The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has issued an official notice clarifying who qualifies as an NRI candidate for NEET PG 2026 admission and the exact registration and fee payment process. This notice is critical for any NEET PG 2026 candidate who is a Non-Resident Indian, whose parents are NRI, or who is a ward of an NRI — as well as for their families planning the admission timeline and budget. The notice defines NRI status under the Income Tax Act, 2025, sets out a two-stage fee structure (USD 50 eligibility fee + USD 1,150 processing fee), lists five mandatory documents, and establishes a registration deadline of 22 October 2026 on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal. Understanding these rules and deadlines is essential to avoid rejection or loss of eligibility.
NRI candidates must register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (https://fn.mahacet.org) by 22 October 2026, pay USD 50 upfront for eligibility verification, then USD 1,150 to proceed, and submit five specific documents including an NRI certificate from an Indian Mission abroad and foreign bank statements.
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Unlock My College ListWho Is Eligible as an NRI Candidate?
The Maharashtra CET Cell defines an NRI candidate under the Income Tax Act, 2025. An NRI is someone who has been issued a Non-Resident Indian certificate by an Indian Mission or Post abroad. This definition also includes the child or ward of an NRI, as defined in the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.
Only the following candidates are eligible to apply for NRI quota seats:
1. A candidate who is themselves an NRI (holds an NRI certificate issued by an Indian Mission or Post abroad). 2. Candidates whose parents are NRI (either or both parents hold NRI status). 3. Candidates who are the ward of an NRI, where 'ward' is defined under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. 4. All candidates in categories 1, 2, and 3 must also meet all other eligibility conditions listed in the NEET PG 2026 information brochure — such as MBBS qualification, NEET PG exam appearance, and any other criteria set by the authority.
Simply being born abroad or having lived abroad does not make you an NRI for this purpose. You must have formal NRI status as defined by Indian tax law and hold a certificate from an Indian Mission or Post to prove it. If your parents are NRI but you do not hold an NRI certificate yourself, you are still eligible under category 2, provided you meet all other eligibility criteria.
- Candidate is themselves NRI (holds NRI certificate from Indian Mission/Post abroad)
- Candidate's parents are NRI
- Candidate is ward of NRI (as defined in Guardians and Wards Act, 1890)
- All candidates must also meet other NEET PG 2026 eligibility criteria from the information brochure
Five Mandatory Documents You Must Submit
The CET Cell has listed five specific documents that every NRI candidate must upload during registration on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal. Missing even one document will result in rejection or delay of your application. Ensure you have originals or certified copies of all five before you begin the registration process.
Document 1 is the NRI certificate itself — issued by an Indian Mission or Post abroad. This certificate must prove the NRI status of either you, your parents, or your guardian (depending on which category you fall under). Document 2 is your passport and nationality certificate, plus the passport and nationality certificate of your parents or guardian. These prove your identity and foreign residency. Document 3 applies only if you are claiming NRI status through a guardian — you must provide a court certificate showing that the court has the power to make orders on guardianship (this is a formal legal document from the court that appointed your guardian).
Document 4 is a true copy of a foreign bank account passbook. This is a critical document that proves financial ties to a foreign country. You must provide copies of the main page (showing bank name and address, and your name and address) plus entries from the last 6 months prior to admission. This can be the bank account of you, your parents, or your guardian — whoever is claiming NRI status. Document 5 is your Foreign Candidate Registration Portal receipt, which you will receive after you complete registration on https://fn.mahacet.org.
- NRI certificate issued by an Indian Mission or Post abroad (for candidate, parents, or guardian)
- Passport and nationality certificate of candidate and parents/guardian
- Court certificate of guardianship (only if claiming NRI status through a guardian)
- True copy of foreign bank account passbook with main page and last 6 months of entries (candidate, parents, or guardian)
- Foreign Candidate Registration Portal receipt from https://fn.mahacet.org
The Two-Stage Fee Structure: USD 50 + USD 1,150
NRI candidates must pay fees in two stages. The first stage is the eligibility fee of USD 50 (non-refundable), which you pay when you submit your application on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal. This fee is used to verify your eligibility — the CET Cell will check your documents and confirm whether you meet the NRI criteria. If you are found eligible, you will receive a Provisional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) online in your login account, and a notification will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
The second stage is the processing fee of USD 1,150 (also non-refundable), which you must pay only after you receive your PEC and decide to continue with the admission process. This is a one-time fee. If you do not pay both fees (USD 50 + USD 1,150 = USD 1,200 total), you will not be considered for the subsequent admission process and will be excluded from counselling.
The Provisional Eligibility Certificate you receive after paying the USD 50 fee can be used to initiate your visa process if you need one. This is useful because you can begin visa procedures while waiting for the full admission process to begin. However, paying the USD 50 fee does not guarantee admission — it only confirms your eligibility. You must then pay the USD 1,150 processing fee to proceed to preference filling and seat allocation.
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- Stage 1: USD 50 eligibility fee (non-refundable) — paid at application submission
- Stage 2: USD 1,150 processing fee (non-refundable) — paid after receiving Provisional Eligibility Certificate
- Total: USD 1,200 required to proceed to counselling
- Both fees must be received or candidate will not be considered for admission
- PEC can be used to initiate visa process
Registration Deadline: 22 October 2026 — Do Not Miss This
The registration deadline for NRI candidates is 22 October 2026. You must complete your registration on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (https://fn.mahacet.org) by this date. This is a hard deadline — applications submitted after 22 October 2026 will not be accepted. Given that today is 21 October 2026, you have only one day to register. If you have not yet registered, you must do so immediately.
Registration means you must create an account on the portal, fill in your application form, upload all five required documents, and submit the form. You must also pay the USD 50 eligibility fee during this submission. Do not delay — the portal may experience high traffic on the final day, and technical issues could prevent you from submitting in time.
After you register and pay the USD 50 fee, the CET Cell will verify your documents and eligibility. Once you are found eligible, you will receive your Provisional Eligibility Certificate. The subsequent schedule (dates for paying the USD 1,150 fee, preference filling, allotment, etc.) will be published on the CAP portal and the CET Cell website. You must monitor these websites for updates.
- Registration deadline: 22 October 2026 (URGENT — only 1 day remaining as of 21 October 2026)
- Register on Foreign Candidate Registration Portal: https://fn.mahacet.org
- Complete application form, upload all 5 documents, and pay USD 50 eligibility fee during registration
- After verification, you will receive Provisional Eligibility Certificate
- Subsequent schedule will be published on CAP portal and CET Cell website
Step-by-Step Registration and Admission Process
Step 1: Online Registration on Foreign Candidate Registration Portal. Go to https://fn.mahacet.org and create an account. Fill in your application form with all required information. Upload all five documents (NRI certificate, passports/nationality certificates, court guardianship certificate if applicable, foreign bank passbook copies, and portal receipt). Submit the application form.
Step 2: Pay the USD 50 Eligibility Fee. At the time of submitting your application, you must pay the non-refundable eligibility fee of USD 50. The portal will process this payment. Keep your payment receipt and application number safe — you will need them later.
Step 3: Eligibility Verification and Provisional Eligibility Certificate. The CET Cell will evaluate your application and documents. If you are found eligible, a Provisional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) will be issued online in your login account. You will also receive an email and SMS notification. This PEC can be used for visa purposes if needed.
Step 4: Pay the USD 1,150 Processing Fee. After receiving your PEC, if you wish to continue, you must pay the one-time processing fee of USD 1,150. This payment confirms your intention to participate in the admission process. Without this payment, you cannot proceed.
Step 5: Preference Filling and Seat Allocation on CAP Portal. Once you have paid both fees, you will be able to log into the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) portal using your FCR (Foreign Candidate Registration) application ID. On the CAP portal, you will fill in your preferences for courses and colleges. You can modify your preferences until the last date specified in the admission schedule. The CET Cell will then generate a merit list and allocate seats based on your preferences and merit rank.
Step 6: Monitor the CAP Portal for Updates. The CET Cell will publish the course-wise CAP schedule on the CET Cell website (www.mahacet.org) and on the CAP portal. Check these regularly for dates of preference filling, merit list release, allotment, and joining. Any changes or updates will be notified through the official website.
- Register on https://fn.mahacet.org and complete application form
- Upload all 5 required documents
- Pay USD 50 eligibility fee at submission
- Wait for eligibility verification and Provisional Eligibility Certificate
- Pay USD 1,150 processing fee to proceed
- Log into CAP portal using FCR application ID
- Fill and modify preferences until last date
- Receive merit list and seat allotment
- Complete joining process as per schedule
NRI Quota: 15% of Seats, Merit-Based Allocation
NRI candidates are eligible only for NRI quota seats, which constitute 15% of the total seats available in postgraduate medical courses in Maharashtra. You cannot compete for general (state) seats or any other quota — only for the 15% NRI quota. This means your competition is limited to other NRI candidates, not all candidates.
Seats within the NRI quota are allocated strictly on merit. Your NEET PG 2026 score and rank determine your position in the NRI merit list. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting your preferred course and college. The CET Cell will prepare a separate merit list for NRI candidates and allocate seats in order of merit during the CAP rounds.
It is important to understand that the 15% NRI quota is separate from state quota, all-India quota, and other reserved categories. The number of NRI seats available varies by course and college. You should check the seat matrix (published by the CET Cell) to see how many NRI seats are available in each course at each college before filling your preferences.
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- NRI candidates eligible only for 15% NRI quota seats
- Cannot compete for general (state) seats or other quotas
- Seats allocated strictly on NEET PG 2026 merit (score and rank)
- Separate merit list prepared for NRI candidates
- Check seat matrix for NRI seat availability by course and college
Using Your FCR Application ID on the CAP Portal
After you have paid both the USD 50 eligibility fee and the USD 1,150 processing fee, you will be able to access the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) portal. You will log in using your FCR (Foreign Candidate Registration) application ID — this is the unique ID you received when you registered on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal at https://fn.mahacet.org.
Your FCR application ID is your gateway to the entire admission process. It links your NRI registration to the CAP portal, allowing you to fill preferences, view your merit rank, check allotment results, and complete joining formalities. Do not lose or forget this ID. Write it down and keep it safe. You will need it for all subsequent steps.
Once you log into the CAP portal with your FCR ID, you will see the admission schedule, the list of available courses and colleges, the seat matrix showing NRI seat availability, and the preference-filling form. Follow the on-screen instructions to fill your preferences in order of priority. You can modify your preferences until the last date specified in the schedule. After the preference-filling window closes, the CET Cell will generate the merit list and allotment.
- Log into CAP portal using FCR application ID (from Foreign Candidate Registration Portal)
- FCR ID links your NRI registration to CAP portal
- Use CAP portal to fill preferences, view merit rank, check allotment, and complete joining
- Keep your FCR ID safe — you will need it throughout the admission process
- Fill preferences in order of priority and modify until last date
Important Traps and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trap 1: Missing the 22 October 2026 Registration Deadline. This is a hard deadline. If you do not register by 22 October 2026, you will not be able to apply as an NRI candidate. There is no extension or late registration. As of 21 October 2026, you have only one day left. Do not procrastinate.
Trap 2: Incomplete or Wrong Documents. The CET Cell will reject your application if any of the five required documents is missing or incorrect. For example, if your NRI certificate is from a source other than an Indian Mission or Post abroad, it will not be accepted. If your bank passbook does not show the last 6 months of entries, it will be rejected. If you are claiming NRI status through a guardian but do not provide the court guardianship certificate, your application will fail. Check every document carefully before uploading.
Trap 3: Not Paying Both Fees. If you pay only the USD 50 eligibility fee but not the USD 1,150 processing fee, you will not be considered for the admission process. Both fees are mandatory. The notice explicitly states: 'If the payment of (50 + 1150 USD) is not received the candidate will not be considered for subsequent admission process.' Do not assume that paying one fee is enough.
Trap 4: Confusing the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal with the CAP Portal. These are two different portals. You register on https://fn.mahacet.org (Foreign Candidate Registration Portal) first, pay the USD 50 fee, and receive your FCR application ID. Later, you log into the CAP portal using that FCR ID to fill preferences and complete admission. Do not try to do everything on one portal.
Trap 5: Forgetting Your FCR Application ID. Your FCR application ID is essential for accessing the CAP portal. If you lose it, you may not be able to proceed. Write it down immediately after registration and store it safely. If you forget it, contact the CET Cell immediately.
Trap 6: Not Meeting Other NEET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria. Being an NRI is not enough. You must also meet all other eligibility conditions in the NEET PG 2026 information brochure — such as holding a valid MBBS degree, having appeared for NEET PG 2026, and meeting any other criteria set by the authority. If you do not meet these, you will be rejected even if you are an NRI.
- ⚠️ Registration deadline is 22 October 2026 — only 1 day left (as of 21 October 2026)
- ⚠️ All 5 documents must be correct and complete — missing even one will cause rejection
- ⚠️ Both USD 50 and USD 1,150 fees must be paid — paying only one is not enough
- ⚠️ Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (https://fn.mahacet.org) and CAP portal are different — do not confuse them
- ⚠️ Save your FCR application ID immediately after registration
- ⚠️ You must meet all other NEET PG 2026 eligibility criteria, not just NRI status
Where to Find Information and Get Help
The official CET Cell website is www.mahacet.org. This is where all official notices, schedules, seat matrices, merit lists, and allotment results are published. Check this website regularly for updates. The CET Cell contact details are: Telephone: 022-22016157/53/59, Email: cetcell@mahacet.org, Address: 8th Floor, New Excelsior Building, A.K. Nayak Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001.
The Foreign Candidate Registration Portal is at https://fn.mahacet.org. This is where you register as an NRI candidate, upload documents, and pay the USD 50 eligibility fee. The CAP portal (for preference filling and allotment) will be accessible using your FCR application ID after you have paid both fees.
If you have questions about NRI eligibility, document requirements, or the registration process, contact the CET Cell directly. Do not rely on unofficial sources or social media. The official notice and the CET Cell website are your most reliable sources of information.
- CET Cell website: www.mahacet.org (official notices, schedules, merit lists, allotment results)
- Foreign Candidate Registration Portal: https://fn.mahacet.org (NRI registration and document upload)
- CET Cell contact: Phone 022-22016157/53/59, Email cetcell@mahacet.org
- CET Cell address: 8th Floor, New Excelsior Building, A.K. Nayak Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001
- Check official website regularly for updates — do not rely on unofficial sources
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
I am an Indian citizen living abroad. Am I automatically an NRI for NEET PG 2026 admission?
No. Simply living abroad does not make you an NRI for this purpose. You must have formal NRI status as defined by the Income Tax Act, 2025, and you must hold an NRI certificate issued by an Indian Mission or Post abroad. If you do not have this certificate, you are not eligible for the NRI quota, even if you live abroad. However, if your parents are NRI and hold NRI certificates, you may be eligible under the 'candidates whose parents are NRI' category.
My parents are NRI, but I am not. Can I apply for the NRI quota?
Yes. If your parents are NRI (hold NRI certificates issued by an Indian Mission or Post abroad), you are eligible to apply for the NRI quota even if you yourself are not an NRI. You fall under the 'candidates whose parents are NRI' category. However, you must still meet all other NEET PG 2026 eligibility criteria, such as holding an MBBS degree and having appeared for NEET PG 2026.
What is the registration deadline, and what happens if I miss it?
The registration deadline is 22 October 2026. You must register on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (https://fn.mahacet.org) by this date. This is a hard deadline — there is no extension or late registration. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to apply as an NRI candidate. As of 21 October 2026, you have only one day left to register.
What are the two fees I need to pay, and what happens if I pay only one?
You must pay USD 50 (eligibility fee) at the time of registration, and USD 1,150 (processing fee) after receiving your Provisional Eligibility Certificate. Both fees are mandatory and non-refundable. If you do not pay both fees, you will not be considered for the admission process. The notice explicitly states: 'If the payment of (50 + 1150 USD) is not received the candidate will not be considered for subsequent admission process.'
I have an NRI certificate from my country of residence, but it was not issued by an Indian Mission or Post. Will it be accepted?
No. The notice specifically requires an NRI certificate issued by an Indian Mission or Post abroad. A certificate from your country of residence or any other source will not be accepted. You must obtain the correct certificate from the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
What is the Provisional Eligibility Certificate (PEC), and what can I use it for?
The Provisional Eligibility Certificate is issued online after you pay the USD 50 eligibility fee and your documents are verified. It confirms that you are eligible as an NRI candidate. You can use this certificate to initiate your visa process if you need one. However, receiving a PEC does not guarantee admission — you must still pay the USD 1,150 processing fee to proceed to preference filling and seat allocation.
What is the difference between the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal and the CAP portal?
The Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (https://fn.mahacet.org) is where you register as an NRI candidate, upload your documents, and pay the USD 50 eligibility fee. The CAP portal is where you log in later (using your FCR application ID) to fill your preferences, view your merit rank, and check your allotment. These are two separate portals used at different stages of the admission process.
How many seats are available in the NRI quota, and how are they allocated?
NRI candidates are eligible for 15% of the total seats available in postgraduate medical courses in Maharashtra. Seats within the NRI quota are allocated strictly on merit based on your NEET PG 2026 score and rank. A separate merit list is prepared for NRI candidates. The exact number of NRI seats available varies by course and college — check the seat matrix published by the CET Cell.
I am a ward of an NRI. What additional document do I need to provide?
If you are claiming NRI status as a ward of an NRI, you must provide a court certificate showing that the court has the power to make orders on guardianship. This is a formal legal document from the court that appointed your guardian. Without this certificate, your application will be rejected. You must also provide the NRI certificate of your guardian and all other required documents.
What documents do I need to upload for the foreign bank account requirement?
You must upload a true copy of a foreign bank account passbook showing: (1) the main page with the bank name, address, and your name and address, and (2) entries from the last 6 months prior to admission. This can be the bank account of you, your parents, or your guardian — whoever is claiming NRI status. The bank statements must clearly show transactions over the 6-month period.
After I register and pay the USD 50 fee, how long will it take to receive my Provisional Eligibility Certificate?
The notice does not specify the exact timeline for eligibility verification. However, it states that after verification, a Provisional Eligibility Certificate will be issued online in your login account, and a notification will be sent to your registered email and mobile number. You should check your login account and email regularly after registration. If you do not receive your PEC within a reasonable time, contact the CET Cell.
Can I apply for both NRI quota and general (state) quota seats?
No. NRI candidates are eligible only for NRI quota seats. You cannot compete for general (state) seats or any other quota. Your competition is limited to other NRI candidates for the 15% NRI quota seats available.
If you are an NRI candidate or the child/ward of an NRI, you must register immediately on the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (https://fn.mahacet.org) — the deadline is 22 October 2026, which is tomorrow (as of 21 October 2026). Ensure you have all five required documents ready before you start: NRI certificate from an Indian Mission/Post, passports and nationality certificates, court guardianship certificate (if applicable), foreign bank passbook with 6 months of entries, and your portal receipt. Pay the USD 50 eligibility fee at registration, wait for your Provisional Eligibility Certificate, then pay the USD 1,150 processing fee to proceed to the CAP portal for preference filling and seat allocation. Monitor the CET Cell website (www.mahacet.org) and CAP portal regularly for updates on the admission schedule. Do not miss any deadline or forget to pay both fees — your admission depends on it.
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