Most of you must be wondering what to do after CET result. For some reason, DTE has not shared details of CAP rounds in 2016 brochure which adds to the confusion. In this article, I will be explaining what CAP rounds are, how they have been in the past and how to approach CAP rounds to get the best possible institute.
Now, the number of CAP rounds have not been the same in the past. There might be three (CET 2015) or four rounds. [CET 2014 brochure stated a total of 4 rounds including counseling round. They ended up with two rounds + counseling] If there are three CAP rounds, the first two rounds will be by through centralized allotment wherein eligible candidates will fill separate online option forms for respective rounds. The third round of CAP shall be conducted by way of counseling only for the eligible Maharashtra State candidates. If there are four CAP rounds, the first three rounds will be by through centralized allotment wherein eligible candidates will fill separate online option forms for respective rounds. The fourth round of CAP shall be conducted by way of counseling only for the eligible Maharashtra State candidates.
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If we look at CET 2014 and CET 2015 CAP rounds, apart from the number of rounds that were conducted, the major difference was the number of options allotted for which admission was mandatory.
| CET 2014 | CET 2015 | ||
| Number of CAP rounds | 3 + Counseling* | 2 + Counseling | |
| Round 1 | Number of options to be filled in | Min. 1 Max. 100 | Min. 1 Max. 100 |
| Option allotted for which confirming admission is mandatory | First | First | |
| Round 2 | Number of options to be filled in | Min. 1 Max. 100 | Min. 1 Max. 100 |
| Option allotted for which confirming admission is mandatory | Any one of the first three | Any one of the first seven | |
| Round 3 | Number of options to be filled in | Min. 1 Max. 100 | Not Applicable |
| Option allotted for which confirming admission is mandatory | Any one of the first seven |
*CET 2014 brochure stated a total of 4 rounds (3 + counseling). They ended up with two rounds + counseling. For 2015, they changed the process to 2 + counseling.
Candidate has to confirm the admission, if he/she gets allotment of the first option in CAP round 1. Such candidates will not be able to participate in further rounds of CAP irrespective of their admission confirmation. In simple terms, if you put 10 options in the first round, and your first option is ABC institute, if you are allotted ABC at the end of the first round, you HAVE TO confirm your admission. If you don’t want to get into ABC institute, don’t put it as your first option.
What is counseling round?
After all the direct allotment rounds are done, the vacant seats are allotted through a centralized counseling round. Please note that this round is conducted only for eligible Maharashtra State candidates whose names have appeared in Maharashtra State Merit list. In other words, OMS candidates cannot participate in the counseling round. During this round of admission by Counseling, no seat tag is applied i.e. available seats are treated as General seats and are allotted solely on the basis of merit of eligible MS candidates without any reference to the category of the candidates (open/reserved) or the category to which the vacant seats belong (such as Home University [HU], other than Home University [OHU], Backward Class, Physically Handicapped, etc.). Even for All India Level seats, the vacant seats are treated as General seats for the counseling round and are offered to MS candidates. That creates a huge opportunity for MS candidates.
CAP rounds are crucial because you need to understand what your best options are both from your current score perspective and from possible movement perspective. If you want a specific institute and have a borderline chance, waiting for another round will make sense. And you will be surprised at the number of seats that remain vacant after the second CAP round. Check out number of seats available for Counseling Round – CET 2014 and Counseling Round – CET 2015. Also, check the following table which has the top 15 institutes and their 2014 and 2015 CAP round 2 cutoffs. I’ve included counseling cutoffs of CET 2014.
Though this year the number of takers has increased by about 25% compared to the previous year, and it will affect the cutoffs, this article should be used to understand how to strategize. Also, all the rounds get over in a month. The real question is when will DTE conduct 2016 rounds.
| 2014 | 2015 | |
| Display of merit list | 9 June | 6 June |
| CAP round 1 | 14-16 July | 24-26 June |
| Reporting to Institute | 18-19 July | 28 June – 1 July |
| CAP round 2 | 21-22 July | 4-6 July |
| Reporting to Institute | 24-26 July | 8-11 July |
| Counseling round | 30-31 July | 21-22 July |
| Course commencement | 1 August | 29 July |
Please note that CAP rounds are for both Maharashtra state and outside Maharashtra state (all India) candidates. The counseling round is only for Maharashtra state candidates. Keep visiting DTE website for further updates.
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