Maharashtra B.Arch Admission Guide (2025-26)
This guide explains the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) admission process in Maharashtra, conducted by the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell for the academic year 2025-26.
- Official CET Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
- Degree Duration: 5 years (Full-time professional undergraduate course)
- Admission Mode: Through Centralised Admission Process (CAP) based on NATA score and 12th grade marks.
- Governing Body: CET Cell, Government of Maharashtra
Expected Timeline
- Admissions 2025 Not Yet Started
- Based on 2023, the process may begin in July 2025
- Students are advised to keep all documents ready in advance
2024 Admission Process Recap
(Expected Similar Process in 2025)
Step 1: Registration
- Online registration on https://cetcell.mahacet.org
- Upload personal and academic details, NATA score, and required documents
- Pay application fee:
- ₹800 (General)
- ₹600 (Reserved)
- ₹5000 (Foreign nationals)
Step 2: Document Verification – E-Scrutiny
- Online document verification; no physical visit needed
- Status and acknowledgment receipt visible in login portal
- If errors are found, corrections must be made within the deadline
Step 3: Merit List Declaration
- Provisional Merit List based on: 50% NATA Score + 100% HSC/Diploma Marks
- Grievance redressal window before Final Merit List is published
Step 4: CAP Rounds (I, II, III)
1. Seat Allotment:
- Choose preferences of institutes (up to 300 options)
- Confirm and print the option form for each round
2. Seat Allotment:
- Candidates receive seats based on merit and preferences
3. Acceptance:
- Pay ₹1000 seat acceptance fee
- Upload documents and confirm admission
Step 5: Freeze Options
- Auto Freeze: Seat allotted in 1st preference, admission confirmed
- Self Freeze: Satisfied with allotment; stop participating in further rounds
- Betterment (Non-Freeze): Willing to upgrade in the next round
Note:
- Candidates applying under multiple categories (Maharashtra + AI + NRI/OCI/PIO) must register separately for each
Eligibility Criteria
(as per Council of Architecture & CET Cell)
1. Nationality:
- Candidate must be an Indian Citizen.
2. Academic Qualification: (as per 2025)
- No candidate shall be admitted to the Architecture course unless they have:
- Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of the following subjects:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Technical Vocational Subject
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Informatics Practices
- Engineering Graphics
- Business Studies
- Obtained at least 45% marks in aggregate (40% for reserved/EWS/PwD candidates of Maharashtra State)
● OR
- Passed 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and obtained at least 45% marks in aggregate (40% for reserved/EWS/PwD candidates of Maharashtra State)
3. Entrance Test Requirement:
- Candidate must qualify the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) conducted by Council of Architecture (CoA).
- NATA Official Site
- NATA 2025 scores will be directly considered for merit
Note: No separate CET exam is conducted for Architecture admissions.
Candidature Types (for seat allocation purposes)
Each applicant must fall under one of the following categories:
| Type | Description | Home University Consideration |
| A | Born and passed both 10th & 12th/Diploma in Maharashtra | Yes |
| B | Father or mother domiciled in Maharashtra | Yes |
| C | Parent is a central/state govt. employee posted in Maharashtra | Yes |
| D | Parent is a Maharashtra govt. employee (posted/retired) | Yes |
| E | Candidates from Maharashtra-Karnataka border area with Marathi as mother tongue | Outside Home University |
Other Candidature Categories:
- All India Candidature (open to all Indian nationals)
- Minority Candidature (specific linguistic/religious minority in Maharashtra)
- NRI/OCI/PIO (Non-Resident Indian, Overseas Citizen, Persons of Indian Origin)
- Foreign Students / CIWGC (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries)
● Jammu & Kashmir / Ladakh Migrant Candidature
Admission Process – Step-by-Step (CAP Rounds)
Refer to the section above for detailed 2024 CAP Procedure which is expected to repeat in 2025.
Documents Required
(at time of Application and Reporting)
Mandatory Documents:
- SSC (10th) Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- HSC (12th) Marksheet OR Diploma Certificate & Marksheet
- NATA 2025 Scorecard
- School Leaving Certificate / Transfer Certificate
- Passport-sized Photographs
Additional (if applicable):
- Domicile Certificate (Maharashtra candidates)
- Nationality Certificate / Indian Passport / Birth Certificate
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/NT/VJDT), Validity Certificate
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for OBC/NT/VJ, )
- EWS Certificate (for Economically Weaker Section)
- Income Certificate (for TFWS or EWS)
- Disability Certificate (for PwD candidates)
- Defence Certificate (for Defence quota)
- Orphan Certificate (if applying under Orphan quota)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
Reservation of Seats
(for Maharashtra State Candidates only)
| Category | Reservation % |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 13% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7% |
| VJ/DT (NT-A) | 3% |
| NT-B | 2.5% |
| NT-C | 3.5% |
| NT-D | 2% |
| OBC | 19% |
| SEBC (Maratha)* | 10% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 5% |
| Defence | 5% |
| Female (within each category) | 30% |
| Orphan Category | 1% |
*SEBC subject to legal verdicts. Reserved candidates must have valid certificates.
Fee Structure & Refund Policy
- Fees vary from 18,000 (Govt) to Rs. 2.5+ lakhs (Private)
● TFWS (Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme):
- For Maharashtra candidates only
- Family income below ₹8 lakh
- 5% supernumerary seats
- Only tuition fee waived; other charges applicable
● Refund Rules:
- Based on CET Cell policies
- Full/partial refund available before cutoff dates, subject to deductions
Key Points to Remember
- NATA score is compulsory for admission;
- Final Merit = 50% NATA + 100% 12th/Diploma marks
- Do not skip document verification at FC or ARC
- Admissions only through https://cetcell.mahacet.org
- Always check for Council of Architecture (CoA) approval for the institute
- All certificates must be valid as per government standards
- Carry originals and photocopies when reporting
Help & Contact
State CET Cell, Maharashtra
8th Floor, New Excelsior Building, A.K. Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001 Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
Email: cetcell@mahacet.org
Additional Reference Links
To make informed decisions, students and parents can refer to past data and documents:
- Activity Schedule 2024-25 (PDF)
- Cut offs 2024-25 for Round 1, 2, 3 MH Candidates (3 PDFs)
- Round 1 – Not Published on Website
- Round 2 – https://shorturl.at/DEAxr
- Round 3 – https://shorturl.at/Q9qZX
CAP Round Registration & Seat Allotment – FAQ
Dear Students,
We’ve compiled answers to your most common questions regarding the CAP rounds, including details on the Freeze and Betterment options and editing the Option Form. Please read through the information carefully.
General Queries
1. How do I register for CAP rounds?
A. Candidates must register online on the official CAP portal by filling in personal details, uploading necessary documents, and paying the application fee.
2. What is the Freeze option?
A. Selecting “Freeze” means the candidate is satisfied with the allotted seat and will not participate in further rounds. They must confirm their admission by paying the seat acceptance fee and reporting to the allocated institute.
3. What is the Betterment option?
A. “Betterment” allows the candidate to participate in subsequent rounds for a potentially better seat allocation. If a new seat is allotted in the next round, the previous allotment will be cancelled. If no new seat is allotted, the candidate retains the previous seat.
4. Can I edit the Option Form after submission?
A. Yes, the Option Form will reopen between rounds to allow candidates to add, remove, or change preferences. However, previously allotted colleges will be removed from the list once a seat has been accepted.
5. What documents are required during registration?
A. Candidates need their CAP registration number, identity proof, academic transcripts, caste certificates (if applicable), and domicile certificates for verification purposes.
Freeze and Betterment Options
1. I selected the Freeze option and accepted my seat. What next?
A. You must report to the allotted institute, submit the required documents, and complete the admission formalities by the given deadline. No further participation in the CAP rounds is allowed.
2. I selected the Betterment option and accepted the seat. What should I do next?
A. You will retain your seat until the next round of seat allocation. If you are allotted a better seat in the subsequent round, your previous allotment will be cancelled. If no better seat is allotted, you will keep your original seat.
3. What happens if I don’t get a better seat in the next round?
A. If no better seat is allotted, you will retain the seat allocated in the previous round. Ensure you follow up on reporting to the institute to confirm admission.
4. Will I lose my seat if I select Betterment but get no new allotment in the next round?
A. No, you will not lose your seat if no new allotment is made. You will retain your previously allotted seat.
5. Is the Option Form open for editing after the first round?
A. Yes, the Option Form will reopen after each round, allowing candidates to modify their preferences. However, any previously allotted seat will be removed from the list.
This should provide clarity for the CAP process. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to your SILICA coordinators.