Mumbai, Oct. 13 -- Students appearing for Maharashtra's Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) for engineering and pharmacy courses may no longer be allowed to choose their preferred district to take the examination. Examination centres may now be allotted based on the PIN code of the college where students complete Class 12, according to a new proposal being prepared by the state's CET Cell to prevent malpractice and increase transparency. The move follows allegations of irregularities at several centres during this year's MHT-CET, with reports claiming candidates paid bribes of up to Rs.15 lakh to secure high percentiles at compromised centres. To prevent such incidents in the future, the CET Cell has begun preparing a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for allotting examination centres, officials said. "Most students complete their Class 12 education at colleges near their homes or within their own districts. Allotting examination centres based on the college's PIN code could help address concerns about the current system," said an official from the higher and technical education department. The CET Cell is also considering exceptions for students who have genuine reasons for seeking a centre outside the district where they completed Class 12. Exceptions may also be granted in medical emergencies, with the CET Commissioner taking the final decision....