The MHT CET 2025 exam recorded an all-time high of over 4.2 lakh PCM candidates, with a sharp rise in perfect percentile scores—22 students scored 100 percentile in PCM, indicating rising competition. As per the CET Cell, the number of top scorers (above 99 percentile) increased by 18.7% compared to 2024. This trend directly impacts the cutoff percentile for high-demand branches like Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Information Technology (IT) in premier Maharashtra colleges such as COEP, VJTI, SPIT, and PICT.
According to DTE Maharashtra and CAP Round 1 data (2025), these institutes received a significantly higher number of applications per seat, leading to a cutoff surge. This article analyses why competition intensifies, focusing on application-to-seat ratio, percentile trends, and expected 2025 cutoffs for CSE and IT branches in Maharashtra’s top engineering colleges.
MHT CET 2025 Admission Rush: Top Colleges With Rising Cutoffs
The MHT CET 2025 results have triggered intense competition for top engineering colleges in Maharashtra. With over 4.2 lakh students appearing for the PCM group, the cutoffs for high-demand branches like Computer Science (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Mechanical, and Civil Engineering are expected to rise significantly. Top government colleges such as COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, and SPIT Mumbai see the highest number of applicants per seat, pushing cutoff marks, ranks, and percentiles to new highs.
What is the Most Demanding Engineering Field in 2025?
The most demanding engineering field in 2025 is Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), especially its top specialisations such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML), Data Science, and Computer Engineering. These branches lead innovation in AI, predictive analytics, and intelligent systems. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, students qualifying through MHT CET increasingly aim for these fields due to the high demand for roles like AI Engineer, Data Scientist, and Software Developer. These careers offer excellent growth and starting salaries ranging from INR 7,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 annually, making CSE a future-proof choice for ambitious students.
MHT CET 2025 Marks vs Rank vs Percentile – CSE vs IT
Related Article: MHT CET Category-Wise Cutoff Insights: Who Gets In Where?
Key Reasons Behind Increased Competition in MHT CET 2025
The competition for top engineering branches like Computer Science and Information Technology has intensified in MHT CET 2025 due to the following reasons:
- Higher Number of Applicants: Over 4.2 lakh candidates appeared for the MHT CET PCM group, increasing pressure on limited high-demand seats in top colleges.
- Limited Seats in Top Institutes: Institutes like COEP Tech, VJTI, and SPIT have few seats for Computer and IT branches, making it harder to secure admission even with high percentiles.
- Rising Popularity of CSE & IT: With industries focusing on AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Software Development, the demand for CSE and IT branches has grown rapidly.
- Better Career Opportunities: Starting salaries in these fields now range between INR 7,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 annually, making them highly attractive to top-performing students.
- Strong OMS Participation: Students from outside Maharashtra (OMS category) scoring 100 percentile in MHT CET further increase competition for general/open category seats.
State-Wise Competition: Maharashtra vs OMS Candidates
While 85% of seats are reserved for Maharashtra domicile students, OMS (Outside Maharashtra State) candidates also score 100 percentile. For example:
Wrapping Up
The MHT CET 2025 exam has seen a sharp rise in competition, especially for Computer Science and IT branches. With over 4.2 lakh PCM candidates, limited seats, and more students scoring 99+ percentile, top colleges like COEP, VJTI, and PICT are now harder to get into. Fields like AI, Data Science, and Software Engineering offer high salaries, attracting the best talent. Even OMS (Outside Maharashtra) students scoring 100 percentile add to the competition. Students aiming for top branches must score very high to secure admission in 2025.