The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has warned professional educational institutions against charging students fees beyond those approved by the Fee Regulating Authority during the ongoing Centralised Admission Process (CAP) for academic year 2026-27. The CET Cell said it has received several complaints from students, parents and public representatives alleging that some engineering institutions are demanding exorbitant and unauthorised fees from students during the admission process. According to the CET Cell, the Fee Regulating Authority approves the fee structure for the entire institution.

 

Colleges are required to collect only the exact fee approved by the authority. Demanding any additional amount, particularly in cash, is illegal and strictly prohibited. The institutions have also been directed to display the officially approved fee order prominently on their notice boards and websites so that students and parents are aware of the applicable fee structure. The CET Cell has cautioned that institutions found collecting unauthorised or excess fees will face strict legal action. In addition, admissions found to have been granted through violations of the prescribed fee rules may also be cancelled. The CET Cell has therefore directed all institutions participating in the 2026-27 admission process to strictly comply with the approved fee structure and warned them against exploiting students and parents during admissions.