The Scam Targeting International Students

Every year, students from Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the UAE, Kenya, the Philippines, and dozens of other countries are approached by agents who claim they can secure a college seat in Maharashtra, India, for a fee. The amounts vary: some agents charge a few hundred dollars, others ask for thousands. Some frame it as a "processing fee", a "documentation service", or an "application assistance package".

Here is the truth: none of those services are necessary. The Government of Maharashtra has built a complete, single-window portal at fn.mahacet.org that allows international students to check eligibility, upload documents, pay the official fee, and receive a college allotment. All of this happens without involving any third party.

What the Official Process Actually Is

Maharashtra is home to over 6,000 educational institutions, with more than 200 colleges accepting international students across MBBS, Engineering, MBA, Pharmacy, and Architecture programs. The State CET Cell, which oversees admissions, built fn.mahacet.org to serve Foreign Nationals, NRI, OCI, PIO, CIWGC, and Merchant Navy candidates directly.

The portal is designed so that you, the student, can do everything yourself. You do not need to hire anyone. You do not need to pay anyone other than the official registration fees listed on the portal. The entire process is straightforward, official, and transparent.

The official one-time registration fee is USD $1,200, paid in two parts: USD $50 as a provisional registration fee, then USD $1,150 after your eligibility is confirmed. That is the complete payment to the portal. College tuition fees are paid separately, directly to the college you are allotted.

What You Actually Pay: Official Fees for 2026-27

These are the real fees for studying in Maharashtra as an international student. There is no agent fee added on top. Every figure below comes directly from fn.mahacet.org.

How to Spot a Scam Agent: Seven Red Flags

Fraudulent agents are skilled at sounding official. They may use official-sounding names, build professional-looking websites, or claim to be "authorised partners" of Indian universities. None of that makes them legitimate. Here are the warning signs to watch for before paying anyone:

• They ask for a fee before your application is submitted to fn.mahacet.org
• They claim you cannot apply on your own and must go through them
• They promise a "guaranteed" seat at a specific, named college
• They ask you to pay via unofficial channels: personal bank accounts, Western Union, cash, or crypto
• They say the government portal is "too complicated" and offer to handle it on your behalf
• They charge a "consultation fee", "documentation fee", or "processing charge" on top of official costs
• They cannot name a contact at the State CET Cell, Maharashtra, who authorises their role

Apply Yourself: The Official 6-Step Process

You can complete your entire application from your phone or laptop. No travel, no appointments, no agent required. Here is exactly how the process works on fn.mahacet.org, step by step:

1. 1
   Check Your Student Category Visit fn.mahacet.org/category-check/ to find out whether you apply as a Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, CIWGC, or Merchant Navy candidate. Each category has different document requirements listed on the portal.
2. 2
   Register an Account on the Portal Go to fn.mahacet.org and click Register. Fill in your personal and academic details and select your correct student category. This takes under 15 minutes.
3. 3
   Upload Your Documents Upload scanned copies of your passport, academic certificates, passport-size photo, and any category-specific documents. If your school board is non-Indian, you will need an AIU equivalency certificate, which takes 4 to 6 weeks to obtain.
4. 4
   Pay the USD $50 Provisional Fee This secures your registration slot. Payment is made securely through the official portal payment gateway. Do not pay this amount to any third party under any circumstances.
5. 5
   Receive Your Eligibility Letter and Pay USD $1,150 Once the CET Cell verifies your documents, you receive a provisional eligibility letter. Pay the remaining USD $1,150 directly on the portal to confirm your registration. College allotment follows from here.
6. 6
   Apply for Your Indian Student Visa With your allotment letter in hand, apply for a Student (S) visa at the nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Book your flights once the visa is approved.

Your First Week in Maharashtra: A Practical Checklist

Once you have your visa and your flight is booked, arriving in Maharashtra is straightforward. Here is what to prioritise in your first seven days on the ground.

Official Portal vs Scam Agent: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Still unsure whether you need an agent? Here is an honest comparison between what the official process offers and what scam agents claim to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fn.mahacet.org really free to use without an agent?

Yes. The portal is designed for students to use directly, without assistance from any third party. You create your own account, upload your own documents, and pay the official USD $1,200 fee to the State CET Cell. No agent, consultant, or middleman is needed or authorised anywhere in this process.

I already paid an agent. What should I do now?

Do not panic. First, check whether the agent actually submitted your application on fn.mahacet.org. Log in or create a new account on the portal to verify your registration status. If you believe you have been defrauded, report it to your local consumer protection authority. You can also contact the State CET Cell at student@mahacet.org for guidance on your official application status.

Do international students need to sit MHT-CET or JEE Main?

No. International students, including Foreign Nationals, NRI, OCI, PIO, CIWGC, and Merchant Navy candidates, are exempt from MHT-CET for Engineering, Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, and Hotel Management programs. Admissions are based on 12th-grade academic merit, processed entirely through fn.mahacet.org. Note that NEET still applies for MBBS seats and NATA applies for B.Arch.

How do I verify whether an agent is authorised?

The State CET Cell does not authorise private agents to collect fees or process applications on its behalf. If an agent claims to be an authorised partner, ask them for written confirmation from the State CET Cell, Maharashtra. If they cannot produce official written proof, they are not authorised and you should not pay them.

What is the total cost of studying in Maharashtra as an international student?

The one-time registration fee to fn.mahacet.org is USD $1,200. College tuition varies by program: approximately USD 4,800 to 42,000 per year depending on the course and college. Living costs in Maharashtra cities are significantly lower than in Western countries or the Gulf. There is no other mandatory fee payable to any agent or intermediary.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my application?

Contact the official student support helpline directly: phone +91-9076000348 or +91-8879082178, available Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM IST. Email: student@mahacet.org. These are the only official contacts you should use. Do not rely on agents to communicate with the CET Cell on your behalf.