MHT CET CAP BTech, BE merit list 2026 flags 'anomalies'; Maharashtra State cell launches analysis

During a press conference held today, the Maharashtra State CET Cell's commissioner, Dileep Sardesai, said that an analysis comparing MHT CET scores and Class 12 (HSC) marks revealed a "strong correlation between the two.” According to the data, some students who scored low marks in their Class 12 board exams went on to secure higher marks in the MHT CET 2026 exam. MHT CET 2026 final merit list live updates

Similarly, the State Cell also pointed out that there are ‘anomalies’ between HSC marks and NTA JEE Main percentiles. Sardesai noted that this discrepancy between entrance exam and school results could be because students focus more on preparing for entrance exams.

However, the State Cell assured that these ‘anomalies’ will still be observed through an internal analysis. Moreover, it will also consider various aspects, including the centres opted by the candidates for the MHT CET 2026 exam.

As per the data revealed by the CET Cell, 4,609 students scored above 80% in their HSC exams but obtained an MHT CET percentile below 50. Additionally, 344 students who scored above 90% in Class 12 secured less than the 40th percentile in the MHT CET entrance exam.

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State Cell analysis of MHT CET 2026 merit list

Furthermore, another analysis was released by CET Cell, which mentions the exam centres and students who scored above 90 percentiles in the MHT CET 2026 PCM entrance exam.

Notably, 2.29 lakh CET candidates, almost half of those who appeared for the exam, didn't participate in CAP counselling for engineering admission.

HSC PCM Percentages vs MHT CET Percentile

HSC PCM Percentage vs JEE Percentile

MHTCET Percentile vs JEE Percentile

Total 38 students secured 100 percentile in the MHT CET 2026 PCM exam in both sessions, and 36 were shortlisted for the MHT CET merit list, while 2 candidates didn't apply for CAP even after having 100 percentile.

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MHT CET CAP Counselling 2026

Over 2.35 lakh students applied for MHT CET CAP 2026 counselling for BE and BTech admissions across the colleges in Maharashtra. The MHT CET CAP counselling 2026 statistics for the engineering merit list are shown in the table below.

As per the MHT CET CAP counselling 2026 schedule, the engineering final merit list will be published today. Candidates will be able to select their preferences for BTech programmes and colleges between July 28 and 30. The MHT CET CAP counselling round 1 seat allotment result will be published on August 2.