MBA CET Admission Process 2026 – Step-by-step Guide + Cap Round Explained

The MAH MBA/MMS CET 2026 is the common entrance test conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for admission to MBA/MMS programs offered by government, aided, university departments, and unaided management institutes across Maharashtra.

Admissions are carried out through a Centralized Admission Process (CAP) after the declaration of CET and other accepted exam scores.

Official Website (CET Cell): https://cetcell.mahacet.org

Exams Accepted for MBA Admission (2026)

Candidates can participate in CAP 2026 using scores from the following exams:

• MAH MBA CET 2026

• CAT 2025 – https://iimcat.ac.in

• CMAT 2026 – https://nta.ac.in/CMAT

• XAT 2026 – https://xatonline.in

• MAT (Sep 2025 / Dec 2025 / Feb 2026) – https://mat.aima.in

• GMAT (valid score as per CET Cell rules) – https://www.mba.com

  
  

🔹 Maharashtra domicile candidates get preference in CAP rounds under Maharashtra State (MS) seats.

Step-by-Step MBA CET Admission Process 2026

Step 1: MAH MBA CET 2026 Registration

• Online registration on the State CET Cell portal

• Fill personal, academic, and category details

• Upload photograph and signature

• Pay the application fee

🔗 Registration Portal: https://cetcell.mahacet.org

Step 2: Download Admit Card

• Admit card released online on CET Cell website

• Contains exam date, shift, and test center details

Step 3: Appear for MAH MBA CET 2026

The exam is conducted as a computer-based test (typically 150–200 minutes).

Sections generally include:

• Logical Reasoning

• Abstract Reasoning

• Quantitative Aptitude

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

  
  

Step 4: Result Declaration

• CET scorecard released online

• Scorecard displays percentile score (not raw marks)

Step 5: CAP Registration (Centralized Admission Process)

Mandatory for all candidates seeking admission through CET Cell.

During CAP registration, candidates must:

• Login to CAP portal

• Enter exam score details (CET / CAT / CMAT / XAT / MAT / GMAT)

• Upload required documents

• Select Maharashtra candidature type (MS / AI)

• Choose preferred institutes and courses

🔗 CAP Portal: https://cetcell.mahacet.org

Step 6: Document Verification

Two verification modes are generally available:

• Online e-Verification

• Physical verification at a Facilitation Center (FC)

  
  

Documents Required:

• CET scorecard / Accepted exam scorecard

• Class 10 & 12 mark sheets

• Graduation mark sheets

• Domicile certificate (if applicable)

• Caste certificate & caste validity (if applicable)

• Income certificate (for EWS / TFWS candidates)

CAP Rounds Explained (Very Important)

What is a CAP Round?

CAP rounds are centralized online seat allotment rounds conducted by CET Cell based on:

• Merit (percentile)

• Category

• Seat availability

• Candidate preferences

Types of CAP Rounds

🔹 CAP Round I

• First allotment based on merit & preferences

  
  

Candidate Options:

• Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and exit further rounds

• Slide: Accept the seat and seek upgrade within the same institute

• Float: Accept the seat and seek upgrade to a better institute

🔹 CAP Round II

• Applicable for candidates who selected Slide / Float

• Fresh allotment based on updated merit and available seats

🔹 CAP Round III (If Conducted)

• Conducted if seats remain vacant

• Cut-offs are generally lower than CAP Round I & II

Institute-Level & Spot Rounds

• Conducted directly by individual colleges after CAP rounds

• Based on inter-se merit

• No centralized counseling process

Maharashtra vs All India Candidature

Candidature Type	Eligibility
Maharashtra State (MS)	Domicile or qualifying degree from Maharashtra
All India (AI)	Non-Maharashtra candidates using CAT/XAT/CMAT/MAT/GMAT

Reservation Policy (As per Maharashtra Rules)

Applicable only to Maharashtra State candidates:

• SC, ST, VJ/DT, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, OBC

• EWS (Economically Weaker Section)

• TFWS (Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme)

Important Tips for MBA CET 2026 Aspirants

• Fill maximum realistic preferences during CAP

• Track previous years’ cut-offs carefully

• Do not miss document verification deadlines

• Participate in Institute-Level rounds if CAP seat is not allotted

Top Colleges via MAH MBA CET

• JBIMS, Mumbai

• SIMSREE, Mumbai

• PUMBA, Pune

• Welingkar (WeSchool)

• K J Somaiya (through CAP seats)

• SIES, NL Dalmia, Indira Institute, Chetana’s

Final Words

The MBA CET 2026 admission process is systematic but highly time-bound. A clear understanding of CAP rounds and options such as Freeze, Slide, and Float is crucial for securing a top college.

Stay updated with official CET Cell notifications and prepare your documents early to avoid last-minute issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is MAH MBA CET compulsory for MBA admission in Maharashtra?

No. Candidates can also apply through CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT, or GMAT scores. However, MAH MBA CET candidates get preference, especially for Maharashtra State (MS) seats.

Q2. Can non-Maharashtra candidates participate in CAP rounds?

Yes. All India (AI) candidates can participate using CAT/CMAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT scores but are eligible only for AI seats, not MS-reserved seats.

Q3. What happens if I do not get any seat in CAP Round I?

You will automatically be considered for CAP Round II and III, provided you have completed CAP registration and document verification.

Q4. Can I change my college preferences after CAP Round I?

Generally, no. Once the option form is locked, preferences cannot be changed for subsequent rounds.

Q5. What if I miss CAP registration but have a valid CET score?

You cannot participate in CAP without registration. You may only apply through Institute-Level or Spot rounds, subject to seat availability.