Pune FY Degree Admissions: Top Colleges to Keep Cut-Offs Above 90% Despite Dip in HSC Results

Pune, 5th May 2026: Admissions to first-year undergraduate courses in Pune are expected to see a mixed trend this year, with easier entry into basic degree programmes in arts, science, and commerce, while competition is likely to remain intense for professional and skill-based courses.

The development follows the recent declaration of the Class 12 results by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, which recorded a dip compared to previous years. As a result, education experts anticipate a slight drop in cut-off percentages for undergraduate admissions across colleges in the city.

However, the impact is unlikely to be uniform. Leading colleges are expected to maintain high cut-offs in the first merit list, with estimates ranging between 92% and 96%. Students aiming to secure admission in the initial round at reputed institutions will still need to score above 90%, while subsequent lists may see only a marginal decline.

College principals indicated that although the overall cut-offs may soften compared to last year, premier institutions will witness minimal changes. “The cut-off for science streams at Fergusson College is expected to remain between 90% and 95%, while sought-after arts subjects may go as high as 95% to 98%. Even in later rounds, the drop is usually limited to 1 to 1.5%,” said Dr Shyam Mude, Principal of Fergusson College.

Admissions dynamics are also likely to be influenced by the results of various Common Entrance Tests (CET) for professional courses. Once these results are announced, a section of students is expected to opt for specialised programmes, potentially leaving some seats vacant in science streams at top colleges after the third or fourth round. These vacancies could provide opportunities for students waiting in subsequent merit lists.

A clear shift in student preferences is also emerging. While demand for traditional BSc, BA, and BCom programmes is relatively stable or declining, there is a growing inclination towards industry-oriented courses. Subjects such as biotechnology, microbiology, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cyber security are witnessing increased interest in the science stream.

In the arts stream, psychology, political science, economics, history, English, and liberal arts continue to attract a large number of applicants. Similarly, commerce-related programmes such as BCom (Honours), BBA in human resource management, management science, hospitality management, international business, and banking and finance are expected to remain competitive.

“The admission landscape varies not just by stream but also by specific subjects. While some core science subjects are seeing lower enrolment, emerging fields like data science and AI are drawing more students. In arts, subjects like psychology, political science, and history consistently remain in demand. Limited availability of experienced faculty in reputed colleges also keeps their cut-offs high,” said Dr Avinash Moharil, Principal of Sir Parashurambhau College.

Overall, while students may find it relatively easier to secure admission in general degree courses this year, gaining entry into top colleges and specialised programmes will continue to require high academic scores, reflecting sustained competition in Pune’s higher education landscape.