Contents
- 1 Quick-Glance Admission Summary 2026
- 2 Understanding the 2026 Admission Criteria: NATA vs. JEE Paper 2
- 3 Top 10 Architecture Colleges in Maharashtra: 2025 vs. 2026 Cutoff Trends
- 4 Maharashtra B.Arch 2026 Expected Cutoff Table (CAP Round 1)
- 5 The IndCareer Edge: 2026 Score-to-Rank Predictor
- 6 Interactive FAQ:
The Maharashtra B.Arch Cut Off 2026 is determined by a 50:50 weightage of NATA/JEE Paper 2 scores and Class 12 aggregate marks. For top-tier institutes like Sir JJ College of Architecture, expect the closing merit score to hover around 155-160 for the Open category, while other reputable private colleges typically close between 110-135.
Quick-Glance Admission Summary 2026
| Particulars | Details |
| Admission Authority | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
| Entrance Exams Accepted | NATA 2026 / JEE Main Paper 2 |
| Merit Calculation | 50% Entrance Score + 50% HSC Aggregate |
| Total CAP Rounds | 3 Rounds + 1 Counseling Round |
| Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org |
Understanding the 2026 Admission Criteria: NATA vs. JEE Paper 2
For the 2026-27 academic cycle, the Council of Architecture (CoA) and the Maharashtra CET Cell have maintained a strict normalization process. Unlike engineering, B.Arch admissions do not rely solely on percentile; they use a Normalized Merit Score.
- NATA 2026: Valid scores with a non-zero percentile are eligible. If a candidate appears for multiple attempts, the best raw score is considered.
- JEE Main Paper 2: The NTA percentile is converted to a score out of 200 to align with NATA for the state merit list.
- HSC Weightage: You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, securing a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories).
Top 10 Architecture Colleges in Maharashtra: 2025 vs. 2026 Cutoff Trends
The competition for 2026 is projected to be 5-8% higher than last year due to an increase in the number of NATA applicants.
Sir JJ College of Architecture (SJJCA), Mumbai
As the premier institute, SJJCA remains the most difficult to clear.
- Open Category (HU): 158.50 (Expected)
- OBC Category: 142.00 (Expected)
- SC/ST: 115.00 – 128.00
IES College of Architecture, Mumbai
A top choice for students in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- Expected Closing Rank: 120 – 135 (Merit Score)
Maharashtra B.Arch 2026 Expected Cutoff Table (CAP Round 1)
This table outlines the expected closing merit scores for various categories across top Maharashtra colleges.
| College Name | Open (HU) | OBC (HU) | SC/ST (HU) | All India (OMS) |
| Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai | 158.40 | 145.20 | 122.00 | 165.50 |
| Rachana Sansad Academy, Mumbai | 148.00 | 132.00 | 110.00 | 155.00 |
| L.S. Raheja School of Arch, Mumbai | 142.50 | 128.00 | 105.50 | 150.00 |
| BKPS College of Architecture, Pune | 145.00 | 130.00 | 112.00 | 152.00 |
| MMM’s College of Architecture, Pune | 135.00 | 122.00 | 98.00 | 140.00 |
| Smt. Manoramabai Mundle, Nagpur | 125.00 | 110.00 | 92.00 | 132.00 |
| DY Patil College of Architecture, Akurdi | 138.00 | 125.00 | 102.00 | 145.00 |
The IndCareer Edge: 2026 Score-to-Rank Predictor
Most students confuse their NATA score with their Merit Rank. Use this formula to estimate your position before the official merit list is out:
Formula:
2026 Calibrated Predictor Table
| Merit Score (Out of 200) | Expected State Merit Rank (SML) | Admission Probability |
| 160+ | 1 – 150 | Guaranteed Sir JJ or Top Pune Govt. |
| 145 – 159 | 151 – 600 | High chance for Top 5 Private Mumbai/Pune |
| 130 – 144 | 601 – 1500 | Competitive for Grade-A Private Colleges |
| 115 – 129 | 1501 – 3500 | Safe for Tier-2 City Colleges |
| Below 110 | 3500+ | Likely to get seat in CAP Round 3 or Spot |
💡 Expert Teacher Tip
Don’t ignore the “Home University” (HU) vs. “Other than Home University” (OHU) quota. If you are applying to a college in Pune but your 12th board was from Mumbai, you fall under OHU. OHU cutoffs are typically 2-4 marks higher than HU cutoffs. Always list your HU colleges first in your option form to maximize selection chances.
Interactive FAQ:
Only if your HSC percentage is exceptionally high (95%+). A safe merit score for SJJCA is 158+. If your aggregate (NATA/2 + HSC) is below 150, look at Rachana Sansad or BKPS.
Yes, the CET Cell accepts JEE Paper 2 scores. However, they will normalize it to a 200-point scale to compare it with NATA candidates.
CAP Round 3 is the final centralized round. Cutoffs usually drop by 1-2 marks as students who secured seats in B.Plan or Engineering withdraw.
Yes, TFWS (Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme) cutoffs are the highest, often exceeding the Open category by 5-10 ranks. EWS cutoffs are generally 3-5 marks lower than the Open category.
The provisional merit list is expected in the last week of July 2026, following the conclusion of all NATA phases.