enthusiasm for engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture courses across the state.

The State CET Cell, which conducts the exam, recorded 765,335 registrations in 2025, of which 705,600 students appeared-a significant jump from 675,445 appearan...