Dr. Ashok Gujar Technical Institute's Dr.Daulatrao Aher College of Engineering, Banavadi, KARAD, Tal. Karad

Established in 2008, Dr. Daulatrao Aher College of Engineering (DACOE) in Karad has emerged as a premier technical institution in Western Maharashtra. Managed by the G.K. Gujar Memorial Charitable Trust, the college is committed to providing quality technical education to the rural and urban youth of Satara and surrounding districts.

• Affiliation: Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
• Approvals: Approved by AICTE, New Delhi and DTE Maharashtra.
• Campus: Sprawling 10-acre campus located at Banavadi, Karad, on the Pune-Bangalore Highway.
• Accreditation: NAAC Accredited with a focus on outcome-based education.
• DTE Code: 6303.
• Location Advantage: Situated in Karad, an educational hub, providing proximity to industrial zones in Satara, Sangli, and Pune.

DACOE Karad is widely recognized for its Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) programs that align with modern industry requirements. The most sought-after programs for the 2026 academic year include:

• Computer Science and Engineering: Highly popular due to the booming IT sector and strong placement records in Pune and Bangalore.
• Mechanical Engineering: Benefits from the local industrial ecosystem in Satara and the manufacturing corridor of Maharashtra.
• Civil Engineering: Known for its focus on practical site visits and consultancy projects.
• Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering: Focuses on VLSI, Embedded Systems, and IoT.

The college also offers post-graduate research opportunities and focuses on interdisciplinary projects to enhance student employability.

Admissions at DACOE Karad are primarily conducted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) of the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra. For 2026, the following timeline is expected:

• MHT-CET 2026 Entrance Exam: April - May 2026.
• JEE Main 2026 (Session 1 & 2): January and April 2026.
• Online Registration for CAP: June 2026.
• Document Verification: June - July 2026.
• Display of Merit Lists: July 2026.
• CAP Round Allotments: August 2026.

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biotechnology with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories). Direct Second Year (DSE) admissions are also available for Diploma holders based on their final year marks.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the difficulty of entrance exams and the number of applicants. Estimated MHT-CET percentile ranges for general category (Home University) are as follows:

Cutoffs for JEE Main candidates typically range between 70 to 80 percentile for the CSE branch. Reserved category students and candidates from other universities may see variations in these scores.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw a steady influx of recruiters, particularly from the IT and Manufacturing sectors. The college's Training and Placement (T&P) cell emphasizes soft skills and aptitude training from the third year onwards.

• Highest Package: INR 10.5 LPA (Offered by a leading IT MNC).
• Average Package: INR 3.8 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Capgemini, Cognizant, and local giants like Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Cooper Corporation.
• Placement Rate: Approximately 75% of eligible students secured offers before graduation.
• Internships: Over 150 students completed internships in companies located in the Satara MIDC and Pune IT parks.

DACOE facilitates various government and private scholarships to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. In 2026, students can avail:

• Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Reimbursement: 50% tuition fee waiver for EBC students.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: 100% tuition fee waiver for SC/ST/VJNT/SBC students as per government norms.
• OBC Scholarship: 50% tuition fee waiver for OBC category students.
• Minority Scholarship: Financial assistance for students from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities.
• TFWS (Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme): Available for top-merit students with low family income.

The academic portfolio at DACOE is designed to cater to the evolving technological landscape. Popular courses include:

• B.E. Computer Science & Engineering: Focuses on AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science.
• B.E. Mechanical Engineering: Known for its state-of-the-art workshop and CAD/CAM labs.
• B.E. Electronics and Telecommunication: Emphasizes robotics and automation.
• B.E. Civil Engineering: Offers specialization in structural engineering and environmental planning.

All courses are supplemented with value-added programs and certifications to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

The fee structure for the academic year 2026 is regulated by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA), Maharashtra. Below is the estimated annual fee:

Note: Fees are subject to change based on FRA decisions. Hostel and mess charges are additional, approximately INR 35,000 to 45,000 per year.

The application process for 2026 is primarily online through the State CET Cell portal. The steps are:

1. Registration: Visit the official MHT-CET/DTE website and register for the CAP rounds.
2. Option Form: Fill in the college code 6303 as your preferred choice in the option form.
3. Merit Ranking: Based on your entrance scores, a state-level merit number will be assigned.
4. Seat Allotment: If allotted, download the allotment letter and visit the reporting center.
5. Admission Confirmation: Visit DACOE Karad with all original documents and the prescribed fee to confirm your seat.

For institutional quota seats, students should contact the college office directly after the CAP rounds begin.

DACOE Karad boasts a modern infrastructure that supports both academic and extracurricular growth:

• Laboratories: Specialized labs for each department, including a High-Performance Computing lab for CSE and a Fluid Mechanics lab for Civil.
• Library: A digital library with access to international journals, e-books, and a spacious reading hall.
• Hostels: Separate, secure hostels for boys and girls with Wi-Fi and mess facilities.
• Sports: Large playground for cricket, football, and volleyball, along with indoor facilities for table tennis and chess.
• Auditorium: A well-equipped seminar hall for guest lectures and workshops.

The college is organized into the following academic departments:

• Department of Computer Science & Engineering
• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Department of Civil Engineering
• Department of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
• Department of Basic Sciences & Humanities: Handles the first-year curriculum and foundation courses.

Each department is led by experienced faculty members who focus on a mix of theoretical knowledge and industry-relevant projects.