CET Cell Reports Record Applications for Engineering and Pharmacy Lateral Admissions

Direct Second-Year Entry Gains Momentum as Students Bypass Traditional Science Stream Route

In a significant shift within Maharashtra’s higher education landscape, thousands of students are now opting for direct second-year admissions to engineering and pharmacy degree programmes,bypassing the traditional route of completing Class 11 and 12 in the Science stream and sitting competitive entrance exams. This growing preference reflects a broader trend in pharmacy and engineering education news, where students are choosing more streamlined, skill-focused pathways to access top institutions.

Students who complete a three-year engineering diploma or diploma in pharmacy immediately after Class 10 are eligible for lateral entry admissions into the second year of respective degree courses after diploma. According to the Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, the surge in applications for the 2025–26 academic year confirms the popularity of this route. For direct second-year engineering admissions in Maharashtra 2025, over 58,220 applications have already been received,up from 41,894 in 2024–25 and 34,716 in 2023–24. Similarly, direct second-year pharmacy degree admissions after diploma have risen to 14,010 applications this year, compared to 12,816 last year and 8,713 the year before.

Students and educators alike cite several reasons for this shift. Many candidates believe that d pharmacy admission and b pharmacy admission through regular channels are often delayed, causing academic disruption. The admission process for b pharma and engineering degree courses via entrance exams can be highly competitive and time-consuming. In contrast, direct admission after diploma in Maharashtra colleges offers timely access to reputable institutions and a chance to compete for seats in the best colleges for pharmacy and engineering in Maharashtra.

One student noted that pharmacy degree admissions rarely begin on schedule, leading to loss of valuable academic time. Another highlighted that diploma holders eligible for direct second-year engineering admission have more flexibility in choosing from a wider pool of colleges. This route is particularly attractive for those aiming to enter the top 10 engineering colleges in Maharashtra with direct second-year entry, as well as the best pharmacy colleges in India offering advanced pharmacy courses such as the b pharma course and d pharma course.

Gopakumar Thampi, Principal of Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, observed that this pathway is especially beneficial for engineering students who may find Mathematics challenging. He recalled that while the route was once widely used, the government reduced the intake capacity for second year diploma admission from 20% to 10% of total seats nearly five years ago. Despite this, the demand continues to grow, indicating a strong preference for the diploma to engineering pathway among students. This evolving model of access and flexibility is reshaping how students approach higher education. As institutions respond to changing needs, the rise in diploma to degree courses in India reflects a broader movement towards inclusive, career-oriented learning.The surge in lateral entry admissions signals a new era of opportunity,where skill, timing, and choice define the future of degree education.

Editor’s Note

A noticeable shift is underway in Maharashtra’s higher education admissions, where students are increasingly choosing direct second-year entry into engineering and pharmacy degree programmes after completing diploma courses post-Class 10. This alternative route is gaining momentum, offering a faster and more focused path to professional qualifications without the need to complete Class 11 and 12 in the Science stream or sit multiple entrance exams. The numbers highlight the scale of this change. For the 2025–26 academic year, over 58,000 applications have been received for engineering degree admissions, while pharmacy has seen more than 14,000 applications through this lateral entry route. These figures reflect growing confidence in diploma-to-degree transitions as a practical solution for students seeking timely access to reputable colleges. What makes this trend especially relevant is the increasing delay in regular degree admissions and the intense competition for limited seats. Many students find this pathway more manageable, particularly those who struggle with entrance exam formats or subjects like Mathematics. However, it’s important to note that intake capacity for direct second-year admissions was reduced from 20% to 10% of total seats,a policy change that continues to shape student choices.

Skoobuzz observes that academic success today extends beyond conventional routes and exam results; it is equally defined by flexibility, timely access, and the freedom to pursue pathways that align with individual strengths and circumstances.