The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has announced the first Centralized Admission Process allotment for first-year B.Pharmacy and Pharm.D admissions for the academic year 2026-27. The first CAP round has provided admission opportunities to 28,139 candidates across 528 pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra.
The allotments were made against a total of 46,984 seats available for B.Pharmacy and Pharm.D courses. The latest admission update is important for candidates who participated in the Maharashtra pharmacy counselling process and submitted their college preferences within the prescribed deadline.
14,736 candidates receive first-choice colleges
One of the key highlights of the first CAP round is that 14,736 candidates have been allotted the college they listed as their first preference.
According to the Maharashtra CET Cell, these candidates have been placed under the Auto Freeze category. This means that candidates who received their first-choice college cannot participate in the subsequent regular CAP rounds after accepting the allotted seat.
Candidates who have received their first preference are required to complete the prescribed seat acceptance and admission formalities within the specified period. Those who decline an automatically frozen first-choice allotment will not be eligible to participate in the second, third or fourth CAP rounds and can instead participate in the subsequent institutional round, as per the admission rules.
28,139 candidates receive admission opportunities
The first CAP round covered 28,139 candidates from the pool of students who submitted their college preferences.
A total of 44,329 candidates registered for B.Pharmacy and Pharm.D admissions. Of these, 35,988 candidates submitted their college preferences within the stipulated deadline and were considered for the first CAP allotment.
The difference between the number of registered candidates and candidates who submitted preferences is important because only candidates who completed the preference submission process within the prescribed period were considered for the first-round allotment.
46,984 seats across 528 pharmacy colleges
The Maharashtra CET Cell has reported 46,984 available seats across 528 pharmacy colleges participating in the admission process.
Against these available seats, 28,139 candidates received admission opportunities in the first CAP round. The remaining seats will form part of the vacancy position for subsequent stages of the admission process, subject to the applicable rules and candidate decisions.
The first-round allotment therefore does not represent the final completion of the Maharashtra pharmacy admission process. Candidates who have not received an allotment, as well as candidates eligible for subsequent rounds under the applicable rules, should continue to monitor the official CAP schedule.
Physical reporting deadline for allotted candidates
Candidates who received seats in the first CAP round are required to report to their allotted institutes between September 28 and September 30, 2026.
During this period, candidates must complete the required admission formalities, including submission and verification of the prescribed documents and payment of the applicable fees.
The official Maharashtra CET Cell schedule states that candidates who accept the allotted seat must report to the allotted institute for confirmation of admission. The institute is responsible for verifying the required documents and completing the admission confirmation process through the online system.
Candidates should not wait until the final day if they have already received an allotment. They should carefully check the admission instructions issued through their candidate login and the official CAP portal and complete the required process within the specified deadline.
What happens after CAP Round 1?
The first CAP round is only one stage of the Maharashtra pharmacy admission process. The CET Cell will continue the counselling process according to the announced schedule.
The provisional vacancy list for the second CAP round is scheduled to be published on October 1, 2026. Candidates should check the vacancy information and subsequent instructions before making any further admission decisions.
Candidates who have received an allotment in a preference other than their first choice may have options under the CAP rules depending on whether they choose to freeze the seat or seek betterment in subsequent rounds. The official CET Cell portal states that candidates allotted a seat other than their first preference can choose the applicable option through their login, subject to the prescribed rules and payment of the seat acceptance fee.
Auto Freeze explained
Candidates who receive their first preference are treated differently from candidates who receive a lower preference.
When a candidate receives the first-choice college in CAP Round 1, the allotment is automatically frozen. The candidate must follow the instructions for seat acceptance and admission confirmation.
Such candidates should carefully consider the allotment before completing the admission process because declining an automatically frozen first-choice seat affects their eligibility for the regular subsequent CAP rounds. The CET Cell has specified that candidates who decline such an allotment can participate in the later institutional round instead.
Documents and fee payment
Candidates who have been allotted seats should check the official admission instructions for the list of documents required at the allotted institute.
The admission confirmation process includes verification of the required documents and payment of the prescribed fee. The allotted institute will then update the admission status in the online system and provide the candidate with the relevant confirmation and fee payment receipt.
Candidates should retain copies of their allotment information, admission documents and fee payment receipt for future reference.
Maharashtra Pharmacy CAP Round 1 key figures
Available seats: 46,984
Pharmacy colleges: 528
Registered candidates: 44,329
Candidates who submitted preferences: 35,988
Candidates receiving admission opportunities in Round 1: 28,139
Candidates receiving first-choice colleges: 14,736
First-choice allotment status: Auto Freeze
Reporting period for allotted candidates: September 28 to September 30, 2026
Provisional vacancy list for CAP Round 2: October 1, 2026
What candidates should do now
Candidates who have received a seat in the first CAP round should first verify their allotment through the official Maharashtra CET Cell admission portal. They should then follow the prescribed procedure for seat acceptance and institute reporting.
Candidates allotted their first-choice college should pay particular attention to the Auto Freeze rule before completing the admission process. Candidates who have not received their preferred college should check the rules applicable to their allotment and whether they are eligible for betterment in a subsequent round.
The CET Cell has advised candidates to follow the official schedule and instructions available through the admission portal. Information shared through unofficial websites or social media should not be treated as final unless it matches an official notification.
The Maharashtra pharmacy admission process for 2026-27 will continue after the first CAP round. The second-round vacancy information is scheduled for October 1, after which further admission activity will take place according to the CAP schedule.
The first-round allotment provides a significant update for students seeking admission to B.Pharmacy and Pharm.D courses in Maharashtra. With 28,139 candidates receiving admission opportunities and 14,736 candidates securing their first-choice colleges, students should now focus on completing the required admission formalities within the prescribed deadlines.
Candidates should regularly check the official Maharashtra CET Cell portal for the latest updates regarding vacancies, subsequent CAP rounds, institute reporting and other admission-related instructions.
