Maharashtra CET Cell Launches Social Media Task Force to Combat Exam Misinformation

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially established a specialized task force to monitor social media platforms for the spread of misinformation regarding its entrance examinations and admission procedures. This initiative follows concerns from officials regarding the circulation of false claims that have the potential to confuse students and parents while damaging the institution's reputation.

According to a circular issued by the authority on October 19, 2026, the monitoring team will actively track content across major digital platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. The CET Cell has explicitly warned that any individuals or accounts found disseminating misleading information—such as unauthorized claims about changing examination centers or manipulating percentile scores—may face formal legal action.

Addressing Misleading Claims and Reporting Procedures

The CET Cell has identified a growing trend of unauthorized entities promising benefits related to examination processes, including the alteration of test centers and the artificial inflation of scores. To combat this, the authority has invited students and stakeholders to report suspicious activity. Complaints regarding misleading posts can be submitted directly to the CET Cell via email at socialmedia.complaints@mahacet.org. The authority requires that all reports include verifiable evidence, such as screenshots and direct links to the content in question, to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Legal Action and Official Clarifications

As part of its enforcement efforts, the CET Cell has already issued a legal notice to the YouTube channel 'Digital Master.' The notice concerns a podcast that allegedly broadcasted unverified dates for the MHT CET 2027 examination, including registration and result timelines. The CET Cell has clarified that no official dates for the 2027 examination cycle have been announced to date. The channel has been directed to remove the video, issue a public clarification, and provide a formal written explanation to the authorities. Copies of this notice have also been forwarded to Google India’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai to ensure compliance.