Branch-Wise Analysis: Cutoff vs Placements 2026
- hardikjaincs
- Dec 16
- 6 min read
In Maharashtra, choosing the right engineering college is often a high-stakes game of matching your MHT-CET percentile with the "ROI" of the branch. While IITs and NITs are the usual suspects, Maharashtra boasts a powerhouse of state-level institutes that often beat national colleges in localized placement strength.
A branch-wise breakdown of the top non-IIT/NIT/IIIT colleges in Maharashtra to help you decide where to invest your next four years.
The Maharashtra Engineering Playbook: Branch wise analysis 2026
Choosing an engineering college in Maharashtra is no longer just about clearing the MHT-CET; it is about playing a high-stakes game of "Branch vs. Brand." With the tech industry evolving through AI and the rise of manufacturing in the state, the old rules of thumb are changing.
In this guide, we deep-dive into the top-tier non-IIT/NIT/IIIT colleges in Maharashtra. These are the "State Big Three" and their peers—institutions that often rival national colleges in terms of legacy and industry pull.
1. COEP Technological University, Pune (COEP)
The Statement: "The 'Heritage Titan' where the cutoff for Computer Science is as high as the clouds, but the placement ROI for Core branches remains the best in the state."
COEP is the crown jewel of Maharashtra’s state-level engineering. Because it is an autonomous university with a history spanning over 150 years, it has a "loyalty network" with companies like Tata Motors, Siemens, and Microsoft.
The Data Table (MHT-CET Percentile Trends)
Branch | 2023 Cutoff | 2024 Cutoff | 2025 (Current) | 2026 (Expected) |
CS / AI | 99.92 | 99.94 | 99.96 | 99.97 |
ENTC | 99.70 | 99.75 | 99.80 | 99.82 |
Mechanical | 98.20 | 98.50 | 98.65 | 98.70 |
Highest Package (2024-25): ₹52 LPA
Average Package (CS): ₹16.5 LPA
Placement Ratio: 92% (Overall)
Analysis Question: Why this College? Because of the "Pune Advantage." Being in the heart of the IT and Automobile hub means internships are easier to get, and local networking is unparalleled.
Analysis Question: Why this Branch (Mechanical)? While the world chases coding, COEP Mechanical remains one of the few places where "Core" students get recruited by top-tier global firms like Mercedes-Benz and Airbus.
2. VJTI, Mumbai (Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute)
The Statement: "The 'Placement Machine' of Mumbai where the location advantage translates into a 100% placement record for almost every student in the top three branches."
VJTI is often the first choice for students who want to be in the financial capital. Its proximity to the corporate headquarters of major banks and tech firms gives it an edge in the "FinTech" sector.
The Data Table (MHT-CET Percentile Trends)
Branch | 2023 Cutoff | 2024 Cutoff | 2025 (Current) | 2026 (Expected) |
Computer Engineering | 99.95 | 99.97 | 99.98 | 99.99 |
IT | 99.88 | 99.90 | 99.93 | 99.95 |
Electronics | 99.50 | 99.62 | 99.70 | 99.75 |
Highest Package (2024-25): ₹62 LPA (International/Domestic niche)
Average Package (IT/CS): ₹18 LPA
Placement Ratio: 98% for Tech branches.
Analysis Question: Why this College? VJTI is the gateway to Mumbai’s high-paying FinTech and Analytics roles. If you want to work for a high-frequency trading firm or a top-tier consultancy, VJTI is the spot.
Analysis Question: Why this Branch (IT)? At VJTI, there is almost no difference between CS and IT placements. In fact, IT often has a slightly more modern syllabus tailored for the software industry.
3. ICT Mumbai (Institute of Chemical Technology)
The Statement: "The 'Global Research Hub' where the cutoff for Chemical Engineering is higher than the CS cutoff of most other colleges."
ICT is a different beast altogether. It doesn't focus on coding; it focuses on the atoms and molecules that run the world’s industries.
The Data Table (MHT-CET Percentile Trends)
Branch | 2023 Cutoff | 2024 Cutoff | 2025 (Current) | 2026 (Expected) |
Chemical Engineering | 99.10 | 99.30 | 99.45 | 99.50 |
Food Technology | 97.50 | 97.80 | 98.10 | 98.30 |
Pharma Tech | 98.00 | 98.20 | 98.40 | 98.55 |
Highest Package: ₹25–30 LPA (Domestic Core)
Placement Ratio: 90% (Many choose higher studies at MIT/Stanford).
Top Recruiters: Reliance, BPCL, HUL, BASF.
Analysis Question: Why this College? If you want to be a scientist or a high-end industrial engineer, ICT has no rival in India. The alumni network includes names like Mukesh Ambani.
Analysis Question: Why this Branch (Chemical)? It is the gold standard. A Chemical Engineer from ICT is respected globally, and the placement offers come from the biggest oil, gas, and FMCG companies.
4. SPIT, Mumbai (Sardar Patel Institute of Technology)
The Statement: "The 'New Age Tech Leader' that has consistently outpaced older colleges by focusing strictly on the electronics and computer domains."
SPIT decided to shut down its core branches (like Mechanical/Civil) years ago to focus entirely on the digital economy. This has made them a recruitment favorite for mass-hiring tech giants and niche startups alike.
The Data Table (MHT-CET Percentile Trends)
Branch | 2023 Cutoff | 2024 Cutoff | 2025 (Current) | 2026 (Expected) |
CS / CSE | 99.75 | 99.82 | 99.88 | 99.90 |
AI & DS | 99.60 | 99.70 | 99.78 | 99.82 |
EXTC | 99.20 | 99.35 | 99.45 | 99.55 |
Highest Package: ₹42 LPA
Average Package: ₹12.5 LPA
Placement Ratio: 95%+
Analysis Question: Why this College? SPIT offers a modern "Startup-like" environment. Their coding culture is intense, and because they don't have core branches, the entire placement cell is focused only on Tech and FinTech.
Analysis Question: Why this Branch (AI & Data Science)? As we move toward 2026, AI & DS is becoming the most "future-proof" branch. SPIT was one of the first to implement a rigorous curriculum here.
5. Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli (WCE)
The Statement: "The 'Rural Prodigy' that proves you don't need to be in a Metro city to produce world-class engineers and record-breaking placements."
Walchand is proof that legacy and a strong coding culture can beat geography. Despite being in Sangli, top companies travel there because of the sheer quality of the students.
The Data Table (MHT-CET Percentile Trends)
Branch | 2023 Cutoff | 2024 Cutoff | 2025 (Current) | 2026 (Expected) |
CS | 99.20 | 99.40 | 99.55 | 99.60 |
IT | 98.90 | 99.10 | 99.30 | 99.40 |
Electrical | 95.50 | 96.20 | 96.80 | 97.00 |
Highest Package: ₹38 LPA
Average Package: ₹9.5 LPA
Placement Ratio: 88%
Analysis Question: Why this College? Lower cost of living and a very focused academic environment. The alumni network is incredibly supportive, often pulling students into top MNCs through referrals.
Analysis Question: Why this Branch (Electrical)? Walchand has one of the oldest and most respected Electrical departments in the state, making it a favorite for power sector companies.
Comprehensive Analysis: 2023 to 2026 Trends
1. The Death of the "Safe" Percentile
In 2023, a 99.0 percentile could get you CS in several top-10 Maharashtra colleges. In 2025, that same percentile might push you toward the second-tier colleges or ENTC branches.
Observation: The number of students appearing for MHT-CET has increased, and more students are scoring in the high 90s due to the availability of online coaching.
Expectation for 2026: We expect the "Tech" branch cutoffs to stabilize at an incredibly high level, while Core branches might see a slight revival as students realize the saturation in entry-level coding roles.
2. Placement Shift: From Service to Product
Previously, companies like TCS and Infosys were the primary recruiters.
2024-2025 Trend: Product companies (Google, Amazon, Morgan Stanley) and specialized startups are now the primary targets for colleges like VJTI and COEP.
The Result: The average packages are rising, but the criteria for selection are becoming much tougher. A high GPA is no longer enough; you need a portfolio of projects.
Branch wise analysis 2026
3. The "AI" Factor
Almost every college has introduced AI, Machine Learning, or Data Science branches.
The Risk: By 2026, the first few batches of these specialized branches will be in the market.
The Strategy: Only choose these branches in top-tier colleges (SPIT, PICT, VJTI) where the faculty is actually trained in these new technologies
FAQ?
Q1: Which is better—a Top Branch (CS/IT) in a 2nd tier college or a Core Branch (Mech/Civil) in VJTI/COEP?
Ans: If your goal is a high-paying tech job immediately after 4 years, go for the Top Branch in a 2nd tier college like PICT or VIT Pune. However, if you plan to do an MBA (IIMs), UPSC, or go abroad, the "Brand Name" of VJTI/COEP is much more valuable. The brand stays on your resume forever, while your branch matters most only for your first job
.
Q2: Will the 2026 cutoffs be higher than 2025?
Ans: Yes, the trend shows a 0.05% to 0.15% percentile increase every year for CS/IT branches. This is because more students are using online tools to score 99+ percentiles. For 2026, a "safe" score for VJTI CS would likely be nothing less than 99.98.
CTA
The 2026 admission cycle will be faster and more competitive than ever. Don't leave your dream college to chance. Whether you are aiming for the "Big Three" in Mumbai or the coding hubs of Pune, the right strategy starts today.
1. Get Your Personalized Roadmap
Struggling to decide between a top branch or a top brand? Use our 2026 College Predictor Tool to see which Maharashtra colleges fit your current mock scores.
Download the 2026 Syllabus & Weightage PDF – Focus on the 20% of topics that give 80% of the marks.
Join Our MHT-CET 2026 Telegram Community – Get real-time updates on registration dates, CAP rounds, and placement secrets.
2. Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips
Need a one-on-one deep dive? Our counselors specialize in the Maharashtra engineering landscape.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation – Let’s discuss your target percentile and branch goals.
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