Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra After Diploma -Complete Guide for Lateral Entry Students

Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process

If you’ve completed a three-year diploma in Engineering/Technology and are planning to pursue a degree (B.E. / B.Tech.) in Maharashtra for academic year 2026–27, the Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra is your golden pathway. This guide walks you through every step — from eligibility and documentation to counselling rounds, merit lists, eligibility types, and post-admission requirements.

1. What Is the Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra?

The Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra (also known as Lateral Entry Admission or DSE Admission) allows diploma holders to skip the first year and enter the second year directly in B.E. / B.Tech. programs in Maharashtra colleges after completing a three-year diploma in engineering or technology.

This route is ideal for diploma students who want to accelerate their engineering career by entering degree programs without repeating the first year. It’s a merit-based admission process coordinated centrally under the guidance of the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell and DTE, Maharashtra.

2. Why Choose Direct Second Year Admission After Diploma?

This admission route has become increasingly popular due to several benefits:

• Shorter Duration: You complete B.E./B.Tech. in 3 years instead of the regular 4-year course.

• Merit-Based: Seats are allocated based on diploma marks and centralised counselling.

• No Entrance Exam Required: Generally, there’s no separate entrance test like MHT-CET or JEE Main for lateral entry; admission is through the CAP process.

• Rising Demand: The number of direct second year applications in Maharashtra has surged in recent years, showing the growing preference for this pathway.

3. Eligibility Criteria for Direct Second Year Engineering Admission 2026

To be eligible for the Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

A. Minimum Academic Qualifications

You must have:

• Successfully passed a 3-year diploma in Engineering/Technology from an AICTE/State/Central Government-approved institution.

• Minimum of 45% aggregate marks for general category candidates (40% for reserved categories/EWS/PwD candidates from Maharashtra).

B. Alternative Qualifications

Candidates holding a B.Sc. degree with Mathematics or a D.Voc. diploma in a relevant sector may also apply under specific rules.

4. Important Phases of Admission Process

The Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra typically follows a structured timeline. While exact dates for 2026–27 may be released later (usually mid-2026), here’s how it generally unfolds based on previous cycles:

1. Notification & Registration

• The CET Cell and DTE issue official notification for lateral entry admissions.

• Online CAP registration starts around July 2026 (expected based on previous years).

2. Document Upload & Verification

Candidates upload documents and undergo e-scrutiny or physical verification as part of CAP.

3. Merit List Preparation

Final merit lists for direct second year seats are published based on diploma marks.

4. Option Form & Choice Filling

Students select preferred colleges and branches according to their merit rank.

5. Allotment & Reporting

Seat allotments are released; students must report to the allotted college with documents.

6. Subsequent CAP Rounds

Multiple rounds (CAP I, II, etc.) provide opportunities to secure better options.

5. Documents Required for Lateral Entry Admission

Be prepared with the following documents (self-attested with originals for verification):

• Diploma Marksheet and Certificate

• 10th Standard Marksheet and Passing Certificate

• Domicile Certificate

• Caste/EWS/PwD Certificate (if applicable)

• CAP Registration Receipt and Application Form

• Any other certificate specified by CET Cell or DTE

(Note: The exact list is periodically updated in the official CAP brochure.) 

6. Seat Distribution & Special Rules

Under the CET brochure rules:

• Lateral Entry seats are usually 10% over and above the approved intake in engineering institutes.

• Vacated seats from the regular CAP rounds may also be filled through the lateral entry process.

This means diploma holders often have separate opportunities, increasing admission chances compared to regular first-year seats.

7. Maharashtra State & Candidature Type Highlights

Candidature Types:While Maharashtra diploma holders get priority under State Candidature, students from other states may apply under appropriate categories (e.g., All-India Candidature), subject to applicable rules.

Important State Update:From 2026, the Maharashtra CET will be conducted twice a year for eligible courses, increasing flexibility in admissions (though lateral entry admission itself is through CAP, not CET scores).

8. Trends & Growing Demand

Data from recent years indicate a significant rise in direct second year applications:

• ~34,716 applications in 2023–24

• ~41,894 in 2024–25

• ~58,220+ in 2025–26 (confirming strong demand)

This trend shows that diploma to degree transition is becoming increasingly preferred among engineering aspirants in Maharashtra.

9. Eligibility for Non-Maharashtra Candidates

Diploma holders from outside Maharashtra may also apply if they meet specific criteria such as:

• Having passed 10th/12th from Maharashtra and parents domiciled in the state. (Specific rules apply; verify on CET Cell website.)

Always confirm up-to-date details from the official CAP brochure.

10. Can You Change College After Direct Second Year Admission?

Switching colleges after admission can be complicated and varies by institute and university affiliation. If you want to upgrade your college or shift branches, you must adhere to the CAP counselling timelines and policies of the new institute. Changes outside official counselling may not be accepted.

FAQs on Direct Second Year Engineering Admission 2026 in Maharashtra

1. What is the Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra?

It’s a merit-based lateral entry admission system for diploma holders to enter directly into the second year of B.E. / B.Tech. programs via Centralised Admission Process conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell and DTE.

2. Who is eligible for direct lateral entry into the second year?

Students with a 3-year diploma in engineering/technology from an approved institute with the required minimum marks are eligible. Reserved category relaxations apply as per norms.

3. Is an entrance exam like MHT-CET or JEE required?

For lateral entry, no separate entrance like MHT-CET/JEE is required. Admission is based on diploma marks and CAP counselling.

4. When will the admission process start for 2026-27?

Based on past patterns, online applications and CAP rounds are expected in mid-2026 (July–August).

5. Can ITI diploma holders apply for direct second year engineering?

This depends on eligibility categories set by DTE and CET Cell; generally, 3-year engineering diploma holders are prioritized. Verify through official notifications.

Final Word:

The Direct Second Year Engineering Admission Process 2026 in Maharashtra is a structured, merit-driven pathway that allows you to transition smoothly from diploma to degree level engineering. With rising seats, growing demand, and clear eligibility norms, it’s one of the best options for diploma students to fast-track their engineering aspirations.

Stay updated with official CET Cell and DTE notifications for key dates and deadlines — and prepare your documents well in advance!

Ready to start your engineering journey

Visit the official CET Cell Maharashtra portal for the latest notifications and registration: https://www.mahacet.org

Check DTE Maharashtra official updates and brochures here: https://dte.maharashtra.gov.in