MHT CET 2026: Registration begins for lateral entry BE, BTech admissions; apply by July 19

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has commenced the online registration process for direct second-year (lateral entry) admissions to full-time Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes for the 2026-27 academic session. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website, mahacet.org, till July 19, 2026, 5 pm.

MHT CET CAP 2026: Application fee

Candidates belonging to Maharashtra state and the all-India general category will have to pay an application fee of Rs 1,300, while reserved category candidates from Maharashtra, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), orphan and transgender candidates will have to pay Rs 1,000.

The application fee is non-refundable and can be paid only through online modes such as debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.

MHT CET CAP 2026: Eligibility criteria for lateral entry

Candidates seeking Maharashtra lateral entry admission should be Indian citizens and fulfil any one of the following eligibility conditions:

• Passed a three-year or two-year (lateral entry) diploma in engineering and technology with at least 45% marks (40% for reserved category, EWS and PwD candidates belonging to Maharashtra).
• Passed a BSc degree from a UGC or AIU-recognised university with at least 45% marks (40% for eligible reserved category candidates) and studied mathematics at the Class 12 level.
• Passed a three-year Diploma in Vocation (D.Voc) programme in the same or an allied sector.

Candidates must also satisfy any additional eligibility conditions notified by the competent authority.

MHT CET CAP 2026: Document verification

Applicants opting for the e-scrutiny mode can upload scanned copies of original documents online and do not need to visit a scrutiny centre. Their documents will be verified digitally, and if any errors are found, the application will be returned for correction through the candidate login.

Also read MHT CET CAP 2026: JEE Main scores via DigiLocker made mandatory; BBA, BCA eligibility expanded

Candidates selecting physical scrutiny will have to visit the allotted scrutiny or facilitation centre with the original documents for verification and confirmation of their application. The list of scrutiny centres is available on the official website.

The CET Cell said that applications not confirmed through either e-scrutiny or physical scrutiny will be rejected, and such candidates will not be included in the merit list.

MHT CET CAP 2026: Important dates

The CET Cell has also informed candidates that the detailed schedule for option form filling and seat allotment will be announced separately. It advised applicants to upload all required certificates on time, as failure to submit valid reservation-related documents within the prescribed deadline may result in their candidature being considered under the general category or cancellation of admission, as applicable.

Also read MHT CET CAP 2026: Registrations cross 2.19 lakh for nine courses; highest for BE admissions

According to the admission notice, the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) is being conducted for admissions to direct second-year engineering and technology courses offered by government, government-aided, university-managed, university departments and private unaided professional institutions, including minority colleges, across Maharashtra.

Candidates can complete the registration process online, upload the required documents and choose either e-scrutiny or physical scrutiny for document verification while filling the application form.