India, May 20 -- Maharashtra's State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has reported a steep decline in admissions under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota following the implementation of revised eligibility rules aimed at preventing misuse of the category.

According to CET Cell commissioner Dilip Sardesai, admissions through the NRI quota dropped dramatically from 454 students in the 2024-25 academic year to just 34 in 2025-26 after the education department tightened the definition of who qualifies as an NRI candidate.

The revised policy now allows admissions only for students who are themselves NRIs or are the biological son or daughter of an NRI. Candidates are also required to submit certification from the concerned Indian embassy or ...