MHT CET CAP Round 4 Option Entry 2026 Started; Know How to Fill Choices

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has started the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 option entry process for engineering admissions.

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has started the MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 4 option entry process for engineering admissions. Candidates who are eligible for the fourth round can now log in to the official admission portal and submit their preferred colleges and courses. The Round 4 option entry process has opened today, August 30, 2026, and candidates will be able to fill and confirm their choices until September 1, 2026. The option form is available through the official MHT CET engineering admission portal at fe2026.mahacet.org.  The fourth round is particularly important for students who could not secure a suitable seat in the earlier CAP rounds, as well as those looking for better college or branch options based on the seats available in Round 4.

MHT CET CAP Round 4 Option Entry: Important Dates

Candidates should keep the following dates in mind:

The option-entry window is relatively short, so candidates should avoid waiting until the last day to submit their preferences. 

Who Can Participate in CAP Round 4?

Candidates who are included in the eligible merit list and meet the requirements prescribed by the Maharashtra CET Cell can participate in the fourth CAP round. Students who did not receive a seat in the previous rounds can use this opportunity to select from the seats remaining after earlier allotments. Candidates who are already holding a seat should also carefully check the Round 4 rules before changing or submitting their preferences. The CET Cell has also released the Round 4 seat matrix, allowing candidates to check the availability of seats across colleges, courses and categories before filling their choices. 

How to Fill MHT CET CAP Round 4 Choices

Candidates can follow these steps to complete the option-entry process:

Step 1: Visit the Official Admission Portal

Go to the MHT CET 2026 engineering admission portal at fe2026.mahacet.org.

Step 2: Log In

Enter the required login credentials to access your CAP application and candidate dashboard.

Step 3: Open the Option Form

Look for the CAP Round 4 Option Form/Option Entry link available on the dashboard.

Step 4: Check Available Colleges and Courses

Before selecting preferences, candidates should carefully check the Round 4 seat matrix. This will help them understand which colleges, branches and categories have seats available.

Step 5: Select Your Preferences

Add colleges and courses according to your preference. Candidates should arrange the choices in the exact order in which they would prefer to receive an allotment.

Step 6: Review the Preference List

Before submitting, carefully check the entire list. Make sure that:

1. The preferred branch is selected correctly.
2. The correct college has been chosen.
3. Choices are arranged according to actual preference.
4. No unwanted course or college has been included accidentally.

Step 7: Confirm the Option Form

After reviewing all choices, submit and confirm the option form within the prescribed deadline. Candidates should keep a copy or screenshot of the successfully submitted option form for future reference.

How Should Candidates Arrange Their Choices?

With only a limited number of seats remaining, choice filling becomes particularly important in Round 4. Candidates should not simply fill colleges according to their previous round's cutoff. Instead, they should prepare a preference list based on college, branch, location, fees, placement record and personal career goals.

A practical strategy is to divide choices into three categories:

1. Dream Choices
   Colleges or branches that the candidate strongly prefers but may be difficult to secure based on their merit position.
2. Realistic Choices
   Colleges and branches where the candidate has a reasonable possibility of getting a seat.
3. Safe Choices
   Options where the candidate has a comparatively stronger chance of securing admission.

This approach can help candidates avoid putting all their choices into highly competitive options.

Check the Round 4 Seat Matrix Before Filling Choices

The seat matrix is especially important this time because the fourth round deals with seats that remain available after previous CAP rounds. According to reports, the Round 4 seat matrix has been released and contains information about vacant engineering seats across colleges and branches. Candidates should check it before finalising their preferences.  For example, if a particular branch has no vacant seats under a candidate's applicable category, adding it to the preference list may not be useful.

Do Not Fill Choices Randomly

One of the biggest mistakes candidates can make during option entry is selecting a large number of colleges without considering their actual preferences. Students should remember that the order of choices matters. The preference list should begin with the college and branch the candidate would most like to join, followed by the next preferred option. Candidates should also avoid adding a college simply because it is available if they would not actually be willing to take admission there.

What Happens After Option Entry?

Once the option-entry window closes, the CET Cell will process the preferences and conduct the CAP Round 4 seat allotment based on the applicable admission rules, merit and availability of seats. Candidates who receive an allotment will then have to follow the prescribed steps for accepting the seat and completing the admission process. The Maharashtra CET Cell is conducting the B.E./B.Tech CAP process for the 2026-27 academic year under its centralised admission system. (State Common Entrance Test Cell)

Candidates Should Keep These Things in Mind

Before submitting the Round 4 option form, candidates should remember:

1. Check the deadline: Do not wait until September 1 to submit your choices.
2. Check the seat matrix: Know which seats are actually available.
3. Prioritise your choices: Put the most preferred college and branch first.
4. Do not blindly copy previous-year cut-offs: The availability and competition can change every year.
5. Check category-wise availability: Seat availability can vary depending on the candidate's category.
6. Review before confirmation: Once the option form is confirmed, changes may not be possible under the applicable CAP rules.
7. Save proof of submission: Keep a copy of the confirmed option form for your records.

A Crucial Opportunity for Students Still Seeking Admission

For students who are yet to secure an engineering seat or are looking for a better available option, MHT CET CAP Round 4 provides another opportunity to participate in the centralised admission process. However, candidates should approach this round carefully. Rather than filling as many choices as possible, students should create a preference list based on their actual priorities and the seats available in the Round 4 matrix. With the option-entry window open from August 30 to September 1, candidates should complete the process well before the deadline and regularly check the official CET Cell portal for further allotment and admission-related updates. Candidates can visit the official Maharashtra State CET Cell website for the latest notices and access the MHT CET 2026 engineering admission portal for Round 4 option entry. (State Common Entrance Test Cell)