MAH MBA CAP 2026: CET Cell Eliminates Women’s Quota and Publishes Revised Seat Matrix

The Maharashtra State CET Cell has officially rolled back the 30% reservation for women in the MBA/MMS admission process through the CET exam, as indicated by the release of an updated seat matrix. This decision comes after the initial announcement on July 27, when the CET Cell had included the women’s quota in the MBA CAP 2026 seat matrix. The recent changes have sparked discussions among candidates and stakeholders regarding the implications for the upcoming admissions.

Aditya Sridhar, founder of The Top Percentile, commented on the CET Cell's decision, stating that the updated seat matrix aligns with last year's framework and meets student expectations. He expressed hope that the CET Cell would provide clarity on the future of women’s reservation, allowing students to adequately prepare for the admissions process. The rollback of the quota has raised questions about how the seat allotment will be managed, particularly concerning the competition among candidates.

The initial 30% reservation for women was intended to apply across all categories, including Open, OBC, SC, ST, MT, and EWS, which led to confusion among candidates. The seat allotment process is primarily merit-based, allowing women who score highly to compete in the open category while still preserving the quota for other female candidates. This situation created additional competition for male candidates, complicating the admissions landscape.

With the women’s quota now removed, candidates from all categories can reassess their chances for seat allotment based on the updated criteria. The first seat allotment list is scheduled for release on August 2, 2026, as part of the four-round CAP 2026 process, which will facilitate admissions to over 300 MBA colleges across Maharashtra.

The recent changes in the MBA CAP 2026 admissions process highlight the dynamic nature of educational policies in Maharashtra. As candidates prepare for the upcoming rounds, the CET Cell's decisions will significantly influence their strategies and expectations for securing a place in their desired programs.