Top 15 Private Direct Second Year Engineering Colleges in Pune, Maharashtra 2026: Fees, Cutoffs & Placements
- Divya Shinde
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Choosing the right institution for Direct Second Year (DSE) admission is a pivotal decision for diploma holders. Pune, often called the "Oxford of the East," remains the premier destination for engineering aspirants in 2026 due to its massive IT hubs and manufacturing clusters like Hinjewadi and Chakan.
For students entering through the lateral entry route, the competition is fierce, but the rewards—in terms of placements and industry exposure—are unparalleled. This comprehensive guide explores the top 15 private direct second year engineering colleges in Pune, Maharashtra 2026, detailing everything from cutoffs and fees to campus life and placement statistics.
Top 15 Private Direct Second Year Engineering Colleges in Pune
The Direct Second Year (DSE) admission process in Maharashtra is centralized through the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell. Admissions are primarily based on the percentage of marks obtained in the final year of the Diploma in Engineering.
1. Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT), Dhankawadi
PICT is widely considered the "IIT of Pune" for Computer Science. It consistently tops the charts for private colleges in Maharashtra.
Focus Keyword Reference: One of the most sought-after top 15 private direct second year engineering colleges in Pune, Maharashtra 2026.
DSE Cutoff (Expected 2026): 98.5% – 99.8% (Open Category).
Fees: ₹1.10 Lakh – ₹1.25 Lakh per year.
Placements: Average package of ₹12 LPA; Highest package often exceeds ₹45 LPA (Recent recruiters: Adobe, PhonePe, Bloomberg).
Hostel & Campus: Small but highly academic-focused campus. Limited hostel seats, but plenty of PGs available nearby.
2. Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Bibwewadi
An autonomous powerhouse known for its industry-aligned curriculum and robust internship programs.
DSE Cutoff: 97% – 99.2% (Computer/IT/AI-DS).
Fees: ₹1.90 Lakh – ₹2.10 Lakh per year.
Placements: 800+ companies visit annually. Average package is ₹8.5 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: Vibrant campus life with 50+ student clubs. Excellent on-campus and off-campus hostel facilities.
3. Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE), Nigdi
PCCOE has gained a massive reputation for its centralized placement cell that serves multiple colleges in the PCET group.
DSE Cutoff: 96.5% – 98.8%.
Fees: ₹1.50 Lakh – ₹1.70 Lakh.
Placements: Consistently high placement rate (90%+). Average package: ₹6.5 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: Large campus with modern labs and separate hostels for boys and girls with high-speed Wi-Fi.
4. MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Kothrud
As a private university, MIT-WPU offers a global perspective with specialized tracks in AI, Robotics, and Sustainability.
DSE Cutoff: Entrance-based (MIT-WPU MEET) or Diploma merit (approx. 90%+).
Fees: ₹3.10 Lakh – ₹3.50 Lakh.
Placements: Highest package of ₹51.36 LPA in 2025. Strong ties with MNCs like Microsoft and Google.
Hostel & Campus: World-class infrastructure, high-tech labs, and premium hostel facilities that resemble luxury housing.
5. Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Karve Nagar
The first all-women engineering college in India, known for producing top-tier female engineers for global tech giants.
DSE Cutoff: 95.5% – 98.5%.
Fees: ₹1.80 Lakh – ₹2.00 Lakh.
Placements: Average package of ₹10 LPA. Recruiters include Cisco, Goldman Sachs, and Boeing.
Hostel & Campus: Highly secure and well-maintained campus with excellent residential facilities.
6. Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology (VIIT), Kondhwa
The sister concern of VIT Pune, VIIT is autonomous and shares the same placement legacy.
DSE Cutoff: 94% – 97.5%.
Fees: ₹1.70 Lakh – ₹1.85 Lakh.
Placements: Average package around ₹6.5 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: Scenic campus located on a hillock; features modern libraries and specialized research labs.
7. Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Technology, Pimpri
Located in the heart of the industrial hub, this college offers great exposure to mechanical and civil engineering students along with IT.
DSE Cutoff: 92% – 96%.
Fees: ₹1.40 Lakh – ₹1.60 Lakh.
Placements: 1000+ placement offers generated last year. Top recruiters: TCS, Cognizant, Wipro.
Hostel & Campus: Massive infrastructure with a state-of-the-art auditorium and spacious hostel rooms.
8. MIT Academy of Engineering (MIT-AOE), Alandi
An autonomous institute under the MIT group, known for its focus on design-thinking and innovation.
DSE Cutoff: 91% – 95.5%.
Fees: ₹1.85 Lakh – ₹2.05 Lakh.
Placements: Average package: ₹5.5 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: Peaceful campus away from city noise, equipped with advanced robotics and 3D printing labs.
9. Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Lavale
Part of the prestigious Symbiosis International University, SIT offers an interdisciplinary approach to engineering.
DSE Cutoff: Merit-based (approx. 88% - 93%).
Fees: ₹2.80 Lakh – ₹3.20 Lakh.
Placements: Global internships and placements. Average package: ₹8 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: One of the most beautiful campuses in India. Exceptional sports facilities and international student hostels.
10. AISSMS College of Engineering, Near RTO
A heritage institute with a strong alumni network and focus on traditional engineering branches alongside CSE.
DSE Cutoff: 90% – 94%.
Fees: ₹1.35 Lakh – ₹1.50 Lakh.
Placements: Strong placement in core companies like Tata Motors, Forbes Marshall, and L&T.
Hostel & Campus: Centrally located in Pune with easy access to the railway station.
11. Bharatiya Vidyapeeth College of Engineering (BVCOE), Katraj
DSE Cutoff: 89% – 93.5%.
Fees: ₹1.25 Lakh – ₹1.40 Lakh.
Placements: Reliable placement cell with an average package of ₹5 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: Large green campus with a huge central library.
12. Sinhgad College of Engineering (SCOE), Vadgaon
Known for its massive "Sinhgad Karandak" festival and extensive campus area.
DSE Cutoff: 88% – 93%.
Fees: ₹1.30 Lakh – ₹1.45 Lakh.
Placements: Mass recruiters like Accenture and Infosys are frequent visitors.
Hostel & Campus: Known as a "township" campus with everything from hospitals to shops on-site.
13. Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering (RSCOE), Tathawade
DSE Cutoff: 91% – 95%.
Fees: ₹1.15 Lakh – ₹1.30 Lakh.
Placements: Excellent track record for Computer and IT branches.
Hostel & Campus: Modern buildings and well-equipped hostels for outstation students.
14. Modern College of Engineering, Shivajinagar
DSE Cutoff: 90% – 94%.
Fees: ₹1.10 Lakh – ₹1.25 Lakh.
Placements: Average package of ₹4.5 LPA.
Hostel & Campus: Located in the city center; very convenient for commuters.
15. Indira College of Engineering and Management (ICEM), Parandwadi
DSE Cutoff: 85% – 91%.
Fees: ₹1.10 Lakh – ₹1.20 Lakh.
Placements: Growing placement numbers in the IT and Finance sectors.
Hostel & Campus: Resort-style campus with great recreational facilities.
Comparative Data Analysis 2026
College Name | Avg. Fees (PA) | Avg. Placement | Top Branch Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
PICT | ₹1.20 Lakh | ₹12.0 LPA | 99.5% |
VIT Pune | ₹2.00 Lakh | ₹8.5 LPA | 98.2% |
MIT-WPU | ₹3.30 Lakh | ₹7.5 LPA | 90.0% |
PCCOE | ₹1.60 Lakh | ₹6.5 LPA | 97.5% |
DY Patil Pimpri | ₹1.50 Lakh | ₹5.2 LPA | 94.0% |
Campus Life and Hostel Facilities
When searching for the top 15 private direct second year engineering colleges in Pune, Maharashtra 2026, infrastructure is a major factor.
Hostels: Most colleges offer 3-sharing or 4-sharing rooms. Government-aided or older private colleges like PICT have limited space, while newer universities like MIT-WPU and SIT offer premium AC hostels with attached bathrooms.
Food: Mess food in Pune is generally manageable, with a focus on Maharashtrian cuisine. Most campuses have multiple canteens offering diverse food options.
Extracurriculars: Pune colleges are famous for their tech fests (e.g., PICT's Credenz, VIT's Melange). Being in a student-centric city, the weekend life and hackathon culture are incredibly active.
Direct Second Year (DSE) Admission Process 2026
To secure a seat in one of these colleges, students must follow the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds conducted by the State CET Cell:
Registration: Fill out the online application on the official portal.
Document Verification: Visit a Scrutiny Center (SC) to verify diploma transcripts.
Merit List: A provisional and final merit list is released based on diploma percentages.
Option Entry: Students fill in their college preferences (codes).
Seat Allotment: Based on merit and category, seats are allotted in Rounds 1, 2, and 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get into the top 15 private direct second year engineering colleges in Pune, Maharashtra 2026 with an 85% diploma score?
While 85% is a respectable score, getting into the top 3 (PICT, VIT, PCCOE) for Computer Engineering might be difficult. However, you have a very strong chance at colleges like Indira (ICEM), Sinhgad, or AISSMS for various branches.
2. Is there an entrance exam for Direct Second Year admission?
No, for most private colleges affiliated with SPPU, admission is based solely on your Diploma Final Year marks. However, private universities like MIT-WPU or Symbiosis (SIT) may conduct their own entrance tests or interviews.
3. Are placements for DSE students different from regular four-year students?
No. Once you enter the second year, you are treated at par with the regular batch. In fact, many companies prefer DSE students for their strong practical foundation gained during their diploma.
4. What is the average fee for DSE in Pune private colleges?
The fees range from ₹1.10 Lakh to ₹3.50 Lakh per year, depending on whether the college is a private university or a state-affiliated institute.
Conclusion
Pune continues to be the "Silicon Valley of Maharashtra" for 2026. Whether you prioritize high-octane placements at PICT or the holistic university experience at MIT-WPU, this list of the top 15 private direct second year engineering colleges in Pune, Maharashtra 2026 provides a clear roadmap for your career. Start preparing your documents early, as the DSE admission window is often shorter than the regular first-year cycle.
Ready to start your journey?
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