Do international students need to take the MHT CET exam to study in Maharashtra?

No. International category students (FNS, NRI, OCI, CIWGC) do not need to appear for the MHT CET entrance exam. Admission is based on qualifying examination marks and seat availability in the international quota.

Is fn.mahacet.org the official admission portal for international students in Maharashtra?

Yes. fn.mahacet.org is operated by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra. It is the only official single-window admission portal for international category students.

Can international students apply to multiple colleges in Maharashtra?

Yes. Through the single-window system, you can apply to multiple colleges and courses. However, you can confirm only one seat after receiving offers.

Are degrees from Maharashtra colleges internationally recognised?

Degrees from AICTE-approved and UGC-recognised colleges in Maharashtra are recognised globally. Always verify that your chosen college holds the relevant accreditation before accepting admission.

What is the medium of instruction for international students in Maharashtra?

All courses for international students are taught in English. Textbooks, examinations, and academic materials are in English.

Is on-campus accommodation available for international students?

Most colleges offer on-campus hostels for international students at subsidised rates. Where hostel space is limited, colleges assist with finding approved off-campus accommodation.

Can international students work while studying in Maharashtra?

Student visa holders can undertake internships related to their course. Part-time employment rules vary by visa type. Nepal citizens have unrestricted working rights in India.

How much does it cost to study in Maharashtra as an international student?

Annual tuition fees range from $600 to $18,000 USD depending on course and institution type. There is a one-time CET Cell processing fee of $1,200 USD. Monthly living costs range from $150-600 depending on city.

Do Nepal citizens need a visa to study in Maharashtra?

No. Under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Nepali citizens do not require a visa to enter India. They can travel with just their Nepali passport and admission letter.

What documents are required for admission in Maharashtra colleges?

Required documents include: 10th/12th mark sheets and certificates, equivalence certificate, migration/transfer certificate, valid passport (2+ years validity), student visa (except Nepal citizens), passport photos, birth certificate, bank statement showing sufficient funds, and sponsorship letter if applicable. All documents must be in English or officially translated.

From Aspiring Lawyer to ILS Law College, Pune: Why B.A. LL.B. in Maharashtra Is the Best Decision You'll Make

Florence Vaz

16 May 2026 — 3 min read

Every great legal career begins with one defining choice. For thousands of international students every year, that choice is Maharashtra- and more specifically, one of India's most prestigious law institutions: ILS Law College, Pune.

If you've been researching where to study law, you already know that the college you choose shapes not just your degree, but your entire professional identity. Smart students don't leave that to chance. They plan. They research. And increasingly, they're choosing Maharashtra.

Why B.A. LL.B. (5 Years) Is the Gold Standard in Legal Education

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (B.A. LL.B.) is an integrated five-year programme that combines the depth of humanities with the rigour of legal training. Unlike standalone law degrees, B.A. LL.B. gives you a dual intellectual foundation — critical thinking from the social sciences, and analytical precision from law.

By the time you graduate, you're not just a law graduate. You're a thinker, an orator, a researcher, and a professional ready for courtrooms, corporations, or careers in policy.

The specialisation matters. The institution matters even more.

ILS Law College, Pune- Where Legal Legends Are Made

Established in 1924, the Indian Law Society's Law College (ILS Law College) in Pune is one of the oldest and most respected law institutions in all of Asia. Its alumni include Supreme Court judges, senior advocates, bureaucrats, and legal luminaries who have shaped the Indian legal system for decades.

What makes ILS stand apart?

A 100-year legacy of academic excellence and legal scholarship
Moot court culture that trains students to argue, persuade, and win
Pune's cosmopolitan environment, perfect for international students
Faculty who are practicing lawyers, not just academics
A vibrant student community from across India and the world
Strong placement network across law firms, judiciary, and corporate legal teams

Studying at ILS isn't just about getting a degree. It's about becoming part of a lineage.

Maharashtra: India's Most Dynamic State for Higher Education

Maharashtra is home to Mumbai- India's financial capital- and Pune- its educational and cultural powerhouse. For foreign candidates, this means:

World-class infrastructure and student support systems
Diverse, multilingual communities that make international students feel at home
Industry exposure unlike anywhere else in South Asia
Direct access to top law firms, MNCs, courts, and government bodies
A state government that actively welcomes and supports foreign students through structured admission processes

The Government of Maharashtra's Foreign Candidate Registration Portal (fn.mahacet.org) is proof of this commitment- a dedicated, transparent system built specifically for international aspirants like you.

How the Foreign Candidate Portal Works

The Maharashtra Foreign Candidate Registration Portal makes the admission process straightforward, structured, and student-friendly. Here's what you need to know:

Add as many colleges as you like- You can add any number of institutes to your preference list, giving you maximum flexibility
Order by priority- Use the Move column to arrange your 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice and beyond, so your preferences are clearly communicated
Additions only, no deletions- Once a college is submitted, it cannot be removed. This ensures commitment and protects the integrity of the process, so choose thoughtfully

The portal supports courses across Bachelors, Masters, and other programmes- from Law to Engineering, Medicine to Management- across Maharashtra's top institutions.

A Word From a Student Who Made the Move

"If you're watching this, you're already the kind of person who does their research before making big decisions. I was exactly like you. And that's how I ended up at ILS Law College, Pune- studying B.A. LL.B. The faculty, the moot courts, the legacy- it changed how I think. Completely. Smart people don't leave their seat to chance."

That's the mindset that gets you to ILS. That's the mindset Maharashtra rewards.

Is This For You?

You should seriously consider B.A. LL.B. at ILS Law College, Pune if you:

Have completed your 10+2 / Higher Secondary education
Are a foreign national or Non-Resident Indian (NRI) looking to study in India
Want a career in law, policy, corporate affairs, judiciary, or international relations
Are looking for a globally respected Indian degree with genuine career outcomes
Want to experience life in one of India's safest, most student-friendly cities

Your Next Step Starts at fn.mahacet.org

The seat you want won't wait. Every year, foreign candidate seats at Maharashtra's top colleges fill up fast- and ILS Law College is always among the first.

You've already done the research. You've already made the smart choice by reading this far.

Now it's time to act.