As per the official CSAB 2026 schedule, the online registration for CSAB counselling 2026 started on July 28, 2026, at www.csab.nic.in. Candidates who didn’t get any seat during the JoSAA Counselling 2026 can participate in the counselling process within the given dates. The counselling process will be based on the JEE Main 2026 ranks and admission to the NIT+ system (NITs, IIESTs, IIITs, SPAs, and other GFTIs). The last date for CSAB 2026 registration will be August 3, 2026, and the choice filling and choice locking process will end on August 5, 2026.
The seat allotment during CSAB counselling 2026 will depend on candidates’ JEE Main 2026 rank, category, preferences and availability of seats. Candidates who will participate in CSAB JEE counselling 2026 should carefully check the eligibility criteria, important dates, and counselling instructions before completing the registration process because CSAB 2026 provides an additional and final opportunity for students to get admission to their desired institutes and academic programs.
What is CSAB Counselling 2026?
The CSAB is the Central Seat Allocation Board that conducts national-level counselling based on JEE Main 2026 rank. This is a second opportunity after the JoSAA counselling, where candidates who do not get a seat can participate. The CSAB is conducted to fill the vacant seats across the NIT+ system after the last round of JoSAA 2026. Candidates can also participate with a fresh CSAB 2026 registration.
The CSAB 2026 counselling is conducted with the following rounds:
- CSAB Special Round: If any seat remains vacant in the NIT+ System, two special rounds called CSAB Special Rounds are conducted by the CSAB 2026 through its official portal.
- CSAB Supernumerary Round: The supernumerary round of seat allocation is conducted for admission to supernumerary seats in selected NITs (NIT Durgapur, NIT Calicut, SVNIT Surat) for candidates with state of eligibility as Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- CSAB NEUT Rounds: The NEUT rounds are conducted to allocate seats of AICTE-approved institutes under the scheme of “Reservation of Seats in Degree level technical courses for States/ UTs lacking such facilities in the AICTE approved institutes to candidates of North-Eastern states and Union Territories.”
A Quick Comparison between JoSAA, CSAB & DASA Counselling
If you are looking for the best option among JoSAA, CSAB, and DASA, you should check out the comparison table below, which will clearly explain the best option for you by covering useful key aspects.
| Feature | JoSAA | CSAB (Special Rounds) | DASA (UG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Joint Seat Allocation Authority | Central Seat Allocation Board | Direct Admission of Students Abroad |
| Purpose | Main counselling for admissions | Fills vacant seats left after JoSAA | Admission for foreign nationals, NRIs, OCI/PIO (as per current eligibility rules) and CIWG candidates |
| Institutes Covered | IITs, NITs, IIITs, IIEST, GFTIs | NITs, IIITs, IIEST, GFTIs (No IITs) | NITs, IIITs, IIEST, SPAs, and selected CFTIs (No IITs) |
| Eligibility | JEE Advanced (for IITs) and JEE Main (for NIT+/GFTIs) | Valid JEE Main rank | Eligible overseas/CIWG candidates with JEE Main score (Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCI/PIO (subject to current DASA rules), and CIWG candidates) |
| When Conducted | First counselling process | After JoSAA ends | Runs alongside/ through the CSAB portal after JoSAA |
| Number of Rounds | 5 rounds | 3 rounds (special round, supernumerary round, and NEUT round) | Usually 2 Rounds |
| Choice Filling | Fresh registration and choice filling | Fresh registration and fresh choice filling | Separate registration and choice filling |
| Seat Availability | All available seats | Only seats left vacant after JoSAA | Seats reserved under the DASA scheme |
| Chance of Better Seat | Higher, as all seats are available | Possible due to vacant seats, but options are limited | Possible, but options are limited |
| IIT Admission | Yes | No, only NIT+ system | NIT+ system only |
| Registration | Separate registration | Separate registration required | Separate registration |
| Best For | All eligible candidates | Candidates seeking an upgrade or those who missed a seat in JoSAA | Overseas and CIWG candidates seeking admission under the DASA quota |
Note: DASA is a dedicated admission process for eligible overseas/CIWG candidates using JEE Main scores, with its own seat matrix and registration process. It is currently conducted through the CSAB portal but remains a separate admission scheme.
CSAB Counselling 2026 Important Dates
The CSAB counselling 2026 will be conducted within the given dates as mentioned in the table below. The dates in the table below are officially released in the official CSAB 2026 information brochure.
| Round | Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| For CSAB Special Rounds Only | Online request for category restoration starts | July 22, 2026, Wednesday, 10 AM |
| Online request for category restoration ends | July 23, 2026, Thursday, 5 PM | |
| Last day to respond to queries regarding category restoration | July 24 2026, Friday, 12 PM | |
| Display of vacancies after JoSAA rounds | July 28, 2026, Tuesday, 10 AM | |
| Registration | Registration, payment of DASA (UG) enrolment fee (DEF) and/ or Special round enrolment fee (SREF), and choice filling starts. Document uploading for DASA starts. DASA candidates can fill choices only after successful document verification. | July 28, 2026, Tuesday, 10 AM |
| Display of mock seat allocation based on the choices filled in by candidates as on Thursday, July 30, 2026, 5 PM | July 31, 2026, Friday, 10 AM | |
| DASA & CSAB special rounds registration END.Payment of DEF and/or SREF END.Document upload for DASA END. | August 3, 2026, 10 AM | |
| Resolution of payment issues for candidates who have made payment attempts before the payment deadline. | August 4, 2026, 5 PM | |
| For DASA (UG) only, the last day to respond to the queries of the document-verifying officer. | August 4, 2026, Tuesday, 10 PM | |
| For DASA (UG) only, the last day to pay balance DEF, if applicable. | August 4, 2026, Tuesday, 10 PM | |
| Choice filling and choice locking (auto/ system locking of last saved choices) END. | August 5, 2026, Wednesday, 2 PM | |
| Data reconciliation for eligible candidates | August 5, 2026, Wednesday, 5 PM | |
| Round 1 | Display of DASA (UG) & CSAB special round 1 seat allotment result | August 6, 2026, Thursday, 5 PM |
| a. Exercising willingness by both DASA and CSAB special round candidates: Candidates can exercise any one of the following willingness options: FREEZE, SLIDE, FLOAT, SURRENDER, WITHDRAW, EXIT. b. For CSAB Special Rounds Only, Online Reporting: payment of the institute’s admission fee-II (IAF-II), Document upload, and responding to queries (if any) of the document-verifying officer. | August 6, 2026, Thursday, 5 PM to August 10, 2026, 5 PM | |
| For CSAB special Round Only, resolution of IAF-II payment issued for candidates who have made IAF-II payment attempts in Round-I before the payment deadline | August 11, 2026, Tuesday, 5 PM | |
| Round II | Display of DASA & CSAB special Round-II seat allotment result | August 12, 2026, Wednesday, 5 PM |
| For CSAB special rounds only, online reporting: payment of the institute’s admission fee-II (IAF-II), Document upload, and responding to queries (if any) of the document-verifying officer. | August 12, 2026, Wednesday, 5 PM to August 14, 2026, Friday, 5 PM. | |
| For CSAB Special Round only: last day to respond to the queries of the document-verifying officer. | August 17, 2026, Monday, 5 PM | |
| For CSAB Special Round only: resolution of IAF-II payment issued for candidates who have made IAF-II payment attempts in Round-I before the payment deadline | August 17, 2026, Monday, 5 PM | |
| PI Reporting | a. Physical reporting at allotted institutes by all candidates who have confirmed their seats through DASA/ CSAB special.b. Balance fee payment by the candidates at the allotted institute. | August 13, 2026, Thursday to August 18, 2026, Tuesday (tentative) |
Note: The dates are officially released, and the CSAB 2026 counselling will be held accordingly.
CSAB Counselling 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria and have a valid JEE Main 2026 rank can participate by registering separately for CSAB 2026.
| Eligibility Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| JEE Main | Must have a valid JEE Main 2026 rank. |
| Class 12 Qualification | Must satisfy the NIT+ System admission eligibility (75% marks/Top 20 percentile, or applicable relaxation for reserved categories). |
| JoSAA Participation | Not mandatory. Candidates who did not register for JoSAA can also apply. |
| No Seat in JoSAA | Eligible to participate in CSAB Special Rounds. |
| Withdrew from JoSAA | Eligible to participate, subject to CSAB rules. |
| Already Allotted a Seat | Eligible for participation/upgradation as per the CSAB Special Round rules. |
| Fresh Registration | Mandatory for all candidates, including JoSAA participants. |
| Institutes Covered | NITs, IIITs, IIEST, and other GFTIs with vacant seats. |
Note: The CSAB 2026 eligibility criteria are based on the latest information brauchor available on the official website www.csab.nic.in.
CSAB Counselling 2026 Registration – Step by Step Process
Registering for the CSAB 2026 Special Rounds is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps to participate in the counselling:
- Visit the official CSAB portal and log in using your JEE Main 2026 Application Number and Password.
- Complete the fresh registration for CSAB Special Rounds. Registration is mandatory for all candidates, including those who participated in JoSAA.
- Pay the CSAB enrolment fee online using the available payment options. Your registration is completed only after the payment is successful.
- Fill in your choices by selecting your preferred NITs, IIITs, IIEST, and other GFTIs along with the desired courses.
- Arrange and lock your choices before the deadline. Carefully review your preferences, as the seat allotment will be based on the final locked choices.
- Check the seat allotment result on the scheduled date by logging in to the CSAB portal.
- Complete online reporting if you are allotted a seat. Upload the required documents and respond to any queries raised during document verification.
- Pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF), if applicable, to confirm your allotted seat.
- Report to the allotted institute within the specified dates to complete the admission process, document verification, and other institute-specific formalities.
CSAB Counselling 2026 Registration Fee
While registering for CSAB 2026, candidates will need to pay some charges, including the amount paid during the fresh registration, the non-refundable processing charges and the institute admission fee – II payable after a seat is allotted. The date to pay the registration and SREF payment is between July 28 and August 3, 2026, at 10 AM.
| Fee component | GEN, GEN-EWS and OBC-NCL | SC, ST and PwD | When payable |
| Special Round Processing Fee | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 | During registration |
| Institute Admission Fee-I | ₹35,000 | ₹14,000 | Included in SREF |
| Total SREF | ₹40,000 | ₹19,000 | During registration |
| Institute Admission Fee-II | ₹35,000 | ₹16,000 | After first seat allotment |
| Total for a fresh candidate securing a seat | ₹75,000 | ₹35,000 | Registration plus allotment |
Note: The CSAB 2026 Fee structure is based on the latest information brochure released on the official website.
Category-wise CSAB 2026 Fees for General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD
| Category | SREF at registration | IAF-II after allotment | Normal combined payment without prior adjustment |
| General | ₹40,000 | ₹35,000 | ₹75,000 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹40,000 | ₹35,000 | ₹75,000 |
| GEN-EWS | ₹40,000 | ₹35,000 | ₹75,000 |
| SC | ₹19,000 | ₹16,000 | ₹35,000 |
| ST | ₹19,000 | ₹16,000 | ₹35,000 |
| PwD | ₹19,000 | ₹16,000 | ₹35,000 |
Note: Candidates need to pay the SREF and IAF-II fee, which can be paid after the seat allotment, as per the CSAB 2026 latest information brochure.
Documents Required for CSAB Counselling 2026
When you receive a seat allotment in CSAB 2026, you must prepare the documents required at the time of online reporting. CSAB document verification serves the same fundamental purpose as JoSAA. The documents should be completed because missing even one document can result in cancellation of the student’s allotment. Check out the documents required for all candidates below.
- JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
- JEE Main 2026 Scorecard/Rank Card
- Class 10 Certificate or Mark Sheet (proof of date of birth)
- Class 12 Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable
- PwD Certificate and/or UDID Card, if applicable
- State of Eligibility Proof (if required)
- Medical Certificate in the prescribed format
- CSAB Seat Allotment Letter (after seat allotment)
- Proof of Seat Acceptance Fee/Admission Fee Payment
- Migration Certificate (if required by the allotted institute)
- Character/Transfer Certificate from the last attended institution (if required)
Note: The documents should be uploaded clearly and in the given format specified in the official CSAB 2026 information brochure. Candidates should also carry the original documents while physically reporting at the allotted college.
CSAB Counselling 2026 Participating Institutes & Seat Matrix
Based on the data available on the CSAB official website, there are a total of 114 institutes participating in CSAB 2026 counselling. The allotment of seats will be done based on the preference given by candidates and the availability of seats and branches in the college.
| Institute Type | Number of Institutes (2026) | Vacant Seats (based on 2025 data) |
| National Institutes of Technology (NITs) | 31 | 4580 |
| IIEST Shibpur | 1 | Varies |
| Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) | 26 | 3087 |
| Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) | 3 | Varies |
| Other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) (including 9 new institutes in 2026) | 53 | 6060 |
| Total | 114 | Expected 48,000 (increase from 13,727 seats in 2025) |
Note: Based on the latest data available on the CSAB official website www.csab.nic.in.
Also Read:
JEE Advanced Result 2026 LIVE
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Toppers List
How Many Attempts Are Allowed for JEE Main
Top 3 JEE Coaching in Sikar 2026
Most Significant Challenges Students Face in Top JEE NEET Coaching in Sikar and How to Overcome Them
CSAB Counselling 2026 Cutoff
The CSAB Cutoff for all three rounds, such as NEUT, Special and Supernumerary, is released after each round of counselling is conducted. This year, 2026, the CSAB cutoff will be released in August 2026, and you can easily check the CSAB 2026 opening and closing ranks for NITs. IIITs, IEST, SPAs and GFTIs. The cut-off varies depending on the institute, course, category, quota, gender, and the number of vacant seats available.
As of now, no official CSAB cutoff for 2026 is yet available. To give you an idea, we have attached the official CSAB 2025 opening and closing ranks for all rounds below.
Download or View CSAB 2025 Cutoff (Opening & Closing Rank)
Conclusion
Following the JoSAA counselling for 2026, CSAB counselling for special rounds has commenced. CSAB 2026 will feature three special rounds for candidates who did not secure a seat in the previous counselling process or those wishing to upgrade their seat choice. Registration will remain open until August 3, 2026.
According to data available on the CSAB website, a total of 114 institutes are participating in the CSAB counselling for the 2026-27 academic year, with 48,000 seats available for admission within the NIT+ system. While the total number of seats stood at approximately 13,727 in 2025, this figure is expected to rise this year due to delays in medical counselling results and subsequent seat surrenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates who participated in JoSAA counselling and didn’t get a seat for admission can participate in CSAB. Fresh candidates can also participate in the CSAB for seat allotment.
If you didn’t get a seat in CSAB and you had a JoSAA seat, then your seat will remain safe.
No, the choice you submitted in JoSAA will not carry over to CSAB, and candidates need to register afresh and fill choice again for an allotment.
No, the CSAB registration is not completely free, as candidates need to pay a mandatory special round enrolment fee (SREF) that includes a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 5000/-.
Yes, there is reservation in CSAB 2026 as 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, and 27% for OBC-NCL. EWS, PwD and state-specific quota will be as per the JoSAA norms.
