How CAP Round Works in MBA CET: Complete Centralized Admission Process Guide

After clearing MAH MBA/MMS CET, many students feel confident about their score—but most confusion begins after the result, during the CAP round. Understanding how the CAP round works in MBA CET is crucial, because a single mistake in form filling, document upload, or option entry can cost you a top college.

This blog explains the MBA CET CAP round step by step, including registration, merit list, option form filling, seat allotment, cutoffs, and common mistakes—so you can navigate the process confidently.

What Is CAP Round in MBA CET?

CAP (Centralized Admission Process) is the online counseling and seat allotment process conducted by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra for admission to:

• MBA / MMS programs

• PGDM equivalent programs

in government, aided, and private MBA colleges in Maharashtra.

All admissions after MBA CET are done only through CAP, except for management quota and institute-level seats.

Who Is Eligible for MBA CET CAP Round?

You are eligible if:

• You have appeared for MAH MBA/MMS CET

• You have a valid score in CAT / XAT / CMAT / MAT / ATMA / GMAT (for All India seats)

• You meet the minimum graduation eligibility

• You complete CAP registration within deadlines

Both Maharashtra State (MS) and All India (AI) candidates participate.

MBA CET CAP Round – Key Highlights

Particular	Details
Conducting Body	State CET Cell, Maharashtra
Admission Process	Centralized (Online)
Programs	MBA / MMS
Number of CAP Rounds	Usually 3
Seat Allotment	Based on merit + preferences
Reservation	As per Maharashtra rules

Step-by-Step: How CAP Round Works in MBA CET

Step 1: CAP Registration

Candidates must:

• Register on the CET Cell portal

• Fill personal, academic, and exam details

• Upload required documents

• Pay CAP registration fees

Once submitted, details cannot be changed.

Step 2: Document Verification

Two modes:

• Online e-verification

• Physical verification (if required)

Documents verified include:

• CET scorecard

• Graduation marksheets

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• Domicile certificate (for MS candidates)

Only verified candidates are included in the merit list.

Step 3: Provisional Merit List

The CET Cell releases:

• Provisional State Merit List

• Provisional All India Merit List

Merit is prepared based on:

• CET score

• Reservation category

• Candidate type (MS or AI)

Candidates can raise objections if errors are found.

Step 4: Final Merit List

After resolving objections:

• Final merit list is published

• Merit number is locked

• This number determines your seat allotment priority

Lower merit number means higher chances of top colleges.

Step 5: Option Form Filling (Most Critical Step)

This is where most students make mistakes.

Candidates must:

• Select colleges and courses in order of preference

• Arrange choices from most preferred to least preferred

• Lock the option form before deadline

Key rule:Once a seat is allotted, higher preferences are no longer considered in the same round.

Step 6: Seat Allotment (CAP Round I)

Seat allotment is based on:

• Merit rank

• Category reservation

• Availability of seats

• Preferences filled

Possible outcomes:

• Seat allotted

• Seat not allotted

Step 7: Seat Acceptance or Betterment

If seat is allotted, you can:

• Freeze (accept the seat and exit CAP)

• Slide (accept but try for better option)

• Float (accept and stay open for all better options)

Correct choice here is extremely important.

Step 8: Reporting to Institute

After final acceptance:

• Report to allotted college

• Submit original documents

• Pay admission fees

Failure to report leads to seat cancellation.

Number of CAP Rounds in MBA CET

Usually:

• CAP Round I

• CAP Round II

• CAP Round III

Vacant seats after CAP III may go to:

• Institute-level rounds

• Management quota

MBA CET CAP Round Cutoff: How It Works

Cutoffs depend on:

• CET difficulty level

• Number of candidates

• Category-wise reservations

• Popularity of college

Each CAP round has:

• Higher cutoffs in Round I

• Gradual reduction in later rounds

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAP Round

• Filling limited college options

• Incorrect preference order

• Missing document verification

• Not understanding freeze/slide/float

• Waiting too long for “better college”

One wrong decision can drop you several college tiers.

Maharashtra State vs All India Seats in CAP

Factor	MS Seats	AI Seats
Eligibility	Maharashtra domicile	Open to all
Reservation	Yes	No
CET Weight	MBA CET	CET + other exams
Cutoffs	Generally lower	Higher

Who Should Be Extra Careful in CAP Round?

• Borderline percentile candidates

• Category students

• First-time MBA aspirants

• Students targeting top Mumbai/Pune colleges

CAP is a strategy game, not just form filling.

Conclusion

Understanding how the CAP round works in MBA CET is as important as scoring well in the exam itself. The CAP process determines where you study, what specialization you get, and often your long-term career trajectory.

A well-planned option form and informed decisions during seat acceptance can significantly improve outcomes—even with an average CET score.

FAQs – How CAP Round Works in MBA CET

Q1. Is CAP round mandatory after MBA CET?

Yes, all admissions through CET are conducted via the CAP process.

Q2. How many CAP rounds are there in MBA CET?

Usually three CAP rounds are conducted.

Q3. Can I change options after locking?

No, once locked, the option form cannot be edited.

Q4. What happens if I don’t get a seat in CAP Round I?

You are automatically considered for subsequent rounds.

Q5. Is All India cutoff higher than Maharashtra State cutoff?

Yes, AI cutoffs are generally higher due to no reservation benefits.

Q6. Can I participate in management quota after CAP?

Yes, if seats remain vacant after CAP rounds.