MHT CET Scam Allegations 2026: Rohit Pawar Releases Sting Video, Claims Engineering Seats Sold

Maharashtra's MHT CET 2026 examination and engineering admission process has come under scrutiny after NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar released purported sting-operation footage and audio clips alleging irregularities in the entrance examination. He claimed that agents were demanding up to INR 25 lakh to secure admission to top engineering colleges by manipulating MHT CET scores and examination centres.

Pawar alleged that candidates were being promised scores above the 99th percentile in exchange for money. He also raised concerns about a possible data breach involving approximately 4.59 lakh candidates and questioned the transparency of the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell's examination and admission processes.

MHT CET Scam Allegations Include Score Manipulation and Data Leak

The controversy involves several allegations concerning the conduct of the MHT CET examination and the subsequent engineering admission process.

The major concerns raised by Pawar include:

• MHT CET score manipulation: Alleged attempts to influence candidates' percentile scores through unauthorised methods.
• Examination centre management: Claims that certain examination centres were being managed to facilitate malpractice.
• Engineering seat sales: Allegations that agents demanded up to INR 25 lakh to secure admission to top engineering colleges.
• Candidate data breach: Concerns about the possible exposure of personal information belonging to approximately 4.59 lakh candidates.
• Admission process irregularities: Questions about transparency in engineering college admissions and the CET Cell's examination-related arrangements.

These claims are allegations made by the political leader and individuals associated with the purported sting operation. Their authenticity and the extent of any wrongdoing will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Maharashtra CET Cell Forms Task Force to Examine Sting Operation

The Maharashtra State CET Cell has responded to the allegations and said that a task force has been constituted to examine the videos and claims related to the purported sting operation. CET Cell Commissioner Dilip Sardesai said the authority had asked those making the allegations to submit the available recordings and supporting evidence for verification. He also stated that the CET Cell would examine the material and initiate action under the law if any wrongdoing was established.

The commissioner further clarified that an SIT had already been constituted to investigate allegations of MHT CET score manipulation. The CET Cell is cooperating with the investigation and providing the required documentary evidence.

SIT Investigation Into MHT CET Score Manipulation

The Maharashtra government has already constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations related to MHT CET score manipulation. The investigation is expected to examine the available evidence and relevant aspects of the examination process. The CET Cell has stated that it is cooperating with the SIT by providing documents sought during the investigation.

Rohit Pawar has also demanded a separate judicial inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. He has called for a detailed examination of examination results, alleged data leaks, examination-centre management and the process through which examination-related contracts were awarded.

No final investigation findings establishing the alleged engineering admission scam have been announced in the reports available at the time of publication.

MHT CET Scam Allegations 2026 FAQs