The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law (MH CET Law) is a gateway to some of the best law colleges in the state. For aspirants aiming to ace the 5-year integrated LLB course, understanding the nuance of marks vs percentile can make all the difference in your preparation strategy.
This blog breaks down the key aspects of MH CET Law scoring, explores what defines a “good score,” and clarifies marks, percentiles, and cut-offs for securing a spot in your preferred college.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear plan to ace MH CET Law and advance towards your dream law school admission!
| Important Update: The MH CET Law 2025 exam pattern has been revised, reducing the number of questions from 150 to 120. In this article, we’ve analyzed marks vs. percentiles using data from previous years. We’ll update our analysis once the 2025 exam takes place and new data is available. Stay tuned for the latest updates. |
What is MH CET Law?
MH CET Law is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell for admission into 3-year and 5-year LLB programs. It evaluates candidates on Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English, GK & Current Affairs, and Basic Mathematics (for a 5-year LLB).
For a 5-year integrated LLB, the exam contains 150 questions worth one mark each, with no negative marking. However, candidates need more than good raw scores to secure a coveted seat—the percentile and subsequent rank also play critical roles.
Decoding Marks vs Percentile in MH CET Law
What Are Marks and Percentiles?
- Marks: The raw scores obtained by answering questions correctly in the test. The maximum mark for MH CET Law is 150.
- Percentile: Unlike marks, percentiles represent where you stand compared to other candidates. A percentile of 95 means you scored higher than 95% of the test takers.
The normalization process ensures fairness across multiple exam shifts by standardizing scores based on difficulty levels.
Marks vs Percentile Mapping for MH CET Law
Here’s an estimated breakdown of how marks translate into percentiles for the 5-year LLB course based on past trends:
What is a Good Score in MH CET Law?
General Guidelines for a “Good Score”:
- Very Good Score: 120+ marks (99+ percentile)—Strong chances of admission into top-tier law colleges like Government Law College, Mumbai (GLC) or ILS Law College, Pune.
- Sound Score: 110–120 marks (95–99 percentile)—High likelihood of getting into a top law school.
- Average Score: 90–110 marks (~85–95 percentile)—Decent shot at mid-tier colleges.
- Low Score: Below 70 marks—Limited admission opportunities.
Scores for Reserved Category Candidates
Candidates from SC, ST, or OBC categories may get into good law colleges with slightly lower scores due to the reservation policy. For instance, a score of 85–100 could still secure a solid rank depending on category and seat allocation.
What Is a Good Score in MH CET Law 2024 for 5-Year LLB? (Based on Past Exam Analysis)
Factors Influencing MH CET Law Scores
Certain factors influence what constitutes a “good score” in any given year. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Total Number of Test-Takers
The higher the number of candidates, the more competitive the cut-offs.
2. Exam Difficulty Level
If the test is particularly challenging, cut-off scores may be lower. Conversely, a more straightforward exam often leads to higher cut-offs.
3. Seat Availability
Seat availability plays a critical role. Popular law colleges like GLC Mumbai and ILS Pune have limited seats, which drives up the required scores for admission.
4. Reservation Policies
Approximately 50% of seats are reserved for various categories under Maharashtra’s reservation policies, creating different benchmarks for different candidate groups.
5. The Candidates Category
General category students need higher marks, while reserved category students can qualify with lower cutoffs due to seat reservations under state rules. Scores depend on the candidate’s category and any applicable reservation.
6. Performance of Candidates
The merit list depends on the overall performance of all MH CET Law candidates. If most perform well, the cutoff rises. In such cases, those who excel in the exam will appear on the merit list.
7. Students Preferences for Colleges
Higher cut-offs are likely for popular colleges. Maharashtra has many good law colleges, but top colleges with higher demand often set higher cut-offs due to limited seats and increased competition. Candidates should score above 120 to secure admission to their preferred law college.
5 Steps to Improve Your MH CET Law Score
1. Set Score Goals
Aim for 95+ percentile to secure and solidify chances for admission into top law schools.
2. Prioritize High-Weightage Sections
Focus on Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning—these two sections contribute significantly to your score.
3. Practice Mock Tests
Simulate the real test environment by taking time-bound mock tests. Analyze your performance after each test for continuous improvement.
4. Work on Weak Areas
Identify and target your weaker sections to balance your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Get Expert Guidance
Enrolling in professional coaching or study platforms—like Tarkashastra—can bring structure and expertise to your efforts.
Why Understanding Percentile Matters?
Understanding marks vs percentile is crucial for better planning and realistic expectations regarding college options. Percentile helps you gauge your performance relative to others and estimate your potential chances in the centralized counselling process.
Final Words – Ace MH CET Law with Tarkashastra
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Access mock papers, in-depth analysis, and curated study materials.
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Take the first step towards your legal aspirations with Tarkashastra. Enroll today and set yourself up for success!
FAQs Answered
- What Marks Are Good for a High Percentile in the MH CET Law Exam?
To achieve a high percentile (99+), aim for a score of 120+ marks. This benchmark ensures strong chances of admission to top colleges such as GLC Mumbai or ILS Pune. For reserved category students, slightly lower marks (around 100-110) may also result in a high percentile due to reservation policies.
- How Does the Exam’s Difficulty Impact the Overall Percentile Calculation?
The overall percentile is relative to the performance of all test-takers in that particular year. If the exam is more complicated than usual, scores required for higher percentiles may decrease, while a more straightforward test would raise the cut-offs.
- What Have Been the Typical Marks and Percentile Trends for the MH CET Law 5-Year Course?
Over the past few years, top candidates have consistently scored above 120 marks, securing percentiles of 99+ for admission to premier law schools. Scores between 110–120 often result in a percentile range of 95–99, qualifying for mid to top-tier colleges.
- How Does Sectional Performance Affect Your Total Percentile?
Strong performance in high-weightage sections like Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning significantly boosts your overall score. Ensuring balance across all sections allows you to secure a better rank, even if one section is slightly weaker.
- How Is Normalization Used to Adjust the Final Percentile Score?
MH CET Law uses normalization to adjust scores based on variations in multiple exam slots’ difficulty levels. This ensures a fair ranking process, calibrating scores to reflect consistent standards across all sessions.
- What Marks Should You Aim for to Meet the Cutoff of Top Law Colleges in Maharashtra?
To secure admission to top-tier law colleges like GLC Mumbai and ILS Pune, aim for 99+ percentile. For popular mid-tier colleges, a percentile between 90-95 may suffice, depending on seat availability and reservation benefits.
- Is It Possible to Secure a High Percentile With a Low Score in Specific Sections?
Yes, sectional imbalances can be offset by excelling in other sections. Focusing on Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning—two of the most impactful areas—can help secure a strong overall score even if one section is weaker.
