The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has issued an important public notice warning engineering institutions against collecting excessive, unauthorised or illegal fees from students during the admission process for the academic year 2026-27.

The notice, dated September 9, 2026, was issued after the CET Cell received representations and complaints from candidates, parents and public representatives regarding institutions allegedly charging engineering students fees beyond the approved amount.

The State CET Cell has clarified that the Fee Regulating Authority approves the fee for the entire institution, and colleges are required to charge only the officially approved fee.

Engineering Colleges Cannot Charge Additional Fees

According to the Maharashtra CET Cell, institutions are strictly prohibited from collecting any additional amount over and above the fee approved by the Fee Regulating Authority.

The notice specifically warns against practices such as:

• Charging fees higher than the approved amount
• Collecting unauthorised additional fees
• Demanding fees in cash
• Charging any amount not approved by the Fee Regulating Authority

Such fee collection has been declared illegal and completely prohibited.

Colleges Must Display Approved Fee Structure

The CET Cell has directed all concerned institutions to charge students only the exact fee approved by the Fee Regulating Authority.

Institutions are also required to prominently display their official fee approval order on:

• The institution's notice board
• The institution's official website

This will allow students and parents to verify the approved fee structure before making payments.

Strict Action Against Colleges Charging Illegal Fees

The Maharashtra CET Cell has warned that institutions found collecting unauthorised or unapproved fees will face strict legal action.

The notice further states that unauthorised admissions in such institutions may be cancelled.

Engineering colleges have therefore been directed to strictly comply with the fee structure approved by the competent authority.

Complaints Received from Students and Parents

The CET Cell issued the warning after receiving several complaints concerning the alleged collection of excessive and unauthorised fees from engineering students.

The notice is intended to protect students and their families from being forced to pay amounts that are not part of the officially approved fee structure.

Students and parents should therefore verify the fee approval order displayed by the concerned institution before making any payment.

What Engineering Students Should Do

Students taking admission to engineering courses in Maharashtra should:

1. Check the official fee structure approved by the Fee Regulating Authority.
2. Compare the amount demanded by the college with the approved fee.
3. Avoid making unauthorised cash payments.
4. Ask the institution for an official receipt for every payment.
5. Check whether the college has displayed its approved fee order on its notice board and website.
6. Report any demand for unauthorised fees to the appropriate authorities.

Candidates should retain payment receipts and other admission-related documents for future reference.

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