MHT CET 2026: What is the Safe Score for the Top 5 Engineering Colleges? (COEP, VJTI, SPIT & More)

If you are a serious engineering aspirant in Maharashtra, your eyes are likely set on the "Big 5": COEP, VJTI, SPIT, PICT, and Walchand/ICT.

Getting into these premier institutes is not just about studying hard; it’s about understanding the math behind the marks. Analysis of the MHT CET 2025 papers reveals that a "Safe Score" isn't a single number—it fluctuates wildly depending on whether your shift is Easy, Moderate, or Difficult.

Based on the official trends and shift-wise analysis of MHT CET 2025, here is your roadmap to cracking the Top 5 in 2026.

🔍 Past MHT-CET 2025 Marks vs Percentile – Complete Shift-Wise Analysis

Before you set your target for MHT CET 2026, it’s important to analyze how marks actually converted into percentiles in the 2025 exam. Since CET uses normalization, your score depends heavily on whether your shift was Easy, Moderate, or Difficult.

This table gives you the most accurate reference for expected marks-to-percentile conversion, based on all 2025 shifts.

The Golden Rule: Percentile vs. Difficulty

In MHT CET, your raw marks (out of 200) are normalized into a Percentile. The Top 5 colleges generally close their admissions for top branches (CS/IT/EnTC) above the 99th percentile.

However, the marks required to hit that 99%ile change based on your paper's difficulty. Here is what the 2025 data taught us:

1. Target: The Topper’s League (99.9%ile)

• Goal: Computer Science (CS) at VJTI or COEP.

• The Reality: To get the absolute top rank, you cannot afford mistakes.

• Safe Score:

  • Easy Shift: You need 165+ marks.

  • Moderate Shift: You need 155–160 marks.

  • Difficult Shift: You need 148–151 marks.

• Verdict: Aim for 160+ to be completely safe for CS in the best college.
  

2. Target: The Top 5 Core Entry (99.00%ile)

• Goal: CS/IT in SPIT/PICT or Core branches (Mech/Elec) in VJTI/COEP.

• The Reality: This is the benchmark for a "Good Rank."

• Safe Score:

  • Easy Shift: You need 150–153 marks.

  • Moderate Shift: You need 141–145 marks.

  • Difficult Shift: You need 136–139 marks.

• Verdict: A score of 145+ is the "Golden Number" for a Moderate paper.
  

3. Target: The Safe Zone (98.00%ile)

• Goal: Entry into Top 5 colleges (Lower branches) or Top 10 colleges (CS/IT).

• The Reality: If you drop below this, admissions in Tier-1 colleges become risky.

• Safe Score:

  • Easy Shift: You need 135–140 marks.

  • Moderate Shift: You need 128–133 marks.

  • Difficult Shift: You need 122–126 marks.

• Verdict: Never let your score drop below 130 in mock tests.

Final Advice for MHT CET 2026 Aspirants:

1. Consistency is Key: A score of 150+ requires consistent practice, not just overnight study.

2. Accuracy over Speed: In easy shifts, one wrong question can drop your rank by hundreds.

3. Mock Analysis: After every test, check if your score matches the "Moderate Shift" column above. If you are scoring 120, you are in the 97%ile zone—push to cross 140 to enter the 99%ile league!
   

All the best for your preparation!