The official declaration of the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix and Schedule by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, marks the critical final phase of centralized online admissions for undergraduate B.E. and B.Tech programs for the 2026-2027 academic session. Published on the official technical admission portal at fe2026.mahacet.org on August 29, 2026, the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix outlines all unfilled seats across government, autonomous, government-aided, and private self-financed engineering institutions following the conclusion of CAP Round 3 institute reporting. Candidates who either did not secure a seat in earlier rounds, opted for betterment, or seek higher-tier preferences in premier institutions such as COEP Technological University Pune, Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) Mumbai, Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT) Mumbai, and Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT) must submit a fresh option form online between August 30 and September 1, 2026. Understanding the strict procedural rules governing fresh preference submissions, seat matrix interpretation, auto-freeze policies, and physical reporting timelines is essential to maximizing your admission prospects. Candidates can evaluate their percentile compatibility against historical cutoff matrices using our MHTCET College Predictor and explore broader counseling resources on the All India College Predictor Hub.
Centralized engineering counseling in Maharashtra operates under strict statutory mandates enforced by the State CET Cell, Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), and the Admission Regulating Authority (ARA). Checking the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix is a crucial first step for all candidates because options filled in previous rounds are rendered completely invalid; candidate participation relies entirely on submitting a fresh, confirmed option form. Following the provisional seat allotment declaration on September 3, 2026, allotted candidates must complete online seat acceptance self-verification, pay the online seat acceptance fee of Rs. 1,000, and physically report to their respective colleges between September 4 and September 7, 2026. With the overall final cut-off date for all technical admissions fixed for September 15, 2026, candidates must act swiftly and strategically. This comprehensive 2,500+ word master operational guide provides a complete timeline breakdown, seat vacancy matrix rules, choice code filling strategies, document verification checklists, fee payment guidelines, and 12 essential Answer Engine Optimized (AEO) FAQs.
MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix and Schedule Key Highlights
Strict adherence to the official calendar of events released by the State CET Cell Maharashtra is compulsory for all candidates participating in CAP Round 4. Missing the deadline for option form submission or physical institute reporting leads to the immediate forfeiture of seat claims. Below is the detailed official timeline for the complete CAP Round 4 admission process:
| Counseling Stage Activity | Start Date | End Date / Deadline | Key Instructions and Official Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display of MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix | August 29, 2026 | August 29, 2026 (11:00 AM) | Check category-wise and college-wise unfilled seats on fe2026.mahacet.org |
| Online Submission and Confirmation of Fresh Option Form | August 30, 2026 | September 01, 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) | Mandatory fresh choice submission via candidate portal login dashboard |
| Declaration of CAP Round 4 Provisional Seat Allotment Result | September 03, 2026 | September 03, 2026 (Evening) | Access seat allotment letter online via candidate portal login |
| Online Candidate Self-Verification and Seat Acceptance | September 04, 2026 (09:00 AM) | September 07, 2026 (03:00 PM) | Verify details, select seat status, and confirm acceptance online |
| Online Seat Acceptance Fee Payment (Rs. 1,000/-) | September 04, 2026 | September 07, 2026 (05:00 PM) | Mandatory online fee payment for first-time seat allottees |
| Physical Reporting and Document Submission at Institute | September 04, 2026 (10:00 AM) | September 07, 2026 (05:00 PM) | Submit original certificates, verify credentials, and pay annual fees |
| Conduct of Institutional Level Spot Rounds (ACAP Vacancies) | September 08, 2026 | September 14, 2026 | Conducted directly by individual colleges for remaining vacant seats |
| Final Cut-off Date for All B.E. / B.Tech Admissions 2026 | September 15, 2026 | September 15, 2026 (Midnight) | Final statutory deadline for candidate data upload by colleges |
Candidates navigating options between centralized counseling rounds and institutional spot admissions can consult our dedicated Engineering Admissions Category section and explore participating institutes using the Explore Colleges in India Directory.
Essential Rules for MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix Option Entry
The operational framework governing the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix differs significantly from earlier counseling rounds. Candidates must understand the statutory rules enforced by the CET Cell to prevent mistakes during option submission:
1. Mandatory Fresh Option Entry Requirement
Unlike CAP Round 2 or Round 3 where un-updated options were automatically carried forward, CAP Round 4 requires candidates to fill and confirm a completely new option form after reviewing the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix. Choices submitted during CAP Rounds 1, 2, and 3 are automatically erased by the central software database. If a candidate fails to fill and lock a fresh option form between August 30 and September 1, 2026, they will not be considered for seat allotment in CAP Round 4, regardless of their MHT CET percentile rank.
2. Unlimited Preference Choices
Candidates can submit up to 300 choice codes in their option form. Options should be arranged in strict descending order of candidate preference. Because CAP Round 4 is the final online centralized round, candidate selections should balance aspirational top-tier college choices with realistic mid-tier preferences to guarantee seat allocation before admissions transition to offline institutional spot rounds.
3. Automatic Seat Upgradation and Previous Seat Forfeiture
Candidates holding a seat from CAP Round 3 under Betterment status who receive a new allotment in CAP Round 4 will automatically lose their previously claimed Round 3 seat. The system automatically cancels the earlier seat and allocates it to lower-merit candidates. The candidate cannot reclaim their previous seat under any circumstances and must accept the newly allocated Round 4 seat.
4. Final Auto-Freeze Protocol
All allotments made in CAP Round 4 are automatically categorized as Auto-Freeze by the CET software system, irrespective of the preference number allotted (whether Preference 1 or Preference 50). Betterment options are no longer available after Round 4. Candidates receiving an allotment must either complete physical admission at the institute before September 7, 2026, or forfeit their allocated seat to enter offline institutional spot rounds.
How to Analyze MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix PDF
The MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix published on August 29, 2026, provides a detailed breakdown of available seats across various reservation categories, quotas, and specializations. Analyzing this matrix correctly is key to making informed choices during option form entry:
| Seat Quota Classification | Abbreviation | Target Eligible Candidate Pool | Key Allocation and Vacancy Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Open Home University | GOPENH | Open category candidates within institute home university region | Unfilled seats open to all regional merit applicants without fee concessions |
| General Open Other State / Other University | GOPENO | Open category candidates outside institute home university region | State-wide merit seat allocation based on MHT CET score percentiles |
| Economically Weaker Section | EWS | Maharashtra State EWS certificate holders (10% supernumerary) | Requires valid EWS certificate issued after April 1, 2025 |
| Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme | TFWS | Merit candidates with annual family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs | 100% tuition fee waiver; non-convertible 5% supernumerary seats |
| All India Quota Seats | AI | Candidates applying via JEE Main Paper-1 score percentiles | 15% reservation in private unaided engineering colleges in Maharashtra |
| Backward Category Seats | OBC / SC / ST / VJ / NT | Maharashtra reserved category candidates with valid NCL certificates | Unfilled reserved seats undergo statutory inter-se conversion rounds |
Inter-se Reservation Category Conversion Rules
During CAP Round 4, if reserved category seats (such as SC, ST, VJ/NT, or OBC) listed in the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix remain vacant due to a lack of eligible applicants from those specific categories, the CET Cell software executes automated inter-se stage conversions:
- Vacant SC/ST seats are converted among ST/SC category candidates.
- Vacant VJ/NT seats are converted among VJ, NT-A, NT-B, NT-C, and NT-D sub-categories.
- If seats still remain unfilled after intra-group conversions, they revert to the General Open category merit pool, allowing open-category candidates to claim these seats based on overall percentile ranks.
Top Engineering Colleges MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix Cutoffs
Cutoff percentiles in CAP Round 4 typically experience a slight dip of 0.30 to 1.50 percentile points compared to CAP Round 3. This trend occurs as candidates secure admissions in national institutes (IITs, NITs, IIITs) or opt out of centralized state counseling. Below is an overview of estimated cutoff percentile ranges for top Maharashtra engineering institutions listed in the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix across core technology streams:
| College Name and Location | Branch / Specialization | Expected GOPEN Percentile Range | Expected EWS Percentile Range | Expected TFWS Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COEP Technological University, Pune | Computer Engineering | 99.82 – 99.92 %ile | 99.78 – 99.85 %ile | 99.88 – 99.94 %ile |
| COEP Technological University, Pune | Electronics & Telecommunication | 99.35 – 99.55 %ile | 99.28 – 99.45 %ile | 99.48 – 99.62 %ile |
| VJTI, Mumbai | Computer Engineering | 99.80 – 99.90 %ile | 99.75 – 99.82 %ile | 99.85 – 99.91 %ile |
| VJTI, Mumbai | Information Technology | 99.60 – 99.72 %ile | 99.52 – 99.65 %ile | 99.68 – 99.76 %ile |
| Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai | Computer Engineering | 99.58 – 99.68 %ile | 99.48 – 99.58 %ile | 99.62 – 99.72 %ile |
| Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT), Pune | Computer Engineering | 99.52 – 99.65 %ile | 99.42 – 99.55 %ile | 99.58 – 99.68 %ile |
| Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli | Computer Science & Engineering | 98.85 – 99.15 %ile | 98.70 – 98.98 %ile | 99.05 – 99.30 %ile |
| Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune | Artificial Intelligence & Data Science | 98.40 – 98.80 %ile | 98.20 – 98.60 %ile | 98.65 – 99.00 %ile |
To check prospective options based on national entrance exams, candidates can also refer to our JEE Main College Predictor and analyze options outside Maharashtra using the COMEDK College Predictor 2026.
Step-by-Step Option Form Entry for MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4
To ensure maximum placement success during CAP Round 4 option entry, candidates should follow a structured preference submission sequence after evaluating the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix:
Step 1: Download and Filter the Vacant Seat Matrix
Log in to fe2026.mahacet.org and download the official PDF titled “Provisional Vacant Seats for CAP Round 4”. Filter colleges based on preferred location (Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad), branch preference (CSE, AI/ML, IT, ECE, Mechanical), and available seats in your category (GOPEN, EWS, TFWS, OBC, SC, ST).
Step 2: Shortlist College Choice Codes
Identify 9-digit DTE Choice Codes for your targeted colleges and branches. Note that the 9th digit of the choice code designates the shift and status:
- 1: First Shift / Regular Seat
- 2: Second Shift Seat
- T: TFWS Supernumerary Seat (Tuition Fee Waiver)
Ensure you enter the exact choice code matching your desired program and fee structure.
Step 3: Arrange Preferences in Three Strategic Tiers
Structure your preference list into three distinct tiers:
- Tier 1 (Aspirational Choices – Top 20%): Premier institutions where cutoffs are slightly higher than your percentile rank.
- Tier 2 (Realistic Choices – Middle 50%): Colleges where Round 3 closing cutoffs match your exact MHT CET percentile score.
- Tier 3 (Safe Backup Choices – Bottom 30%): Reputed institutions where previous round cutoffs were 2 to 5 percentile points below your score, ensuring guaranteed seat allocation.
Step 4: Lock and Confirm the Option Form Online
After entering choice codes, carefully review the order of preferences on the screen. Verify choice codes against official DTE college lists. Enter your candidate login password and submit the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to formally lock the option form. Print a hard copy of the confirmed option form for your records.
Physical Reporting Checklist for MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Allotted Colleges
Candidates provisionally allotted a seat in CAP Round 4 must physically report to the allotted college between September 4 and September 7, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM). Carry all original certificates along with three sets of self-attested photocopies organized in the following sequence:
- CAP Round 4 Provisional Seat Allotment Letter: Printed directly from candidate portal login.
- MHT CET 2026 Scorecard and Admit Card: Official document verifying candidate percentile score.
- Class 10th (SSC) Marksheet and Passing Certificate: Valid age and identity proof.
- Class 12th (HSC) / Diploma Marksheet: Verifying physics, chemistry, and mathematics eligibility criteria.
- Maharashtra State Domicile Certificate / Birth Certificate: Proving state quota candidacy.
- Caste Certificate and Caste Validity Certificate: Mandatory for SC, ST, VJ/NT, and OBC candidates.
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (NCL): Valid up to March 31, 2027 (mandatory for OBC, VJ/NT, SBC categories).
- EWS Eligibility Certificate: Issued by competent revenue authority (valid for FY 2025-26, issued after April 1, 2025).
- Income Certificate: Issued by Tahsildar for TFWS or scholarship claimants.
- School / College Leaving Certificate (TC/LC): Issued by institute last attended.
- Migration Certificate: Mandatory for OMS (Other than Maharashtra State) or non-HSC board candidates.
- Aadhaar Card and Bank Passbook Photocopy: Government identity proof and scholarship verification.
- Recent Passport Size Photographs: At least 8 color photographs identical to MHT CET application image.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix
Q1: What is the release date for the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix?
Answer: The provisional MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 Vacant Seat Matrix was published on August 29, 2026, on the official portal fe2026.mahacet.org.
Q2: What are the dates for submitting fresh option forms for CAP Round 4?
Answer: Candidates can submit and confirm fresh option forms online from August 30, 2026, to September 1, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
Q3: Are choices submitted in CAP Round 3 automatically carried forward to Round 4?
Answer: No. Options filled in previous rounds are completely invalid. Every candidate participating in CAP Round 4 must submit a fresh option form.
Q4: When will the CAP Round 4 provisional seat allotment result be declared?
Answer: The provisional seat allotment result for CAP Round 4 will be declared on September 3, 2026.
Q5: What is the deadline for physical institute reporting after CAP Round 4 allotment?
Answer: Provisionally allotted candidates must physically report to their allotted college between September 4, 2026, and September 7, 2026, before 5:00 PM.
Q6: Is Betterment option available after CAP Round 4 seat allocation?
Answer: No. All allotments in CAP Round 4 are automatically categorized as Auto-Freeze. Betterment options are not available after Round 4.
Q7: What is the online seat acceptance fee for first-time allottees in Round 4?
Answer: Candidates receiving a seat allotment for the first time must pay a non-refundable online seat acceptance fee of Rs. 1,000 via their candidate portal login.
Q8: What happens to my CAP Round 3 seat if I am allotted a new college in CAP Round 4?
Answer: If you receive a new allotment in CAP Round 4, your previously held Round 3 seat is automatically cancelled by the system and allocated to another candidate.
Q9: When do institutional-level spot admission rounds (ACAP) begin?
Answer: Offline institutional spot admission rounds conducted directly by colleges for remaining vacant seats take place from September 8 to September 14, 2026.
Q10: What is the final cut-off date for all B.E. and B.Tech engineering admissions in Maharashtra for 2026?
Answer: The final statutory cut-off date for all types of engineering admissions and candidate data upload across all institutes is September 15, 2026.
Q11: Can OMS (Other Than Maharashtra State) JEE Main candidates participate in CAP Round 4?
Answer: Yes. OMS candidates with valid JEE Main Paper-1 percentile scores can fill fresh option forms for All India (AI) quota seats in private engineering colleges.
Q12: Where can candidates evaluate score eligibility and book personalized counseling guidance?
Answer: Candidates can utilize our MHTCET College Predictor, access the All India College Predictor Hub, and Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with senior mentors.
Candidates are strongly advised to keep checking the official CET Cell portal at fe2026.mahacet.org regularly for real-time seat matrix updates and announcements. For further insights into engineering streams, visit our Engineering Admissions Category section.