The engineering admissions season is here! If you’re an aspiring engineer in Maharashtra, you’ve probably come across terms like CAP, ACAP, and Institute Level (IL) Rounds. But what do they actually mean? And how can understanding them help you land a seat in your dream college?

Let’s break it down- clearly, practically, and purposefully; so you can make informed decisions for your future.

What Are CAP Rounds?

CAP stands for Centralized Admission Process, the main admission pathway for engineering colleges in Maharashtra. Managed by the State CET Cell, CAP ensures fair, transparent, and merit-based seat allocation across the state.

Key Features of CAP Rounds 2025:

• 4 CAP rounds (up from 3), giving students more chances to secure a seat.
• Auto-freeze policy introduced for smoother allocation:
  • Round 1: Seat is frozen if you get your 1st preference.
  • Round 2: Freeze if allotted any of your top 3 preferences.
  • Round 3: Freeze if allotted any of your top 6 preferences.
  • Round 4: Last round to secure the seat. Any unfilled seats, after this round, go to individual colleges afterwards for ACAP round/s

Why CAP Rounds Matter:

• Completely centralised, transparent, and merit-driven.
• Students can revise preferences before each round.
• Ensures fair seat distribution across geography and categories.

What Are Institute Level (IL) and ACAP Rounds?

After the CAP rounds are done, some seats may still be vacant due to non-reporting or cancellations. These are filled through Institute Level Rounds, governed by State CET Cell guidelines.

There are two key types of Institute-level admissions:

1. Institute Level (IL) Round

• Covers 20% of sanctioned intake, including NRI seats (if applicable).
• Seats are offered directly by the institute based on inter-se- merit.
• No government scholarships/freeships available for this category.

2. ACAP Round (Against CAP / SPOT Round)

• For vacant seats (due to cancellations or upgrades) after all CAP rounds.
• Conducted by individual institutes following CET Cell norms.

How Do Institute/ACAP Rounds Work?

• Institutes publish available seats and schedule on their website and notice boards.
• Eligible students apply directly to the institute, if they fail to do so, they can apply to the CET Cell also.
• Institutes create merit lists based on submitted applications.
• Fee structures may vary but are approved by the Fees Regulating Authority, Maharashtra.
• Admissions are based purely on inter-se-merit, even at the institute level.

CAP vs. ACAP vs. IL Rounds – Quick Comparison

Feature	CAP Rounds	ACAP Rounds	Institute Level (IL)
Conducted by	State CET Cell, MH	Individual Colleges	Individual Colleges
Choice Range	Many colleges	At the respective institute	At the respective institute
Timing	Ongoing	Immediately after CAP (as per the schedule given by State CET Cell and competent authorities from time to time)	Immediately after CAP  (as per the schedule given by State CET Cell and competent authorities from time to time)
Fees	As per directive of Maharashtra State Fee Regulating Authority. All scholarship/freeship benefits applicable as per the Govt. guidelines	Same as CAP (scholarship/freeship benefits as per the guidelines received from the Govt of Maharashtra time to time)	As per directive of Maharashtra State Fee Regulating Authority (currently up to 3 times)

What’s New in 2025?

• Introduction of 4 CAP rounds = More flexibility and fewer missed chances.
• Auto-freeze rules provide clarity on how your preferences are handled.
• Transparent norms for:
  • Management quota seats (up to 3× fees cap).
  • NRI quota seats (up to 5× fees).
• Clear communication and schedule published through CET Cell and college websites.

Planning Smart: Your Admission Checklist

During CAP Rounds:

✔ Register early and fill preferences wisely
✔ Stay updated on seat allotment and auto-freeze alerts
✔ Strategically use all 4 rounds — don’t give up midway

Before Institute/ACAP Rounds:

✔ Keep a shortlist of backup colleges ready
✔ Prepare documents, fees, and applications in advance
✔ Act quickly — institute-level seat allocation moves fast

Pro Tip: Many students grab good seats in ACAP or IL rounds… sometimes at lower cutoffs!

VIT Pune: Your Engineering Journey Begins Here

Whether through CAP or Institute rounds, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT Pune) is committed to welcoming bright minds like yours.

Why Choose VIT Pune?

• Consistently ranked among top private engineering institutes in India
• Strong placement record in core and emerging sectors
• Emphasis on research, innovation, and global linkages
• Offers interdisciplinary specializations and niche programs
• Transparent, merit-based admission process

Add VIT Pune to your top preferences during CAP
Watch out for Institute Rounds if seats are available later

Explore more: www.vit.edu

FAQs

Q1. How many CAP rounds are there in 2025?
Ans. Four rounds, with auto-freeze starting from Round 1 to Round 3.

Q2. Can I still upgrade in Round 4?
Ans. Yes, Round 4 allows upgrades or fresh allotments — it’s the final CAP round.

Q3. Are Institute Rounds also merit-based?
Ans. Absolutely. Institutes follow inter-se-merit even during IL and ACAP rounds.

Q4. What if I choose to “float” my seat in CAP?
Ans. Floating is possible unless auto-freeze conditions are triggered.

Q5. When do Institute Rounds begin?
Ans. Right after CAP Round 4. Check individual college websites for schedules.

Q6. Can I participate in all rounds — CAP, ACAP, and IL?
Ans. Yes. CAP comes first, and if needed, ACAP/IL Rounds follow. Smart students often use both!

Final Thoughts

Each admission round: CAP, ACAP, or IL- has its own purpose:

• CAP ensures structured, fair seat distribution.
• ACAP gives flexibility with dynamic cutoffs.
• Institute Rounds offer one last personalised chance.

Understanding the system helps you stay calm, strategic, and focused: the three keys to securing your seat.

A Word to Future Engineers:

Your dream college could be just one timely application away. Stay informed. Stay ready. Stay confident.

At VIT Pune, we’re here to help you shape the future with skills, innovation, and an engineering mindset that lasts a lifetime.

Disclaimer: The details are based on our interpretation of the Information Brochure and notifications issued by the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. We strongly advise aspiring students and parents to regularly refer to the official website https://fe2025.mahacet.org/StaticPages/HomePage information brochure, and notifications from the State CET Cell for the most accurate and updated information published from time to time.