Can I change my choices after locking them?

No, once choices are locked or the deadline passes, you cannot modify them for any subsequent rounds of JoSAA.

What happens if I don't pay the seat acceptance fee?

If you fail to pay the fee or upload documents within the deadline, your allotted seat will be cancelled, and you will be out of the JoSAA process.

Is there a dual reporting requirement?

No, the entire document verification and seat acceptance process is now conducted online. Physical reporting is only required at the final allotted college after all rounds.

IIT-JEE 2026 Admission Guide — JoSAA Counseling Process

Overview of JoSAA

Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) manages the common seat allocation for 118 premier technical institutes including 23 IITs, 31 NITs, IIEST Shibpur, 26 IIITs, and 38 Other-Government Funded Technical Institutes (Other-GFTIs).

Eligibility for IITs vs NIT+ System

To be eligible for IITs, you must qualify in JEE Advanced. For the NIT+ system (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs), you only need a valid JEE Main rank. Additionally, candidates must have secured 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST).

The 6-Round Process

JoSAA counseling typically consists of six rounds. After each round, candidates are allotted seats based on their rank and choices. If you receive an allotment, you must decide whether to Freeze, Float, or Slide.

Freeze, Float, or Slide?

Freeze means you accept the seat and don't want a better one. Float means you accept the seat but are open to a better college/branch. Slide means you accept the seat but are only open to a better branch in the SAME college.

Registration & Choice Filling

Registration is free on the JoSAA portal. Choice filling is the most crucial part—ensure you list your preferred colleges in a logical descending order of preference. There is no limit to the number of choices.

Seat Acceptance Fee

Once a seat is allotted, you must pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) online to confirm your interest. For 2026, it is expected to be ₹35,000 for General/OBC and ₹17,500 for SC/ST/PwD.

CSAB Special Rounds

After the 6 rounds of JoSAA, if seats remain vacant in the NIT+ system (not IITs), two special rounds are conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB).