MHT CET Counselling 2026: Computer Engineering Surge and SPPU Tops University List
MHT CET counselling 2026 is now live, offering 1.81 lakh engineering seats across Maharashtra. Computer engineering tops the preference chart and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) leads the university ranking – a mix that reshapes choices for every aspirant.
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT‑CET) counselling round for 2026 has begun, releasing a massive 1.81 lakh engineering seats. This is the biggest intake in recent memory, and it directly affects every student who cleared the MHT‑CET exam and is now looking for a seat in a college that matches their rank and budget.
Two headline figures dominate the data: computer engineering is the most chosen branch, and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) sits at the top of the university preference list. Both signals are new compared with last year’s counselling, when civil and mechanical streams still held a sizeable share and Mumbai University attracted the most applicants.
Who benefits from the 1.81 lakh seat pool?
The sheer volume expands options for students with mid‑range ranks (roughly 30,000‑70,000) who previously struggled to find a government‑aided college. A rank that would have landed a seat only in a peripheral private institute a year ago can now secure a place in a reputable SPPU‑affiliated college, often with better infrastructure and placement cells.
Conversely, the top‑ranked aspirants still face intense competition for the limited computer engineering seats at premier private colleges. The data shows a clear squeeze: while the total seat count has risen, the proportion earmarked for computer engineering has not kept pace with demand.
Why computer engineering is the hot favourite
Industry reports repeatedly link computer engineering graduates to starting salaries that comfortably cross the ₹8‑10 lakh mark. That financial lure explains why students are flocking to this branch, even if it means aiming for a higher cut‑off. The trade‑off is clear: you get a lucrative career path, but you also need a stronger rank to crack the most coveted colleges.
A counsellor’s honest take: “If your rank sits on the borderline for computer engineering at a top private college, keep a solid backup like information technology or electronics & communication. Those streams still enjoy strong placement records without the same cut‑off pressure.”
SPPU’s rise to the top of the university list
Students voted SPPU as their preferred university this year, pushing it ahead of Mumbai University and Nagpur University. The advantage is twofold: SPPU’s curriculum is regularly refreshed to match industry standards, and its network of affiliated colleges often enjoys stronger campus recruitment drives.
However, the popularity also means that SPPU‑affiliated colleges fill faster in the early counselling rounds. If you are targeting an SPPU college for computer engineering, you must be ready to act as soon as the portal opens, or you risk being pushed to a later round where only lower‑ranked seats remain.
Cost considerations without exact numbers
While the snippets do not disclose fee figures, the usual pattern holds: government‑run colleges under SPPU charge significantly less than private institutions. For a family budgeting for higher education, this difference can be the deciding factor between a top‑ranked private college and a solid SPPU government college.
Students with tighter budgets should therefore prioritize SPPU‑affiliated government colleges in their first preference list, especially if their rank is not in the top 20,000. Those who can afford higher fees may still consider private colleges for the added brand value, but only after securing a seat in a government college as a safety net.
What should you do now?
- Log onto the official MHT‑CET counselling portal as soon as the rank list is published.
- Upload a clear scan of your rank card, 10th and 12th mark sheets, and a passport‑size photograph.
- Use the portal’s cut‑off predictor to shortlist SPPU‑affiliated colleges where computer engineering seats match your rank.
- Prepare an alternate list of related branches (IT, ECE) and colleges with slightly higher cut‑offs.
- Calculate the total fee (tuition plus registration) for each college to ensure it fits your financial plan.
- Mark the counselling round dates on your calendar and set reminders for each round’s deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How many computer engineering seats are there?
The exact count isn’t disclosed, but computer engineering is reported as the most chosen branch across the 1.81 lakh total seats, indicating a substantial share of the intake.
Is SPPU the only university with good placements?
No. While SPPU leads the preference list this year, other universities such as Mumbai University and Nagpur University also have affiliated colleges with solid placement histories. Compare individual college records rather than relying solely on university ranking.
Can I change my college choice after the first round?
Yes. The counselling process includes multiple rounds. If you secure a seat in the first round but later find a better option with a vacancy, you can participate in subsequent rounds to upgrade, provided you follow the portal’s withdrawal and re‑allocation rules.
Reported across 2 news outlets including Shiksha.com, indianexpress.com. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.
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