The battle for seats in Maharashtra’s leading engineering and pharmacy colleges has intensified in 2026. Approximately 1.5 lakh engineering seats across 400+ institutesare up for grabs. Following the extension of the official registration deadline to February 20, 2026, the competition has further escalated. As per official data released in mid-February, over 6.27 lakh aspirants had completed registration, a historic high that underlines the growing importance of MHT CET 2026.
A key development this year is the introduction of a two-session examination format.
- Session 1 (PCM): April 11–19, 2026
- Session 1 (PCB): April 21–26, 2026
- Session 2: Mid-May 2026
For candidates targeting the prestigious autonomous institutes — often referred to as the “Big Three” (COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, ICT Mumbai) even the smallest percentile fluctuation can significantly impact admission prospects.
Based on previous trends,
securing admission to Computer Science Engineering (CSE) at these
institutions typically requires a 99.85+ percentile, which roughly
translates to a raw score of 165+ out of 200. Cut-offs for core
engineering branches generally range between the 94th and 97th percentiles.
Notably, even a 0.1 percentile drop can shift a candidate’s allotment
from a top autonomous institute to a regional Government Engineering College
(GEC).
To perform strongly in the CAP rounds, candidates should prioritize high-weightage topics from the Class 12 syllabus, which contribute 80% of the exam content. An effective approach during early counseling rounds is to apply the “Float” strategy, enabling upward movement toward preferred colleges in subsequent rounds.
With Maharashtra’s expanding industrial and technology ecosystem and rising demand for emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, every mark scored in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology can significantly influence a candidate’s future trajectory.
Top Government Engineering Colleges Cutoffs
Admission into Maharashtra’s premier government and government-aided engineering institutes requires exceptionally high percentiles in MHT CET 2026. The “Big Three” — COEP, VJTI, and ICT — continue to dominate the competition, especially for CSE and IT branches, where cutoffs generally remain above the 99.80 percentile.
Below is the expected Round 1 General Category (GOPENS) cutoff percentile for leading government and autonomous engineering institutes in 2026:
| Regional Rank | Institute Name | Location | CSE / IT Cutoff | Core Branch (Mech/Civil) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VJTI Mumbai | Mumbai | 99.95+ | 98.40 – 99.20 |
| 2 | COEP Technological Univ. | Pune | 99.85+ | 98.10 – 99.25 |
| 3 | ICT Mumbai | Mumbai | 99.50+ (Chem) | 98.50+ |
| 4 | SPIT Mumbai (Aided) | Mumbai | 99.78+ | N/A |
| 5 | Walchand College (WCE) | Sangli | 99.20+ | 96.50 – 97.60 |
| 6 | SGGSIE&T | Nanded | 98.50+ | 93.00 – 95.50 |
| 7 | GEC Aurangabad | Sambhajinagar | 97.80+ | 91.50 – 93.00 |
| 8 | GEC Karad | Karad | 97.50+ | 90.00 – 92.50 |
| 9 | GEC Amravati | Amravati | 96.80+ | 88.50 – 91.00 |
| 10 | GEC Nagpur | Nagpur | 96.50+ | 87.00 – 90.00 |
Admission Strategy & Subject-Wise Preparation Plan
Securing a seat in your dream college through the CAP 2026 counseling process will require a mix of disciplined preparation and smart preference filling.
Strategic College Preference Order
Regardless of your expected score, list premier institutes like COEP and VJTI at the top of your preference list. The automated allotment system scans choices from top to bottom, ensuring you do not lose out on a seat for which you qualify.
Freeze vs Float Choice
- Freeze: Select this option if you are satisfied with the allotted seat and wish to exit further rounds.
- Float: Opt for this if you want to secure your current seat while remaining eligible for better upgrades in subsequent rounds.
Understanding Candidature & Cutoff Dynamics
Immediately verify the validity of your category and domicile certificates (OBC, SC, ST, EWS). Keep in mind that the Other than Home University (OHU) quota is usually more competitive and demands higher percentile scores compared to the Home University (HU) quota.
Mathematics: The 100-Mark Game Changer
Mathematics plays a decisive role, especially during tie-breaking scenarios. Focus extensively on Calculus and Three-Dimensional Geometry. To improve both speed and accuracy, aim to practice 50+ multiple-choice questions daily.
Chemistry & Physics High-Scoring Areas
- Chemistry: Rely primarily on Maharashtra State Board textbooks.
- Physics: Prioritize conceptual clarity, especially in topics such as Semiconductors and Rotational Dynamics.
- Target scoring topics like Green Chemistry and Polymers to maximize marks efficiently.