The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) has announced March 6 as date of entrance examination for entry to popular Master of Computer Application (MCA) course. The 'MAH-MCA-CET 2011' would be conducted from 2 pm and results would be announced on April 8 at 5 pm. Interestingly, DTE has again revised basic eligibility criterion to 50% marks in graduation exam this year.

Originally, the criterion was 50% only, but with a view to attract more students DTE had lowered the aggregate percentage to 45% last year. This was done as the MCA seats had remained vacant due to opening of more colleges and poor response from the students. Those appearing in their final year can also apply.

"The step was taken as per the directions of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) which had framed new guidelines for professional courses like MBA and MCA. These guidelines will be same for the courses all over the country. Till last year, it was up to the respective state governments to decide on the criteria," technical education director Subhash Mahajan told TOI.

Over 7,000 MCA seats are available in 114 colleges from 10 universities across Maharashtra. In Nagpur University as well, over 1000 seats are vacant in 21 colleges. Those are most likely to increase with the entry of many new colleges in academic year beginning June. The sale of information brochure along with application kit has already started from Monday. It will be available for Rs 750 for general category candidates and for Rs 550 for those belonging to reserved category.

The DTE notification informed that the admission would be done online like previous years and the centralised admission process (CAP) will be conducted in first two rounds of allotment and third one of counselling. To help outside state candidates, 'MAH-MCA-CET 2011'would also be held at centres like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Kolkata and Lucknow.