You will need to make 2 specific payments to the admission authority and 1 final payment to your allocated institute. The total administrative cost paid online via fn.mahacet.org is USD 1,200. This is split into a non-refundable Eligibility Fee of USD 50 and a one-time Processing Fee of USD 1,150.
These payments are strictly for the centralized admission process managed by the State Common Entrance Test Cell. They do not include your tuition or hostel fees. You must pay these amounts online through the portal using an international card. The process is designed to be transparent so you know exactly where your money goes at every stage.
Why Choose Maharashtra?
Before we break down the payment steps, it is important to know what you are paying for. Maharashtra offers a unique ecosystem for NRI and Foreign National students that is hard to find elsewhere in India.
- Academic Relief: If you are applying for Engineering, Technology, or Pharmacy, there is no entrance exam. You do not need JEE Mains or MHT CET. Your admission is based purely on your 12th Grade or A-Level marks.
- Safety and Lifestyle: Cities like Mumbai and Pune are among the safest in India. They offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle where international students fit in easily.
- Dietary Comfort: Parents often worry about food. Maharashtra has incredible options for Vegetarian, Jain, and Vegan diets. You will never struggle to find food that fits your dietary restrictions here.
- Global Connectivity: With major international airports in Mumbai and Pune, travel is seamless.
The 3-Step Payment & Verification Process
The admission workflow is tied directly to your payments. You cannot move to the next step without clearing the previous fee.
Stage 1: The Eligibility Fee
You start by registering and paying the Eligibility Fee of USD 50. Once you pay this, the team at the International Admissions Cell begins the virtual verification of your uploaded documents.
- What happens next: If your documents are correct, your status changes to "Eligible."
- Important: At this stage, you can see your Provisional Eligibility Letter in VIEW-ONLY mode. You cannot download it yet.
Stage 2: The One-Time Processing Fee
After your eligibility is confirmed, you must pay the Processing Fee of USD 1,150. This is a crucial step.
- Unlocks Downloads: Once paid, the system enables the Download option for your Provisional Eligibility Letter.
- Next Steps: You can now upload your Visa, OCI card, or Country ID. This payment also ensures your name appears on the Merit List for seat allotment.
Stage 3: College Fees
This payment happens after you have been allotted a seat in a college. You can pay the specific college fees online through the portal or directly to the college.
- Physical Verification: You must take your Provisional Admission Letter and your Original Documents to the allocated college. Physical verification happens ONLY at the college level after all three payments are done. There is no separate facilitation center for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my uncle or aunt pay the fees and apply for me?
No. The application must be supported by your Parent (Father or Mother). If your parents are not available, only a Legal Guardian can apply. However, a Legal Guardian must possess a valid Court Guardianship Certificate issued by an Indian Court. Uncles, aunts, and grandparents are not eligible to be your primary applicant.
Do I need to pay extra for entrance exams?
It depends on your course. Engineering / Technology / Pharmacy: No. There is no entrance exam required. You save money and stress here. Medical (MBBS/BDS): Yes. You must take NEET and meet the score cut-off. Architecture: Yes. You must clear NATA.
What documents do I need to show after paying?
You must always hold your Original Documents. Do not use photocopies or scanned printouts for the final college visit. Also, ensure you check the specific list for your category (NRI vs. CIWGC) on the official website.
Is the USD 1,150 fee refundable?
Generally, the Processing Fee is non-refundable once the services have been utilized for processing your merit status. You should be certain about your decision to proceed before making the Stage 2 payment.
Final Thoughts
The process via fn.mahacet.org is streamlined to help you secure a seat without the chaos of domestic competition. By following this three-step payment structure, you ensure your application moves smoothly from virtual verification to your final college reporting.