NRI Quota Admissions in Maharashtra Drop by 92% After Rule Changes
The Maharashtra government's revised definition of 'NRI' led to a significant decrease in admissions under the Non-Resident Indian quota for major courses. This development highlights the misuse of the previous system by bogus applicants to secure admissions under the quota. Admissions under the NRI quota dropped from 454 in 2024-25 to 34 in 2025-26, with the biggest drop seen in BE or BTech engineering admissions.
- •The Maharashtra government's decision to tighten rules for the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota in the Common Entrance Test (CET) has led to a significant drop in admissions under this category.
- •According to data, admissions under the NRI quota for eight major courses dropped from 454 in 2024-25 to 34 in 2025-26, a decline of over 92%.
- •The biggest drop was seen in BE or BTech engineering admissions, which reduced from 424 students in 2024-25 to just 27 in 2025-26.
The Maharashtra government's decision to tighten rules for the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota in the Common Entrance Test (CET) has led to a significant drop in admissions under this category. According to data, admissions under the NRI quota for eight major courses dropped from 454 in 2024-25 to 34 in 2025-26, a decline of over 92%. The biggest drop was seen in BE or BTech engineering admissions, which reduced from 424 students in 2024-25 to just 27 in 2025-26.
The Maharashtra Government, through an ordinance on June 25, 2025, narrowed the definition of 'NRI'. Under the revised definition, admission under the NRI category is granted only to candidates who are themselves NRIs—or are children of NRIs—provided that this status has been duly certified by the relevant Indian Embassy. In a statement, 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.
What is the NRI Quota?
The NRI quota is a provision in the CET that allows children of NRIs to secure admissions in various courses, including engineering and medical. The quota was introduced to provide opportunities to students who are not residents of India but have a connection to the country through their parents.
How Does the Revised Definition Affect Admissions?
The revised definition of 'NRI' has made it more challenging for students to secure admissions under the NRI quota. The new rules require students to provide proof of their NRI status, which can be a time-consuming and complex process. Additionally, the requirement of a court order for guardians to secure admissions under the NRI category has added another layer of complexity.
Key Provisions / Legal Framework
- ▸The Guardians and Wards Act governs the rights and responsibilities of guardians in India.
- ▸The Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Act defines an NRI as a person who is a citizen of India but is not a resident of India.
- ▸The CET Rules outline the eligibility criteria and admission process for the Common Entrance Test.
The Numbers That Matter
- ▸Admissions under the NRI quota for eight major courses dropped from 454 in 2024-25 to 34 in 2025-26.
- ▸The biggest drop was seen in BE or BTech engineering admissions, which reduced from 424 students in 2024-25 to just 27 in 2025-26.
- ▸B.Ed admissions increased from zero to one, LLB (three and five years) admissions decreased from 29 to five, and one candidate was admitted to MBA/MMS courses in both years.
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:::callout Did You Know?
The NRI quota was introduced to provide opportunities to students who are not residents of India but have a connection to the country through their parents. However, the revised definition of 'NRI' has made it more challenging for students to secure admissions under this category.
Significance and What Changes Now
The revised definition of 'NRI' has significant implications for students who are seeking admissions under the NRI quota. The new rules require students to provide proof of their NRI status, which can be a time-consuming and complex process. Additionally, the requirement of a court order for guardians to secure admissions under the NRI category has added another layer of complexity.
Way Forward
The Maharashtra government's decision to tighten rules for the NRI quota is a step towards ensuring that admissions are fair and transparent. However, the revised definition of 'NRI' has made it more challenging for students to secure admissions under this category. The government should consider providing more clarity and guidance on the revised definition and the admission process to ensure that students are not disadvantaged.
Concepts Mentioned
CET Rules
CET Rules refer to guidelines governing Common Eligibility Tests, significant for streamlining recruitment processes. They standardize candidate evaluation, ensuring fairness and transparency. The National Recruitment Agency oversees CET implementation.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Act
The Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Act, also known as the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), is a legislation that governs the economic activities of Non-Resident Indians. It aims to facilitate the flow of foreign exchange and promote economic growth. For instance, NRIs can repatriate up to $1 million per year without any restrictions.
Guardians and Wards Act
The Guardians and Wards Act is a legislation that governs the rights and responsibilities of guardians towards their wards in India. It provides a framework for the appointment, powers, and duties of guardians, ensuring the well-being and protection of minors and persons with mental incapacity. For instance, it allows the court to appoint a guardian for a minor if their parents are deceased or incapacitated.
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