Short answer
You fill the option form online through your CAP login before each round, entering institute choice codes in decreasing order of preference, and then confirm it. You can give a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 300 options. The brochure doesn't say how many you should give, but the order matters: the choice in block No. 1 is your first preference, and getting it in Round I freezes the seat automatically.
Based on the State CET Cell's Information Brochure for 2026–27 admissions (dated 02.07.2026). The 2027–28 brochure hasn't been published yet — rules can change, so check it when it is.
Who this applies to
Maharashtra CAP candidates for first-year B.E./B.Tech.
The rule, explained
Filling the option form is mandatory for each CAP round you want to take part in, and every candidate must confirm it. You confirm it by re-entering your Application ID and password; after confirming, you can't change the options. Keep a printout of the confirmed form.
The serial number of each block shows your preference: the choice code in block No. 1 is your first (highest-priority) preference. Seats are allotted by merit, your options and the seats available, and the first available option in your order is the one you get.
Before each round, the CET Cell publishes the seat matrix showing institutes, courses and seats available by category. For Rounds II to IV, eligible candidates can fill in or edit the option form used in the previous round.
Order and auto-freeze: getting your first preference in Round I, one of your first three in Round II, or one of your first six in Round III freezes the seat automatically, and you then leave CAP. Don't share your Application ID and password with anyone.
What the official document says
The candidate can fill in minimum 1 and maximum 300 options. The candidate shall fill the institute choice code against the option number in the online option form.
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 77 (opens the official site)
The serial number of block in the option form indicates preference of choice. Thus the choice code of the institute filled by the candidate in block No. 1 will be considered as first preference (Highest Priority Choice).
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 77 (opens the official site)
If a candidate is allotted the seat as per his first three and six preferences in Round- II and Round-III, respectively, such allotment shall be auto freezed and the candidate shall accept the allotment so made.
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 79 (opens the official site)
Allotment against the first available option in the order of preference filled in shall be retained as final allotment;
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra · Information Brochure, Academic Year 2026–27, for admissions to Full Time Professional UG and PG Technical Courses (B.E./B.Tech., MBA/MMS and others) dated 02.07.2026, PDF page 89 (opens the official site)