JEE Main CSAB Counselling Dates, Direct Link, Procedure
| Updated On - Apr 20, 2026
CSAB Counselling will commence just after the completion of JoSAA Counselling. CSAB Counselling is for admission to various undergraduate degree programs in engineering, technology, and architecture based on JEE Main rank.
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Central Seat Allocation Board will conduct the CSAB Counselling in mid July 2026.
- The significance of CSAB Counselling is to fill the vacant seats at NITs/IIITs/GFTIs for candidates who do not qualify in the JoSSA Counselling.
- CSAB Counselling is conducted through three types of seat allocation processes that include CSAB Special Rounds, CSAB Supernumerary Round and CSAB NEUT Rounds.
- You are eligible for CSAB Counselling by scoring 75% aggregate marks in Class 12, a valid JEE Main rank, and must not have secured a seat through JoSAA Counselling.
- Candidates are required to make a new registration for CSAB Counselling, regardless of previous participation in JoSAA.
Also Read:
- Free Zollege College Predictor for JEE Main 2026
- JEE Main CSAB NEUT Counselling
- CSAB Supernumerary Counselling
Key Summary:
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CSAB Counselling 2026 Highlights
The following table highlights the key features of CSAB Counselling process:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conduction Body | Central Seat Allocation Board |
| Official Site | csab.nic.in |
| Purpose | Fill up the vacant seats after JoSAA Counselling at NITs/IIITs/GFTIs |
| CSAB Counselling Rounds | 3 Special Rounds are conducted online |
| Reservation Policy | As per Government of India norms: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC-NCL, 10% EWS, and 5% PwD |
CSAB Counselling 2026: Dates
Normally, CSAB Counselling takes place after completion of JoSAA Counselling. You can check the tentative schedule for CSAB Counselling 2026 as tabulated below:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Announcement of CSAB Counselling | Mid July 2026 |
| Registration Process and Choice Filling | July- August 2026 |
| Special Round Seat Allotment | Mid August 2026 |
| Final Reporting | Late August 2026 |
Note: Candidates are requested to check the official announcement on csab.nic.in after JoSAA Counselling 2026 gets over.
CSAB Counselling 2026: Official Link
Candidates are advised to follow the official CSAB Counselling website to get updates regarding the registration process, seat filling options and cutoffs of participating institutions. You can apply to the CSAB Counselling process by clicking on the following link
Who cannot apply for CSAB Counselling 2026?
CSAB Counselling is not open to all. As per the updates, a certain guideline is being followed by CSAB, which states who cannot apply for the CSAB Counselling process:
- Candidates who have been allotted and accepted a seat through JoSAA are not eligible for CSAB counselling.
- Candidates who failed to qualify for JEE Main are not eligible, as CSAB counselling is based on JEE Main rank.
- Those candidates who do not meet the maximum marks/ subject combination requirements in Class 12.
Types of CSAB Counselling 2026
CSAB Counselling is normally conducted in three different types. The seat allocation of various types is described below:
CSAB Special Round
CSAB Counselling generally conduct three special rounds.
- It normally takes place when seats remain vacant after JoSAA Counselling at institutes accepting JEE Main rank.
- Candidates are required to make a fresh registration; that is, earlier JoSAA registration is not accepted.
CSAB NEUT Round
CSAB Counselling for CSAB NEUT is only for candidates who belong to the North Eastern states and Union Territories like Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, etc.
- They must have a minimum 12th class eligibility and a valid JEE Main 2026 rank.
- The main focus is to allocate seats under the Government of India scheme for technical courses for states/UTs lacking such facilities.
CSAB Supernumerary Round
It offers admission to supernumerary seats beyond the regular quota of candidates.
- For students from Union Territories that don't have their own NIT, for example, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
CSAB Counselling Registration Process 2026
You can see the step-by-step CSAB Counselling registration process for 2026 as described below:
- Step 1: Visit the official CSAB Counselling at csab.nic.in.
- Step 2: Log in using your JEE Main application number and password
- Step 3: You need to select the CSAB Counselling round as applicable based on CSAB Special Rounds, CSAB NEUT Round and CSAB Supernumerary round
- Step 4: Pay the registration fee as applicable
- Step 5: Complete the registration form by filling out the necessary details, choosing and locking the branch and college. There are three options available during CSAB counselling
- Freeze- Accept the allocated seat and confirm it permanently.
- Float- Accept the allocated seat, but remain in the counselling process for future rounds.
- Slide- Accept the allocated college, but request to be considered for a better branch in the same college during future rounds.
Smart CSAB Counselling 2026 Strategy
A Reddit user has shared some of the smart strategies to follow while applying for the CSAB Counselling 2026 process, as follows:
- You should include 2–3 probable options above your current seat — colleges where your rank gives you a realistic shot at an upgrade.
- Include 3–4 safe options below it so you don't lose your current seat while trying to upgrade.
- Avoid colleges with stagnant cutoffs
- Target category-specific reopenings (OBC, EWS and SC/ST ) vacancies because it is often more predictable and higher in number.
Source: Reddit
Documents Required for CSAB Counselling 2026
You will require the following documents while registering for the CSAB Counselling 2026 process:
| Documents | Mandatory | Significance of the Document |
|---|---|---|
| Class 10 Mark Sheet / Certificate, OR Aadhaar Card, OR Birth Certificate | Yes | Verify date of birth with the JEE Main application number |
| Class 12 Marksheet | Yes | To meet the eligibility criteria of 75% aggregate marks |
| JEE Main 2026 Admit Card | Yes | To match the candidate's photograph and signature |
| Passbook Front page | Yes | Needed for refund processing |
| Medical Certificate | Yes | Issued by a registered medical practitioner, confirming the candidate’s fitness for engineering studies. |
| Category Certificate | If applicable | Must follow the Govt. of India format, be valid as of the counselling date, and follow state-specific norms |
CSAB Counselling 2026 Fee
Candidates need to pay the Special Round Enrollment Fee (SREP) to participate in the CSAB Counselling. The fee details are tabulated below:
| Fee Type | Category | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CSAB Special Round Enrolment Fee | General/EWS/OBCNCL | INR 40,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | INR 19,000 | |
| Seat Acceptance Fee | General/EWS/OBCNCL | INR 45,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | INR 19,000 | |
| Addition Fee (If applicable for category change) | - | INR 15,000 |
Note: CSAB Counselling fee will be refunded to those candidates who do not get into any institute through the counselling process or have withdrawn before the deadline.
Also Read:
CSAB Counselling 2026 FAQs
Ques. Can a candidate get NIT through the CSAB Counselling 2026 process?
Ans. All 31 NITs participate in the CSAB Counselling 2026 process. Mostly in the CSAB rounds, lower branches are available, such as Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering. The top NITs are tabulated below:
| Top NITs | |
| NIT Trichy | NIT Surathkal |
| NIT Warangal | NIT Rourkela |
| VNIT Nagpur | MNNIT Allahabad |
| MNIT Jaipur | NIT Calicut |
| NIT Kurukshetra | NIT Surat |
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for CSAB Counselling?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for CSAB Counselling are described below:
- JEE Main Qualification- Candidates should have a valid JEE Main 2026 rank and should not have secured a seat through JoSAA Counselling
- Academic Qualification- Must have passed class 12 with 75% aggregate marks
Ques. How does the CSAB Counselling conduct the seat allotment process?
Ans. The seat allotment process conducted by CSAB Counselling is described below:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of CSAB
- Step 2: Select your preferred colleges and courses, lock your choices and pay the registration fee as mentioned in the information bulletin
- Step 3: Participate in the seat allotment rounds as per the official schedule
- Step 4: Pay the seat acceptance fee and upload/verify the required documents online
- Step 5: Report to the allotted institute to confirm admission and complete all formalities
Ques. Which IIITs participate in the CSAB Counselling 2026 Process?
Ans. All 26 IIITs participate in the CSAB Counselling process. Some of the popular IIITs are listed below:
- IIIT Allahabad
- IIIT Lucknow
- ABV IIITM Gwalior
- IIIT Vadodara
- IIIT Guwahati
- IIIT Nagpur
- IIIT Pune
Ques. Which is better, JoSAA or CSAB Counselling?
Ans. Generally, JoSSA is better and safer as candidates who have participated in JoSAA Counselling will get into top NITs/IITs/IIITs/GFTIs. But CSAB also holds significance for candidates who haven't got into institutes through JoSAA Counselling but wish to complete their BTech/BE from a renowned NIT.
Ques. Can a candidate get NIT without participating in JoSAA Counselling?
Ans. Yes, candidates who have not participated in JoSAA Counselling need to register themselves at the CSAB portal. But for candidates who have taken part in JoSSA Counselling had to re-register themselves for CSAB as JoSAA is not valid for CSAB.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.