Don’t Just Dream Buildings, Design Them! Maharashtra B.Arch Admissions 2025 OPEN
Overview
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.
Admissions to the first year of the 5-year full-time B.Arch degree program are carried out through the centralized counseling process (CAP rounds) based on merit derived from:
- NATA or JEE (Paper 2) score, and
- 12th or Diploma marks.
Official Details
- CET Cell Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
- Email: cetcell@mahacet.org
- Helpline Numbers: 918068636170 / 18002129422 (10 AM – 6 PM)
- Activity Schedule 2025 PDF:https://arch2025.mahacet.org.in/arch/assets/pdf/B_ARCH_Activity_Schedule_1.pdf
- Information Brochure 2025 PDF: https://arch2025.mahacet.org.in/arch/assets/pdf/cet-brochure-english.pdf
Admission Process Timeline (as per Activity Schedule 2025)
| Activity | Dates |
| Online Registration & Document Upload | 8 July 2025 – 15 July 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Document Verification (E-Scrutiny or Physical) | 9 July 2025 – 16 July 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Display of Provisional Merit List | 18 July 2025 |
| Submission of Grievances | 19 July 2025 – 21 July 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Display of Final Merit List | 24 July 2025 |
| CAP Round Option Forms, Seat Allotment & Reporting | To be notified after Final Merit List |
Eligibility Criteria
✅ Educational Qualification
- Passed 10+2 examination with Physics & Mathematics as compulsory subjects + one of Chemistry/Biology/Technical Vocational Subject/Computer Science/IT/Informatics Practices/Engineering Graphics/Business Studies, with at least:
- 45% marks (General)
- 40% marks (Reserved Categories of Maharashtra)
- OR Passed 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as compulsory subject with at least:
- 45% marks (General)
- 40% marks (Reserved Categories of Maharashtra)
✅ Aptitude Test
- Must have qualified NATA (Council of Architecture) or JEE Main Paper 2 (NTA).
✅ Nationality
- Indian nationals and eligible categories (NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals, Children of Indian Workers in Gulf) as specified in the brochure.
Application & Registration
- Registration is to be done online at https://cetcell.mahacet.org within the specified dates.
- Upload personal & academic details, NATA/JEE scores, and required documents.
- Pay the registration fee online:
- ₹1000 — General Category & All India Candidates
- ₹800 — Reserved Categories (Maharashtra), Orphan, Transgender
- Select your preferred document verification mode:
- E-Scrutiny (Online)
- Physical Scrutiny (at designated center)
Document Verification
- Documents are verified based on the mode chosen (E-Scrutiny or Physical).
- If errors are found, candidates must correct & re-upload before the deadline.
- Applications not verified by the deadline will not be considered for CAP seats.
Merit Lists & CAP Rounds
- Provisional Merit List
Candidates can view their rank and submit grievances, if any. - Final Merit List
Prepared after resolving grievances. - Option Form Filling & CAP Rounds
Candidates fill their choices of colleges & courses.
Seat allotment is done based on merit, preferences, and reservation policies. - Seat Acceptance & Reporting
Candidates pay the acceptance fee & confirm admission.
Seat Acceptance Options: Freeze, Betterment & Auto-Freeze
Once a candidate is allotted a seat in any of the CAP rounds, they need to accept the seat and choose an option for subsequent rounds.
| Option | What does it mean? | When to choose? |
| Freeze | You are satisfied with the allotted seat & do not wish to participate in further rounds. | When you want to confirm the current seat & exit CAP. |
| Betterment (Non-Freeze) | You accept the current seat but also want to participate in the next round to try for a higher-preference seat. | When you like the seat but want to aim for a better one. |
| Auto-Freeze | If you’re allotted your first preference, it is automatically frozen, and you cannot participate in further rounds. | Happens automatically if your top choice is allotted. |
Tips:
- Once you freeze, you cannot participate in further CAP rounds.
- If you choose betterment and get a higher-preference seat, the earlier seat is forfeited.
- Always pay the seat acceptance fee (usually ₹1000) within the deadline to confirm your seat, regardless of the option chosen.
- If you fail to act within the specified time after allotment, you risk losing your seat.
Why It Matters:
Choosing the correct option ensures you secure the best possible college according to your merit & preferences, without risking your admission.
Remember: Understand your priorities and select the right option based on what you’re willing to risk or accept.
Reservation Policy (For Maharashtra State Candidates)
| 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% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 19% |
| SEBC (Maratha)** | 10% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% |
| Defence | 5% |
| Orphan | 1% |
| Female Candidates | 30% (within each category) |
Note: SEBC reservation is subject to court decisions.
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
Documents Required
- 10th & 12th (or Diploma) Marksheets & Passing Certificates
- NATA/JEE (Paper 2) Scorecard
- School Leaving Certificate
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
- Nationality Certificate (if applicable)
- Caste & Validity Certificate (if applicable)
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (if applicable)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Orphan Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
Key Points
- Merit is based on NATA/JEE + 12th/Diploma marks.
- No separate CET for B.Arch.
- Keep original documents & sufficient photocopies ready.
- Apply early to secure higher chances in better colleges.
- CAP rounds are conducted entirely through the official CET Cell website.
Fee Structure & Refund Policy
- Fee varies by institute: approx. ₹18,000 (Government) to ₹2.5+ lakhs (Private).
- Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme (TFWS) available for eligible Maharashtra candidates (income < ₹8 lakhs/year).
- Refunds are processed as per CET Cell norms & deadlines.
Helpful Tips
- Register & complete document verification well before the deadline.
- Fill all 300 choices in the option form to maximize chances.
- Stay updated on announcements at https://cetcell.mahacet.org.
- Carefully check the merit list & grievance deadlines.
Contact Information
State CET Cell, Maharashtra
8th Floor, New Excelsior Building, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
Email: cetcell@mahacet.org
Helpline: 918068636170 / 18002129422 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Additional Reference Links
To make informed decisions, students and parents can refer to past data and documents:
- Information Brochure for Admission 2025-26 (PDF) (Current Year)
- Activity Schedule 2025-26 (PDF)(Current Year)
- List of B.Arch Colleges in Maharashtra with Cutoffs in 2024-25 (Excel Sheet) (Previous year)
- Cut offs 2024-25 for Round 1, 2, 3 MH Candidates (3 PDFs) (Previous year)
- Round 1 – Not Published on Website
- Round 2 – https://shorturl.at/DEAxr
- Round 3 – https://shorturl.at/Q9qZX
- Provisional Seat Matrix 2024-25 (PDF) (Previous year)
6. List of Documents required for CAP Registration 2024-25 (PDF) (current year)
We recommend applying as early as possible, keeping all documents ready, and following the official updates closely. Wishing you success in securing admission to your dream architecture college!
Final Word
Your dream of becoming an architect starts here.
Act fast, secure your place, and start building your future today.
Higher merit + early action = better chances. Don’t miss your opportunity!
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.