MHT CET 2026 Option Entry: CAP Round 1 Choice Filling (July 28), Steps, Instructions & Tips

The MHT CET 2026 option entry is one of the most crucial stages of the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) Centralised Admission Process (CAP). During this process, candidates included in the final merit list have to submit their preferred colleges and branches through the official CAP portal. Check everything about MHT CET 2026 option entry including CAP choice filling process, option form, college preferences, locking, seat allotment rules, freeze, betterment, important instructions and expert strategy.

MHT CET 2026 Option Entry

MHT CET Option Entry 2026: The State Common Entrance Test (CET), Maharashtra, will commence the MHT CET 2026 option entry on July 28. The option entry will be conducted separately for each MHT CAP round. The option form for CAP round 1 will be available on the website, cetcell.mahacet.org. The order in which candidates fill these preferences plays a major role in determining the seat allotted during MHT CET counselling.

Candidates must carefully arrange institutes and branches according to their preferences because the allotment is based on merit in MHT CET 2026, reservation category, seat availability, and the sequence of choices submitted in the option form.

MHT CET 2026 Option Entry Dates

It is important to check the MHT CET 2026 counselling dates for the CAP rounds. The following table will be updated for any changes to the option entry schedule.

What is MHT CET Option Entry?

Option entry, also called choice filling or option form submission, is the process where candidates select and arrange colleges and engineering branches in the order they wish to secure admission. During MHT CET 2026 option entry, candidates can choose from:

• Government engineering colleges

• Government-aided institutes

• University departments

• Autonomous colleges

• Private engineering institutes participating in CAP

Also check: MHT CET 2026 Seat Matrix: College-wise, Branch-wise Seats, PDF Download

How to Fill MHT CET 2026 Option Form?

Candidates can complete the option entry by following these steps:

1. Visit the official MHT CET CAP counselling portal.

2. Log in using the registered application ID and password.

3. Click on CAP Round Option Form.

4. Search colleges using institute name, district, branch or institute code.

5. Add preferred college-course combinations.

6. Arrange all preferences in the desired order.

7. Review every option carefully.

8. Save and confirm the option form before the deadline.

9. Download and keep a copy of the submitted option form for future reference.

Candidates are allowed to modify or rearrange their preferences multiple times until the option entry window closes. The last saved and confirmed choices are considered for seat allotment. 

How Many College Choices Should You Fill?

There is no advantage in filling only a few colleges. The recommended strategy includes filling in your:

• Dream colleges at the top priority

• Realistic colleges based on previous years’ closing ranks

• Safe options where admission chances are high

Read More: MHT CET Merit List 2026 (July 27): Final PDF Download, Rank & Tie-Breaking