The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has opened the online registration for the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) 2026. This process is for students seeking admission to MBBS and BDS courses across various medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra. Eligible candidates who have qualified the NEET UG 2026 exam can register through the official admission portal until August 12, 2026.
The counselling will allocate seats in government, government-aided, municipal corporation, private unaided, and other notified medical and dental colleges strictly based on NEET UG 2026 merit. Candidates must complete separate registration with the State Competent Authority to be considered for the state quota, regardless of their participation in the All-India Quota counselling.
Understanding Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling
NEET UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate) is the national-level exam for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. Each state conducts its own counselling process to allocate seats under the state quota, which is a reserved percentage of seats for residents of that state. Maharashtra’s CET Cell manages this counselling process through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP), ensuring a streamlined and merit-based allocation of seats.
For Maharashtra, the CAP counselling covers a wide range of institutions including government colleges, municipal corporation colleges, private unaided colleges, and others notified by the state government. The process requires candidates to register online, upload necessary documents, and participate in choice filling and seat allotment rounds.
Key Dates and Steps for Maharashtra NEET UG 2026 Counselling
- Online registration: August 6 to August 12 (11:59 pm)
- Registration fee payment and document upload: August 6 to August 13 (11:59 pm)
- Online document verification: August 7 to August 14
- Publication of registered candidates list and provisional merit list: August 15
- Grievance submission period: August 16 to August 17
- Final merit list and seat matrix publication: August 18
- Choice filling for seat preferences: August 19 to August 22 (5:30 pm)
- CAP Round 1 seat allotment result: August 23
- Reporting to allotted colleges: August 24 to August 28 (5:30 pm)
These steps ensure that candidates have ample time to complete each phase of the counselling process, from registration to final admission.
What Candidates Should Know Before Applying
Only candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 are eligible to participate in this counselling round for MBBS and BDS courses. It is crucial for applicants to upload all required documents in the specified format within the deadlines. Those seeking reservation benefits or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) status must have valid certificates ready before registration.
OBC and SEBC candidates have a six-month window from the date of CAP registration to submit their caste validity certificates, following a Maharashtra government resolution dated July 2, 2026. Failure to provide these certificates within the stipulated time will lead to cancellation of admission and penalties.
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates must register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal by August 11. They will then follow the same counselling schedule but are eligible only for the 15% institute quota.
The CET Cell advises all candidates to regularly check the official admission portal for updates, notifications, and further instructions to avoid missing any important information during the counselling process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can register for Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026?
A: Only candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 and seek admission to MBBS or BDS courses in Maharashtra are eligible to register.
Q: What is the last date to register for the counselling?
A: The online registration for Maharashtra NEET UG Counselling 2026 closes on August 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
Q: Are NRI candidates eligible for state quota seats?
A: No, NRI candidates can only apply for the 15% institute quota and must register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal by August 11.
