What is JoSAA Counselling?
JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) conducts centralised online counselling for admissions to 23 IITs, 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, 33 Other Government Funded Technical Institutes (OGFTIs) a total of 113+ institutions with 60,000+ seats.
JoSAA uses JEE Main All India Rank for NIT/IIIT/GFTI seats and JEE Advanced rank for IIT seats. Both rank types are used in JoSAA simultaneously.
JoSAA 2026-27 | Step by Step Process
- JEE Advanced Result + JoSAA Registration: Register on josaa.nic.in using JEE Main/Advanced application number
- Choice Filling: Fill preferences | list up to 250 institute+branch combinations in order of preference. This is the most critical step.
- Mock Seat Allotment: JoSAA releases a mock allotment before Round 1 gives you an idea of likely seat
- Round 1 Allotment: Official first allotment. Choose to Accept, Float, or Slide
- Rounds 2ā6: Further allotment rounds for upgrades/vacancies
- Document Verification: Online (eSeat) verification before physical reporting
- Fee Payment: Pay seat acceptance fee to confirm admission
- Reporting: Report to allotted institute on the specified date
JoSAA Choice Filling Strategy
ā
Critical Tip: Fill as many choices as possible up to 250. Order them carefully from most preferred to least preferred. A choice below your expected seat does not hurt you.
How to Order Your Choices
- Put your dream branch + best college first
- Then same branch at next-best college
- Then second preferred branch at best college
- Include all possible combinations you would be happy with
- At the end, put safer options (lower-ranked colleges, less preferred branches)
- Never put a choice you would NOT accept at the bottom once allotted, you must accept or forfeit
Freeze / Float / Slide Options
| Option | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze | Accept current allotment, no change in future rounds | When you are satisfied with allotted seat |
| Float | Accept current seat, but try for a higher-preference seat in future rounds | When you want to upgrade but will accept current seat if no upgrade |
| Slide | Keep current college, try for better branch within same college | When you love the college but want a better branch |
Documents Required for JoSAA
- š Class 10 Marksheet & Certificate
- š Class 12 Marksheet (Final/Provisional)
- š JEE Main Admit Card + Score Card
- š JEE Advanced Score Card (if applicable)
- š Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- š Category Certificate: OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD (if applicable)
- š DS Certificate for defence service wards (if applicable)
- š Passport-size photographs (6ā10)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does JoSAA 2026-27 counselling start?+
JoSAA 2026-27 counselling is expected to start in June 2026 | after JEE Advanced 2026 results are declared (expected June 2026). Registration and choice filling typically open within 1ā2 weeks of JEE Advanced results. Monitor josaa.nic.in for official dates.
Can I participate in JoSAA with only JEE Main (without JEE Advanced)?+
Yes. JEE Main qualified candidates (without JEE Advanced) can participate in JoSAA for NIT, IIIT, and GFTI seats. JEE Advanced is only needed to compete for IIT seats. You register on the same JoSAA portal your JEE Main rank is used for NIT/IIIT allocation.
What is CSAB and how is it different from JoSAA?+
CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) conducts special counselling rounds AFTER JoSAA ends for seats that remain vacant at NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. If you don't get a seat in JoSAA, register for CSAB. CSAB also has a Special Round for candidates from remote areas and Union Territories.