Maharashtra Engineering CAP Round 3: Seats, Dates and Admission Steps
Maharashtra CAP round three offers engineering seats to 1,16,690 students. Learn the allotment rules, reporting dates, auto-freeze process and next steps.
AC Team
The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has released the third Centralized Admission Process list for BE and B.Tech admissions for the 2026-27 academic year. The list gives admission opportunities to 1,16,690 students across engineering colleges in the state.
This round is important for students who took part in the MHT CET CAP process. Some students have received a seat for the first time. Others have secured an upgraded seat through the betterment option. Students who have received an allotment must check their status and complete the next steps within the given dates.
Key figures from the third CAP round
| Admission detail | Number or date |
|---|---|
| Students who submitted preferences | 2,04,987 |
| Admission opportunities in round three | 1,16,690 |
| First-time allotments | 11,505 |
| Betterment allotments | 1,05,185 |
| Auto-frozen allotments | 9,766 |
| College reporting period | August 25 to August 28, 2026 |
| Tentative fourth-round vacancy list | August 29, 2026 |
What the allotment numbers mean
As many as 2,04,987 students submitted their college and course choices for the third CAP round. The CET Cell then processed these preferences and released the allotment list.
Of the students who received an admission opportunity, 11,505 were offered an engineering seat for the first time. A total of 1,05,185 students received an upgraded allotment under the betterment option. This means they were offered a higher preference than the seat given to them in an earlier round.
In total, 9,766 students received seats linked to one of their first six preferences. These allotments have been marked as auto-frozen. The name sounds a bit like a freezer setting, but it has a clear admission rule.
What auto-frozen allotment means
Students with an auto-frozen seat must accept admission to the college and course assigned to them. They cannot reject the seat and take part in the fourth CAP round.
Students who do not accept an auto-frozen allotment will not be allowed to join the fourth CAP round. They may take part in a later institutional round, subject to the rules and vacancies announced by the authorities.
Students should read the allotment status on the official CAP portal before making any decision. A small mistake in checking the status can create a large problem later, so this is not the best time to rely on a friend’s screenshot.
Last date to report to the college
Students who received a seat in the third round must report to their allotted college between August 25 and August 28, 2026. They need to complete the admission process during this period to retain the seat.
The process includes submitting the required documents and paying the prescribed admission fee. Students should carry original documents along with the required photocopies. They should also keep proof of fee payment and any acknowledgement given by the college.
Documents and checks for students
- Download and read the seat allotment details from the official CAP portal.
- Check the college name, course, category and allotment status.
- Keep the required academic and identity documents ready.
- Check whether the college asks for extra forms or certificates.
- Pay the admission fee within the reporting period.
- Collect an acknowledgement after completing the admission process.
Students should contact the allotted college or the Maharashtra CET Cell if they find a mismatch in their details. They should use official contact details and avoid sharing application numbers, passwords or payment information with unknown people.
Seats available across Maharashtra
A total of 2,03,270 BE and B.Tech seats were available across Maharashtra for the 2026-27 admission process. The first two CAP rounds had already helped 62,609 students secure engineering admissions.
The third list has created more opportunities for students who entered their preferences through the CAP system. The CET Cell is expected to publish the tentative vacancy position for the fourth CAP round on August 29, 2026. Students who remain without a seat should check that list and follow the next schedule on the official portal.
