Maharashtra To Begin FYJC Classes By August 11; Statewide Online CAP Extended For Class 11 Admissions

Mumbai: The Directorate of Education, Maharashtra, has issued a directive outlining the schedule for the commencement of First Year Junior College (FYJC) classes for 2025–26. According to a circular dated 20 May, all schools across the state must begin Class 11 instruction no later than 11 August 2025.

However, the directive also offers flexibility to schools, allowing them to start lectures earlier if admissions reach 50% of the total intake capacity, or by 1 July 2025 — whichever occurs first. This provision is intended to ensure that students can begin their academic journey without unnecessary delays following the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) results.

Dr Mushtaq Shaikh, Education Inspector, has circulated the notification to principals and headmasters of all higher secondary schools, urging institutions to adhere strictly to the timeline and ensuring all preparations are completed promptly. The government’s emphasis is on a smooth and timely academic transition, with school managements given autonomy to commence teaching as soon as minimum admission thresholds are met.

A major shift this year is the extension of the online Centralised Admission Process (CAP) for Class 11 admissions across the entire state. Previously, the CAP was only applicable in five major urban regions — Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune-Pimpri Chinchwad, Nagpur, Nashik, and Amravati.

From 2025–26 onwards, students across Maharashtra will participate in the CAP, gaining access to all junior colleges statewide through a unified online platform. Applicants can now list their preferred colleges in any location within the state, significantly broadening their options. For instance, a student residing in Mumbai can apply to colleges in Pune or Nagpur within the same portal.

Despite the expansion, the technical framework of the admission process remains unchanged. CAP Round 1 registration for Class 11 begins today and will remain open until 28 May.

This year, over 20 lakh seats are available across 9,281 junior colleges offering Arts, Commerce, and Science streams, as per data released by the Maharashtra School Education Department.

The government aims to ensure that the transition to higher secondary education is both efficient and accessible, with this revised policy reflecting a push towards greater inclusivity and preparedness.