Maharashtra CET Registrations Show Steady Growth Amid Urban-Rural Disparities
Registrations for entrance examinations conducted by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell have demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory over the past three academic years. The latest data reveals a dual narrative of robust growth in major urban centers alongside persistent participation gaps in remote and tribal districts.
Urban Education Hubs Lead Registration Numbers
For the academic year 2025–26, Pune district emerged as the undisputed leader with 1,45,629 registrations, marking a significant increase from 1,42,367 in 2024–25 and 1,03,140 in 2023–24. This sustained growth underscores Pune's position as Maharashtra's premier education hub, bolstered by its extensive coaching ecosystem and proximity to numerous colleges.
Following Pune, Thane secured the second position with 79,177 candidates, while Ahilyanagar (77,299), Nashik (76,555), and Nagpur (69,663) completed the top five districts. Nagpur itself showed notable progress, rising from 54,188 registrations in 2023–24 to 66,593 in 2024–25 before reaching its current figure.
Post-Pandemic Rebound and Regional Variations
Mumbai Suburban district recorded 57,326 registrations in 2025–26, representing a sharp rebound from 37,467 two years earlier. This surge suggests a post-pandemic recovery in competitive exam participation, though analysts note that registrations remain comparatively lower due to Mumbai's focus on commerce and arts streams.
Similar upward trends were observed in other urban and semi-urban districts including:
- Solapur
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Jalgaon
These patterns indicate broader statewide growth in awareness about professional courses and centralized admission processes.
Persistent Gaps in Remote and Tribal Districts
Despite overall growth, the data highlights stark regional disparities. Sindhudurg district registered just 5,583 candidates in 2025–26, marginally higher than previous years but remaining the state's lowest-performing district. Other districts at the lower end of the spectrum include:
- Gadchiroli (8,554 registrations)
- Ratnagiri (10,082 registrations)
Backward and tribal districts such as Hingoli, Nandurbar, and Gondia showed incremental improvements but continued to lag significantly behind their urban counterparts.
Analysts Identify Key Challenges
Education experts point to multiple factors contributing to these disparities:
- Uneven digital access in remote regions
- Fewer preparatory resources and coaching facilities
- Socio-economic constraints affecting participation
While the overall rise in registrations reflects growing aspirations for professional education, these barriers continue to suppress participation in less-developed districts.
The CET Cell data presents a dual reality: Maharashtra's competitive exam culture is expanding rapidly, yet without targeted interventions, substantial segments of rural and tribal youth risk exclusion from higher education opportunities. This urban-rural divide remains a critical challenge for the state's education policymakers as they work toward more equitable access to professional courses.
