Maharashtra CAP Admission 2026: Fee Payment Options Amid Bank Strike

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has issued an important notice for candidates undergoing admission to Health Science courses through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP), addressing concerns over fee payment during the ongoing weekend and upcoming bank strike.

Admission Timeline

Candidates selected through the CAP process are required to report and join their allotted colleges between September 26 and September 30, 2026. As per the standard process, admission fees are to be paid to the allotted college via Demand Draft (DD).

Why the Notice Was Issued

With a bank strike coinciding with the admission window, many candidates raised concerns about the availability of DDs for fee payment. To address this, the CET Cell has clarified the following alternate arrangements.

Alternate Payment Options Allowed

1. Private banks operational: Private banks will continue operating during the strike period, and candidates can use their services to prepare a DD.
2. Public sector banks open on Sunday: Public sector banks will function on Sunday, September 27, 2026, giving candidates an extra day to arrange a DD.
3. Online payment modes accepted: Candidates may also pay fees through NEFT, RTGS, UPI, or other online modes.
4. Cheque payments permitted as backup: If a candidate is unable to arrange a DD, fees can be paid via cheque. However, the cheque must be replaced with a DD on the next working day, or the college will deposit the cheque directly. If the cheque is dishonoured, the admission may be cancelled.
5. DD or online mode preferred: Candidates are advised to pay via DD or online transfer wherever possible. Cheque payment should only be used as a last resort, with the DD replacement to follow on the next working day. October 1, 2026 has been specified as a working day for this purpose.
6. No denial of admission over DD unavailability: Colleges have been directed not to deny admission to any candidate solely due to non-availability of a DD, and must accept the alternate payment modes listed above.

Key Takeaway for Candidates

Candidates and colleges have been instructed to take note of these provisions and act accordingly, ensuring the admission process is not disrupted by banking constraints during the strike period.