For Class 11 and Class 12 students preparing for the MHT CET, one of the most common questions after completing registration is, “What score will I need to secure admission?” Along with marks, the choice of city or region plays a vital role in determining admission opportunities.

Among the thousands of engineering aspirants every year, selecting the right city is almost as important as choosing the right institution. When cities like Pune or Mumbai are described as engineering education hubs, it is not merely perception. These regions are supported by strong data, hosting a large number of engineering institutions, frequent campus recruitment visits by leading companies, and abundant internship opportunities across multiple sectors.

This leads to an important question: which district in Maharashtra has the highest number of engineering colleges, including both government and private institutions?

Which District in Maharashtra Has the Highest Number of Engineering Colleges?

A district-wise analysis of Maharashtra clearly highlights Pune as the leading district in terms of engineering college concentration. Pune is not just a city; it represents a well-established education ecosystem. Its reputation has been built on decades of academic excellence, renowned universities, close industry linkages, a thriving startup environment, and comparatively affordable student accommodation.

Students from across Maharashtra and other states prefer Pune because it offers a large number of institutions without compromising on academic quality. Several well-known engineering institutions such as COEP Technological University, MIT World Peace University, and many others are situated in and around Pune, creating a dense and competitive academic network that outperforms most other districts.

According to data released by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra State, for the academic year 2025–26, the Pune region alone accounts for a total of 133 engineering institutes. Below is the district-wise distribution of engineering institutes and approved seat intake for the academic year 2025–26:

Further statistical analysis indicates that the Pune region by itself contributes nearly 30 percent of all approved engineering and technology institutes in Maharashtra and represents an even larger share of the state’s overall technical education ecosystem. While districts such as Nagpur, Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Solapur also play significant roles, none match the sheer density of institutions found in Pune.

This dominance does not only mean a higher number of seats but also access to a wider spectrum of engineering disciplines. Students can choose from traditional branches like Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering, as well as emerging and in-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, all within a single district. For engineering aspirants across Maharashtra, Pune remains the undisputed centre of engineering education, housing the largest concentration of accredited colleges and offering unmatched academic and career opportunities.