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Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027: Category-Wise Guide for Lateral Entry Admissions

Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix
Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix

The Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027 is one of the most vital data points for diploma holders and lateral entry aspirants planning engineering admissions in Maharashtra. Every year, the State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET), Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), and related authorities publish the seat matrix showing how seats are distributed category-wise in every engineering college and branch under the Centralized Admission Process (CAP). This comprehensive blog breaks down the latest patterns, reservation policies, and expected category-wise seat allocations for the upcoming academic year, while also helping you navigate the lateral entry admission landscape with clarity and confidence.



1. What Is the Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix?

The Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027 refers to the detailed list of available seats in the second year of engineering courses (lateral entry) across all participating government, government-aided, and private institutes in Maharashtra. These seats are primarily for candidates entering directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) program, bypassing the first year based on prior qualifications such as:

  • Diploma in Engineering/Technology (3-year)

  • B.Sc. degree (with specified eligibility)

  • ITI + appropriate criteria

The seat matrix is published for each CAP round and includes category-wise breakup (General, SC, ST, VJ/DT, NT, OBC, SEBC, EWS, etc.) and is crucial for planning selections and options during counseling.



2. Why the Seat Matrix Matters for Lateral Entry Aspirants

For lateral entry admissions (Direct Second Year), the seat matrix plays a pivotal role. Here’s why:

  • It shows the number of seats available in each institute and branch for the upcoming academic year.

  • It provides reservation breakdowns enabling students to estimate their chances based on category and quota.

  • It helps applicants make educated choices during the CAP option filing process.

  • It impacts cut-offs and merit lists as seat availability interacts with candidate ranks and category.

Conventionally, for Direct Second Year admissions, 10% of the sanctioned intake seats are reserved for lateral entry (diploma holders) as per AICTE norms, with remaining vacant seats in sanctioned intake also offered as lateral entry seats during the admission process.



3. Seat Matrix Snapshot: Academic Year 2025-26 (Baseline for 2026-27)

While the Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027 will be officially published closer to the CAP session in mid-2026, the 2025-26 provisional seat matrix provides a strong baseline for expectations:


Reservation Percentages (Sample for CAP Round I 2025-26)

Category

% Reservation

General

40.00%

SC

13.0%

ST

7.0%

VJ/DT (NT-A)

3.0%

NT-B

2.5%

NT-C

3.5%

NT-D

2.0%

OBC

19.0%

SEBC

10.0%

Total

100.00%

Seats within institutions are allocated based on this reservation structure, ensuring representation and compliance with state policy.


Example Institute Seat Details (2025-26)

For institutes like Mauli Group of Institutions, Shegaon, the seat matrix from CAP Round I 2025-26 showed:

  • Civil Engineering (Direct Second Year):

    • Vacant Seats: 2

    • Lateral Entry Seats: 6

    • Category-wise distribution across General, SC, ST, OBC/SEBC, etc.

  • Computer Science & Engineering:

    • Vacant Seats: 4

    • Lateral Entry Seats: 6

  • Information Technology:

    • Vacant Seats: 5

    • Lateral Entry Seats: 6

Each category (OPEN, SC, OBC, etc.) showed individualized seat counts for better transparency.







4. Expected Trends for 2026-27 Seat Matrix

Based on patterns from previous academic years and official reservation policies, here’s what aspirants can likely expect:


1. Consistent Reservation Structure

The overall reservation policy (General, SC, ST, VJ/DT, NT categories, OBC, SEBC) is expected to be maintained. These quotas will apply to all participating institutes for Direct Second Year admissions.


2. Multiple CAP Rounds

For 2026-27, it is anticipated that Maharashtra may conduct four CAP rounds (Round I to IV) followed by an Institute-Level Round (ILR) for leftover seats, a change introduced to reduce the number of unfilled seats and improve transparency in seat allocation.


3. Vacant Seat Utilization

Seats left vacant in earlier CAP rounds (whether in vacant seats within sanctioned intake or lateral entry seats) are typically carried forward and added to future rounds or institute-level rounds.


4. Category-wise Demand and Cut-Offs

Different categories tend to have varied demand and cut-offs depending on branch and institute reputation. General category seats usually see higher competition, whereas reserved categories may have enhanced opportunities. This impacts how quickly seats get filled in CAP rounds.



5. How to Read the Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix

Understanding the seat matrix requires familiarity with the following components:


Institute Code & Name

Each participating college has a unique code and name listed in the matrix, enabling you to quickly find seat information.


Course Name

The seat matrix breaks down the branches available for lateral entry such as Civil, Mechanical, Computer Science, IT, Electronics & Telecommunication, etc.


Status

Indicates whether the institute is:

  • Government

  • Government-Aided

  • Un-Aided (Private)


Vacant Seats and Lateral Entry Seats

  • Vacant Seats within Sanctioned Intake: Seats not filled in the first year that are now available for direct entry.

  • Lateral Entry Seats: Reserved specifically for diploma holders, calculated as 10% of sanctioned intake.


Category Columns

The majority of the matrix lists seats for categories such as:

  • OPEN / General

  • SC / ST

  • VJ/DT

  • NT-B, NT-C, NT-D

  • OBC

  • SEBC

  • EWS (Economically Weaker Section)

  • PWD (Persons with Disability)

  • DEF (Defence quota, where applicable)


Total

Shows the combined seat count across all categories for that institute and stream.



6. How the Seat Matrix Affects Your Admission Strategy

To effectively use the Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027, consider the following tips:


Fill Options Strategically

Analyze branches and category seats early to decide where your rank and category will fit best. If popular branches like Computer Science or Mechanical have fewer seats, plan alternative choices to increase your chances.


Monitor CAP Round Updates

The seat matrix changes between rounds based on seat acceptances and vacancies. Always track notifications from the CET Cell website during each CAP round.


Factor in Category Reservation

If you belong to a reserved category, use the reservation to your advantage, as certain branches may have higher availability for your category.


Institute vs Branch Demand

Some institutes may have ample seats but low demand, and vice versa. Compare both to make a balanced decision (e.g., better branch in a mid-tier college might be preferable to a lesser branch in a top-tier one).







FAQ

Q1. What is the Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027?

A1. It is a comprehensive list showing the number of seats available for lateral entry (Direct Second Year) engineering admissions category-wise across all participating colleges in Maharashtra for the 2026-2027 academic year. It helps candidates plan their CAP preferences and understand reservation distribution before counseling.


Q2. When will the seat matrix for 2026-27 be released?

A2. Historically, the provisional seat matrix for Direct Second Year admissions is released in July-August ahead of the CAP round counseling, following the publication of the information brochure by the CET Cell.


Q3. How are seats reserved in the seat matrix?

A3. Seats are categorized based on Maharashtra Government reservation norms including General, SC, ST, VJ/DT, NT categories, OBC, SEBC, and EWS. These reservation percentages apply to lateral entry seats as well.


Q4. Can diploma holders from other states take admission through this matrix?

A4. Yes, diploma holders from other states can participate, but they often fall under All India or Outside Maharashtra quotas. Their seats are shown separately in the final matrix and follow the eligibility criteria set by DTE/CET Cell.


Q5. Does the seat matrix change during the admission process?

A5. Yes, the seat matrix is updated between CAP rounds to reflect seat acceptances, vacancies, and any category adjustments. Always refer to the latest round for current numbers.



Practical Steps to Use the Seat Matrix

1. Download Seat Matrix PDF: Go to the CET Cell official portal once published (usually around mid-year). The matrix is typically downloadable as a PDF.

2. Filter by Category: Identify seats listed under your category to evaluate potential branch options.

3. Analyze by Branch: Some branches have fewer seats (e.g., Computer Science) and fill quickly. Compare these with branches like Civil or Electrical if you have flexibility.

4. Prepare CAP Options: Use the seat matrix to build a prioritized list of colleges and branches when filing your CAP options.



Final Thoughts

The Direct Second Year Engineering Seat Matrix Maharashtra 2026-2027 is your roadmap to securing a successful lateral entry into engineering. Deep understanding of the category-wise seats, reservation policies, and how they evolve through CAP rounds will empower you to make informed decisions and improve your chances of securing the best possible seat based on your merit and preferences. Stay updated with official notifications and use the matrix strategically for optimal results.



Ready to Get Started?

Official Resources for Seat Matrix and Admissions:

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