MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 expected EWS cutoff ranges from 92 to 99.95 percentile based on 2025 trends, with top colleges like COEP and VJTI requiring above 99.85 percentile even for EWS seats.
The Centralized Admission Process (CAP) Round 1 for MHT CET 2026 is expected to begin on June 22, 2026. Students under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category benefit from 10% reservation in Maharashtra engineering and pharmacy admissions. Knowing the expected closing percentile for EWS seats before choice-filling opens helps you shortlist colleges strategically and maximise your allotment chances.
- EWS reservation in Maharashtra engineering admissions: 10% of sanctioned intake in all government and government-aided colleges.
- EWS closing percentile in CAP Round 1 is typically close to the Open category cutoff at premium institutions and noticeably lower at regional colleges.
- Expected EWS closing percentile for Computer Engineering at COEP and VJTI in 2026: above 99.85 percentile, based on 2025 trends.
- Students with a percentile between 90 and 97 can realistically target mid-tier and regional government colleges under the EWS quota.
- A valid EWS certificate from the competent authority is mandatory for document verification during CAP rounds.
| Direct Link to MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 Cutoff — Official Portal (Check Here) |
MHT CET 2026 EWS Cutoff Overview
The EWS category in Maharashtra engineering admissions covers students from the general community whose annual family income is below Rs 8 lakh and who do not belong to any SC, ST, OBC, VJ, NT, or SBC category. EWS seats are filled alongside Open category seats in CAP Round 1, and the closing percentile for each college and branch is published on the official portal after the round concludes.
The table below covers key details for MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 EWS cutoffs at a glance:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| CAP Round 1 Expected Start Date | June 22, 2026 |
| EWS Reservation | 10% of sanctioned intake |
| Cutoff Metric | Percentile score in MHT CET 2026 (PCM for Engineering; PCB for Pharmacy) |
| Cutoff Type | Closing percentile at end of Round 1 allotment |
| Official Portal | cetcell.mahacet.org |
| EWS Certificate Requirement | Issued by Tahsildar or competent authority; annual family income ? Rs 8 lakh |
| MHT CET Total Marks | 200 marks (PCM / PCB stream) |
CAP Round 1 EWS Cutoff: Previous Year Trends
Since MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 allotment is yet to take place, the expected cutoffs below are based on 2025 CAP Round 1 data and trends. Actual 2026 cutoffs will be published on cetcell.mahacet.org after the round concludes. Use these figures for college shortlisting only.
| College Name | Branch | EWS Closing Percentile (2025 Trends) |
|---|---|---|
| COEP Technological University, Pune | Computer Engineering | 99.91 |
| VJTI, Mumbai | Computer Engineering | 99.88 |
| PICT, Pune | Computer Engineering | 99.65 |
| ICT Mumbai | Chemical Engineering | 99.45 |
| Government College of Engineering, Nagpur | Computer Technology | 98.40 |
| Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad | Computer Engineering | 99.12 |
| K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering, Nashik | Computer Engineering | 97.80 |
| Government College of Engineering, Karad | Computer Engineering | 98.75 |
| College of Engineering, Nashik | Mechanical Engineering | 97.20 |
| Government College of Engineering, Amravati | Electronics and Telecommunication | 96.50 |
| Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli | Civil Engineering | 94.30 |
| Finolex Academy of Management and Technology, Ratnagiri | Computer Engineering | 93.80 |
All figures above are expected values based on 2025 trends. MHT CET 2026 official EWS cutoffs will be released on cetcell.mahacet.org post-allotment.
Top Colleges and Expected EWS Closing Percentile 2026
Students targeting EWS seats in 2026 should aim for a percentile at or above the range listed for their preferred college and branch, based on 2025 closing data. CS and IT branches command the highest cutoffs even within the EWS quota.
| College | Branch | Expected EWS Cutoff 2026 (Percentile Range) |
|---|---|---|
| COEP Technological University, Pune | Information Technology | 99.88 – 99.95 |
| VJTI, Mumbai | Electronics Engineering | 99.70 – 99.85 |
| Government College of Engineering, Pune | Mechanical Engineering | 98.90 – 99.20 |
| Government College of Engineering, Nagpur | Computer Technology | 98.20 – 98.60 |
| Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute, Nanded | Computer Science and Engineering | 97.50 – 98.00 |
| Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur | Computer Science and Engineering | 97.00 – 97.80 |
| Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad | Civil Engineering | 92.00 – 94.50 |
| Finolex Academy of Management and Technology, Ratnagiri | Computer Engineering | 93.50 – 95.00 |
Students scoring between 90 and 96 percentile in MHT CET 2026 have a strong chance of securing EWS seats in regional government engineering colleges across Konkan, Vidarbha, and Marathwada divisions. Core branches such as Civil and Mechanical Engineering consistently show lower EWS cutoffs compared to CS and IT.
Factors Affecting EWS Cutoff in MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1
EWS closing percentiles are not fixed — they shift each year based on several demand and supply variables. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations:
- Volume of EWS applicants: A larger pool of students registering under the EWS category directly increases competition and pushes closing percentiles upward.
- MHT CET 2026 exam difficulty: A tougher paper compresses the score distribution, which can slightly shift percentile bands and affect cutoff comparisons year to year.
- Total EWS seats available: Colleges that receive new intake approvals add EWS seats proportionally, which can ease cutoffs at those institutions.
- Choice-filling patterns: High concentration of choices for CS and IT at premier colleges keeps EWS cutoffs for those branches very close to Open category cutoffs.
- New colleges in CAP: Additional institutions entering the centralised process redistribute demand and can lower cutoffs at existing mid-tier colleges.
- Round 1 seat-filling rate: If fewer students report after Round 1 allotment, vacant EWS seats may carry forward to Round 2 — but Round 1 remains the most competitive window.
MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 EWS Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected EWS cutoff for MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, the expected EWS closing percentile in MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 ranges from approximately 92 to 99.95 percentile, depending on the college and branch. Top colleges like COEP and VJTI require above 99.85 percentile even for EWS seats. Actual cutoffs will be published on cetcell.mahacet.org after the round concludes.
Ques. Is the EWS cutoff lower than the Open category cutoff in MHT CET CAP?
Ans. At top colleges, EWS cutoffs are very close to Open category closing percentiles. At mid-tier and regional government colleges, EWS cutoffs can be 1 to 3 percentile points lower than the Open category, offering a marginal advantage to eligible students.
Ques. Who is eligible for the EWS quota in MHT CET 2026 admissions?
Ans. Students whose annual family income is below Rs 8 lakh and who do not belong to SC, ST, OBC, VJ, NT, or SBC categories are eligible for EWS reservation. A valid EWS certificate issued by the Tahsildar or another competent authority must be submitted during document verification.
Ques. How many CAP rounds are there in MHT CET 2026?
Ans. MHT CET CAP typically consists of three allotment rounds. CAP Round 1 is the most competitive, filling the majority of seats at top colleges. Students who do not secure their preferred college in Round 1 can participate in Rounds 2 and 3, where upgraded or remaining seats are allotted.
Ques. Where can I check the official MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 EWS cutoff?
Ans. The official MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 cutoff, including EWS closing percentiles, will be published on cetcell.mahacet.org after the allotment is complete. You can view college-wise and category-wise closing percentiles directly on the portal.
Ques. What percentile do I need in MHT CET 2026 for an EWS seat at COEP Pune?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, you would need approximately 99.88 to 99.95 percentile in MHT CET 2026 to secure an EWS seat in Computer Engineering or Information Technology at COEP Technological University, Pune, in CAP Round 1. These are expected figures and actual cutoffs may vary.
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