Maharashtra Engineering Admissions 2026: Third CAP Round Allots Seats to Over 1.16 Lakh Students
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially released the third list for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) for B.E. and B.Tech programs for the 2026-27 academic session. This latest round marks a significant milestone in the state’s engineering admission cycle, providing a total of 1,16,690 students with admission opportunities across various institutions.
A Breakdown of the Third Allotment
According to data released by the CET Cell, a total of 2,04,987 candidates submitted their college preferences to be considered for this round. Of those who were successfully allotted seats, 11,505 students received an offer for the first time, while 1,05,185 students saw their previous allotment upgraded under the “betterment” option.
A key highlight of this round is the high number of “auto-frozen” status assignments. Specifically, 9,766 students were granted a seat that matched one of their top six preferences. Under current MHT CET CAP round 3 regulations, these allotments are categorized as auto-frozen, meaning the student must accept the assigned seat. Candidates who choose to decline these auto-frozen allotments forfeit their eligibility for the fourth CAP round and will be restricted to participating only in the subsequent institutional-level admissions.
Mandatory Reporting and Next Steps
Students who have been allotted seats in this third round are required to complete the physical reporting process at their respective colleges between August 25 and August 28, 2026. To finalize their admission, students must present all necessary academic and identity documents and settle the prescribed admission fees.
The CET Cell has emphasized the importance of adhering to these deadlines to ensure seat retention. Following the conclusion of the reporting window, the authorities will release the tentative vacancy position for the fourth and final CAP round on August 29, 2026.
Statewide Engineering Admission Status
This year, the state has a total capacity of 2,03,270 engineering seats. Building on the momentum of the first and second rounds—which saw 62,609 students secure their admissions—the third round significantly widens the access to technical education across Maharashtra.
Summary of Key Admission Statistics:
| Admission Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Seats Available | 2,03,270 |
| Third CAP Round Allotments | 1,16,690 |
| First-time Allotments | 11,505 |
| Betterment Allotments | 1,05,185 |
| Auto-frozen Allotments | 9,766 |
| College Reporting Period | Aug 25 – Aug 28, 2026 |
| Tentative 4th Round Vacancies | August 29, 2026 |
The CET Cell issued the update on August 24, 2026, via the Public Relations Officer of the Government of Maharashtra, marking a crucial step forward for thousands of aspiring engineers aiming to secure their future in the state’s technical institutions.
