MHT CET 2026: Registration Begins for Direct Second Year (Lateral Entry) Engineering Admissions

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has officially started the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) registration for direct second-year (lateral entry) admissions to full-time Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programs for the 2026-27 academic session.

Eligible candidates who want to secure a lateral entry seat in Maharashtra’s engineering colleges must complete their online registration by July 19, 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Applications can be submitted through the official portal at mahacet.org.

Key Dates for MHT CET Lateral Entry 2026

To avoid missing out on a seat, candidates should keep track of the complete admission schedule. Here are the important dates announced by the State CET Cell:

Note: The detailed schedule for option form filling, choices submission, and cap round seat allotments will be announced separately by the authorities.

Registration Fee Details

Candidates need to pay a non-refundable application fee during the online registration process. Payments can be made securely online using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.

• General Category: Candidates from Maharashtra State, Outside Maharashtra State (OMS), and All India categories must pay Rs 1,300.

• Reserved Categories: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), orphans, and transgender applicants from Maharashtra State must pay Rs 1,000.

Eligibility Criteria for Lateral Entry BE/BTech

Before applying, ensure you meet the prescribed educational requirements. An applicant must be an Indian citizen and satisfy at least one of the following qualifications:

1. Diploma in Engineering: Passed a three-year or two-year (lateral entry) Diploma program in Engineering and Technology with a minimum of 45% marks. Reserved category, EWS, and PwD candidates belonging only to Maharashtra require at least 40% marks.

2. BSc Degree: Passed a BSc degree from a university recognized by the UGC or Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with at least 45% marks (40% for eligible Maharashtra reserved categories). Candidates must also have studied Mathematics as a subject at the Class 12 level.

3. D.Voc Degree: Passed a three-year Diploma in Vocation (D.Voc) stream in the same or an allied engineering sector.

Understanding the Document Verification Modes

While filling out the registration form, candidates must pick one of two available modes for document verification. Your application will only be considered valid if it is confirmed through one of these methods.

1. E-Scrutiny Mode

If you choose e-scrutiny, you do not need to visit a physical center. You simply upload scanned copies of your original documents on the portal. The admission cell will digitally verify your profile. If they find any errors or missing documents, your form will be sent back to your candidate login for correction.

2. Physical Scrutiny Mode

If you prefer face-to-face verification, you can book an appointment and visit an allotted Scrutiny or Facilitation Center. You must carry your original documents along with photocopies for physical confirmation.

Important Warning: Applications that remain unverified or unconfirmed by July 20, 2026, will be rejected. Such candidates will not see their names on the upcoming merit lists. Be sure to upload valid category and reservation certificates before the deadline to protect your general or reserved status.

Conclusion

The commencement of MHT CET 2026 lateral entry registrations marks a crucial window for diploma and science graduates aiming to fast-track their engineering careers directly into the second year. With the absolute final deadline for registration set for July 19, 2026, candidates must act quickly to complete their profiles, pay the application fees, and secure successful document verification.

Whether you choose the digital convenience of e-scrutiny or the reassurance of physical verification, completing this step properly by July 20 is mandatory to ensure your name features on the provisional merit list coming out on July 22. Stay tuned to the official portal at mahacet.org for upcoming announcements regarding the choice filling and seat allotment schedules.