MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 3 Option Form: First Six Preferences to Be Auto-Frozen

The MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 3 counselling is underway, and candidates are currently required to submit their preferences through the online option form. For CAP Round 3, candidates must pay special attention to the first six choices, as a new rule makes these preferences particularly important.

As per the update shared on the official CAP portal, the first six preferences entered in the MHT CET CAP Round 3 option form will be auto-frozen. Candidates should therefore arrange their preferred colleges and branches carefully before confirming the form.

MHT CET CAP Round 3 Option Form 2026: Key Update

The MHT CET CAP Round 3 option form is being conducted from August 20 to August 22, 2026.

Under the updated rule:

• The first six preferences entered by a candidate will be auto-frozen.

• If a candidate gets a seat corresponding to any of their first six preferences, the seat will be auto-frozen.

• Such candidates will have to pay the seat acceptance fee.

• Candidates allotted a seat from their first six preferences will not be eligible for subsequent CAP rounds.

• If a candidate receives a seat beyond their first six preferences, they can choose to accept and freeze the seat or opt for betterment, subject to the applicable rules.

Why Are the First Six Preferences Important?

The new auto-freeze provision makes the preference order in MHT CET CAP Round 3 extremely important.

Candidates should not place a college or branch among their first six choices simply because it has a higher ranking or cutoff. These six choices should include only those college-branch combinations that the candidate is genuinely willing to accept.

Before confirming the option form, candidates should consider:

• MHT CET percentile

• Category

• Preferred engineering branch

• College preferences

• Previous-round cutoffs

• Available vacancies

• Location and other personal preferences

MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 3 Option Form: How to Fill

Candidates can follow these steps to submit their MHT CET CAP Round 3 option form 2026:

1. Visit the official MHT CET CAP counselling website at fe2026.mahacet.org.

2. Log in using the registered application ID and password.

3. Select the CAP Round III Option Form.

4. Search for colleges using the institute name, district, branch or institute code.

5. Add your preferred college and course combinations.

6. Arrange the choices according to your preference.

7. Carefully review the first six preferences.

8. Check the complete preference list.

9. Save and confirm the option form before the deadline.

Official CAP Portal: fe2026.mahacet.org

MHT CET CAP Round 3 Choice Filling: What Should Students Keep in Mind?

Candidates should create their preference list based on their own admission priorities rather than blindly copying another candidate's list.

1. Choose the First Six Preferences Carefully

Since seats allotted against the first six choices can be auto-frozen, candidates should include only those options they are genuinely comfortable joining.

2. Check Previous-Round Cutoffs

Previous CAP round cutoffs can help candidates understand whether their preferred college and branch are realistic choices based on their MHT CET percentile.

3. Consider Branch Preference

Candidates should give adequate importance to the engineering branch they want to pursue. A college with a higher preference may not necessarily be the right choice if the branch does not match the candidate's career goals.

4. Check Available Vacancies

Candidates should review the available seats before finalising their choices. Vacancy information can help them create a more practical preference list.

5. Review the Complete Order Before Confirmation

Once the option form is confirmed, candidates should carefully check whether the colleges and branches have been arranged in the intended order.

What Happens If You Get Your First Six Preferences?

According to the information provided in the CAP update, candidates who are allotted a seat corresponding to any of their first six preferences will have the seat auto-frozen.

Such candidates will need to:

• Accept the allotted seat.

• Pay the applicable seat acceptance fee.

• Continue with the admission process as required.

• They will not be eligible to participate in subsequent CAP rounds.

What If the Allotted Seat Is Beyond the First Six Choices?

Candidates who receive a seat beyond their first six preferences have the option to either freeze the allotted seat or choose the betterment option, subject to the applicable CAP rules.

Therefore, candidates should carefully understand the implications before confirming their choice.

MHT CET CAP Round 3 2026: Important Dates

MHT CET CAP Round 3 Option Form 2026: Student Checklist

Before submitting the final option form, candidates should verify:

• First six choices are carefully selected.

• Every college and branch listed is acceptable.

• Previous-round cutoffs have been checked.

• MHT CET percentile and category have been considered.

• Available vacancies have been reviewed.

• College and branch order is correct.

• The complete preference list has been reviewed.

• The option form has been confirmed before the deadline.