Mumbai: The first merit lists for undergraduate admissions in Mumbai University colleges were released on Tuesday, revealing a complex trend in cut-off percentages for the 2025–26 academic year. While some courses have seen a decline in cut-offs at top Mumbai colleges, averaging a 4.45% drop compared to last year, others have experienced significant rises, reflecting heightened competition among aspirants.
In 2025, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, reported F.Y.B.Com. General category cut-offs at 76.33% (HSC) and 91.60% (others), a significant rise from 2024’s 56.20% (General AI), while Christian cut-offs were 50.67% (HSC) and 55% (others). F.Y.B.A. (Arts, Aided) General cut-offs were 90% (HSC Arts) and 97.40% (others), slightly below 2024’s 92.33% (first round) and 90.83% (last round), with Christian cut-offs at 76.50% (HSC) and 79.17% (others) compared to 75.83% (Maharashtra Christian) in 2024. F.Y.B.Sc. General cut-off was 65%, higher than 2024’s B.Sc. IT range of 50.33%–55.33%.
“Traditional courses cut-off has gone down slightly because of the introduction of new professional courses,” explained Rajendra Shinde, principal of St. Xavier’s College.
At Guru Nanak Khalsa College, F.Y.B.Com (Management Studies) Commerce (Open) ranged from 79.50% to 92.83%, up from 2024’s B.Com in Accounting and Finance at 76% (General AI), while F.Y.B.A. (Arts, Open) reached 85.67%, within 2024’s 74%–90% range. F.Y.B.Sc. (Science, Open) at 71.33% exceeded 2024’s B.Sc. IT range (50.33%–55.33%), and F.Y.B.A.M.M.C. (Commerce) ranged from 60% to 84.83%, compared to 2024’s BMM at 49%–76%. F.Y.B.A.F. (Open) was 81.33% (vs. 83.33% in 2024), with Sikh Minority for B.A.F. at 89.17% and F.Y.B.Com (Management Studies) at 63.50%.
K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce presented a mixed picture. The cut-off for FYBCom dipped to 71% from 73.80% in 2024, a 3.79% relative drop. In contrast, FYBAF rose to 90% from 87.33% (a 3.06% increase), and FYBBI surged to 79% from 68.33%—a notable 15.62% relative rise. FYBFM edged up to 90% from 89%, while FYBAMMC cut-offs across streams showed modest increases: Commerce at 82% (up 0.21%), Arts at 83% (up 10.18%), and Science at 68.83% (up 1.47%). The college also introduced new courses, such as FYBLSCM at 49.67% and FYBAF+CMA at 68%, catering to emerging career paths.
Dr. Minu Madlani, Academic Advisor at K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce, noted, “This year’s merit list reflects a growing shift in how students are approaching commerce education. The high cut-off of 90% shows that more students are actively seeking courses that offer not just academic knowledge but real-world skills and industry exposure.”
Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College also revealed a wide spectrum of merit scores. In the F.Y.B.Sc. programme (General category), the highest aggregate was 96.4%, while the lowest was 60%, with multiple students at that threshold. The F.Y.B.Sc. (Biochemistry) course had a top score of 90.33% and a low of 60%. The F.Y.B.A. (English Medium, Outsider category) recorded one of the highest scores across colleges, with 98.8%, while the lowest accepted was 90%.
Mulund College of Commerce released its merit list for the 2025–26 academic year. The B.Com (Accounting and Finance) programme saw a cut-off of 86.5%, while B.Com (Banking and Insurance) closed at 76.83%. The B.Com (Financial Markets) programme had a cut-off of 78.17%, and the BMS programme closed at 82.17%. The B.Sc (Computer Science) programme had a cut-off of 61.67%, and B.Sc (Data Science) closed at 65%.
R.D. National College saw cut-offs drop across multiple courses. The BAF programme cut-off dropped to 68%, down from 74% in 2024. The B.Sc. Biotechnology programme saw its cut-off fall to 67% from 69.33% last year. The B.Sc. Computer Science programme recorded a cut-off of 60%.
Dr. Neha Jagtiani, Principal of R.D. National College, commented, “In recent years, the admission landscape has undergone a significant transformation. There is a clear paradigm shift in the academic preferences of students and parents alike. The modern learner is increasingly gravitating towards professional, skill-based, and industry-aligned courses that promise greater career opportunities and practical relevance. Programmes in Computer Science, Information Technology, Biotechnology, Management Studies, and Accounting & Finance are witnessing a surge in demand. These disciplines are not only aligned with current market needs but also equip students with competencies required for the digital and knowledge economies.”
R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics set high benchmarks, with FYBAF leading at 95.60%. The FYBCom programme recorded a cut-off of 94.33%, while FYBFM stood at 94.50%. For specialised courses, FYBAS (Actuarial Studies) was at 86.83%, and FYBSc (Data Science & Analytics) at 81.00%. These figures indicate sustained demand for commerce and data-driven programmes at the institution.
H.R. College of Commerce & Economics also set high standards, with BCOM, BAF, and BFM all at 95% for the Open quota. The BBI programme’s Open cut-off was 93.50%, with stream-specific cut-offs for Arts at 90%, Commerce at 90.17%, and Science at 78.20%.
