Mumbai: The Maharashtra common entrance test (CET) cell has decided to appoint observers at select private colleges and mandate video recording of institute-level admissions for technical education courses in a bid to improve transparency.The measures will apply to admissions conducted after completion of the centralised admission process (CAP) rounds for 2026-27, including institutional or management quota seats and vacancies remaining after CAP.In a circular to colleges, students and parents, the CET cell said principals, directors or senior faculty members from nearby govt colleges would be appointed as observers at selected private institutions. They will oversee document verification, preparation of merit lists, fee payment and seat allotment, and submit daily compliance reports to the competent authority.The admission process, particularly document verification and seat allotment areas, will also have to be under CCTV surveillance. Colleges must preserve the recordings for the prescribed period and produce them when sought for inspection, audit or grievance redressal.The CET cell reiterated that institute-level admissions can begin only after all CAP rounds are completed, based on merit. Colleges have been directed to publish their admission rules, procedures and relevant information on their official websites. Candidates can apply directly to colleges or submit institute-level option forms through their CAP portal login.Norms mandate that institutions must prepare category-wise merit lists after considering both direct applications and candidate lists received from the CET cell. The lists must be displayed on college notice boards and official websites.Colleges must also maintain a daily record of candidates and accompanying parents or relatives who attended the process, as well as candidates whose admissions were confirmed. Confirmed admissions must be immediately updated on the CAP portal.Students and parents have been cautioned against agents, middlemen and private counsellors promising seats before completion of CAP rounds, and against misleading information circulated through social media or private links. The CET cell said any irregularity, violation or negligence by an institution could invite immediate legal and administrative action.
