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Maharashtra is examining the possibility of establishing new colleges in areas that fall outside universities’ existing five-year plans, with the proposed expansion targeted for the 2027–28 academic year.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the formation of a sub-committee to examine locations that could be considered for new colleges.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the Maharashtra State Higher Education and Development Commission (MAHED) at the state secretariat. The proposed committee will examine locations that have already been found eligible by universities.
It will also consider representations from public representatives and educational institutions seeking colleges in areas not included in the universities’ current five-year plans.
The committee will subsequently submit its recommendations to the state government.
The meeting also covered the Common Entrance Test (CET) process for professional courses.
The state government is looking to increase the number of examination centres so students do not have to travel long distances to appear for their exams.
“Students should get examination centres at locations closer to their residence. However, while increasing the number of centres, examination security and transparency must be maintained,” said Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Fadnavis also directed the CET Cell to strengthen monitoring and control at examination centres as the state considers expanding the network.
The government reviewed the engineering admission process for the 2026–27 academic year as well. Discussions focused on making the centralised admission system simpler and more transparent for students.
Women’s participation in engineering was another point highlighted at the meeting. State figures showed that female students accounted for 32.72% of engineering admissions in 2023–24, rising to 37.27% in 2026–27.
The government attributed the increase partly to its decision to provide free higher education to women.
The proposed review of new college locations, along with plans to expand CET centres, marks the latest step in Maharashtra’s efforts to widen access to higher education and make the admission process more accessible to students.