MHT CET 2026: What candidates must know about mandatory Aadhaar and APAAR ID for CET registration

APAAR ID — Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry — is also a 12-digit digital identification number that functions as a lifelong academic locker for students’ credits and achievements. Aligned with the Centre’s ‘One Nation, One Student’ initiative, it enables digital storage and portability of academic records.

Last month, the CET Cell issued a public notice stating that both Aadhaar and APAAR ID would be compulsory for MHT CET registration. As applications opened, the Cell reiterated that candidates must keep both IDs ready, as the registration process cannot proceed without entering them. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring transparency.

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Why are candidates confused?

Apart from anxiety over the new mandate, candidates have expressed concerns over discrepancies in names across documents — particularly Aadhaar cards and academic certificates — a common issue in Maharashtra.

Initially, the MHT CET Cell had advised candidates to verify and update Aadhaar details, including name, date of birth, address, father’s name and mobile number. This led to apprehensions that discrepancies could hinder registration.

There is also confusion around APAAR ID generation. While schools have been generating APAAR IDs over the past two years, many candidates — especially those returning to education after a gap — do not yet have one. The CET Cell sees a sizable number of older applicants, particularly for the three-year law course, adding to the concern.

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Will name mismatches affect CET registration?

The CET Cell has clarified that name mismatches will not prevent MHT CET registration. CET Cell Commissioner Dilip Sardesai said the system accounts for such discrepancies.

“We are aware that in Maharashtra, the name of a candidate printed on the Class 12 certificate begins with a surname as opposed to the name printed on an Aadhaar, where it starts with the first name,” he said, reassuring candidates.

He added that the registration process of MHT CET 2026 has been designed to avoid hurdles. “If there is a mismatch of name spelling or a change in the name, a candidate is required to submit the supporting document at the time of admission. In BEd course, we are already seeing such cases with a large chunk of married women applying for admission. Most women witness a name change after marriage, resulting in different names on their Class 12 certificate. All of them submit supporting documents at the time of admission,” Sardesai said.

How to generate APAAR ID

To generate an APAAR ID, candidates must first create an account on DigiLocker, the government’s digital document storage platform. This requires an Aadhaar card and a one-time password sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

After logging in, candidates must select the APAAR ID or Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) option. Personal details such as name, gender and date of birth are auto-fetched from Aadhaar. The CET Cell has uploaded a detailed step-by-step manual on its official website.

Sardesai said most students already have APAAR IDs due to state government efforts over the past two years. “Students who are coming directly after clearing Class 12 are most likely to have their APAAR ID generated by respective schools and junior colleges, which they just have to enter while creating a profile in the CET Cell website to apply for CETs. For others, the instructions provided on the website should help them understand the process. Once a candidate starts the process, the on-screen instructions guide them at each step,” he said.