The Maharashtra Government revised the definition of ‘NRI’ last year to ensure that admissions through the State’s Common Entrance Test (CET) was granted only to students who were themselves NRIs or are children of NRIs.

The revised ordinance on June 25, 2025 narrowed the definition of ‘NRI’ to mean that candidates based in India cannot be admitted under the NRI quota when being sponsored by relatives such as uncles and aunts.

The current definition allows admission to candidates only after their status as NRIs is duly certified by the relevant Indian Embassy.

The new rule has exposed irregularities in the system. Admissions under the NRI quota through CET has dropped by over 92% for major courses in the academic year 2025-26 compared to the 2024-25 academic year. Admissions for eight major courses under the same quota has also dropped from 454 in 2024-25 to 34 in 2025-26, confirming the misuse of the previous system by bogus applicants.

Data also reveals that the biggest drop was evident in BE or BTech admissions.

CET Cell commissioner Dileep Sardesai said, “Authorities observed irregularities where candidates who were based in India managed to get admission under the NRI quota after being sponsored by relatives like uncles and aunts.”

While the current 2026-27 CET exam is underway, CET Cell’s public relations officer said, “Furthermore, in accordance with the Guardians and Wards Act, admission under the NRI category is extended only to those guardians who have obtained a specific court order to that effect. This modification to the definition of NRI has effectively resolved the ambiguity surrounding the term, thereby ensuring that the benefits of this category accrue exclusively to genuine NRI candidates.” – Image credit: Freepik – editor@nrifocus.com