CSAB 2026 – How Many Rounds Are There?

Unlike JoSAA which runs 5 rounds over 5 weeks, CSAB is a much shorter process — just 2 main rounds spanning 15–20 days, plus one special round for North-East and Union Territory candidates. CSAB begins within 2–3 days of the JoSAA Round 5 physical reporting deadline and aims to fill every vacant NIT, IIIT, and GFTI seat before the academic session starts.

The total seat pool in CSAB is smaller and less predictable than JoSAA because it entirely depends on how many candidates withdrew or did not report after JoSAA. In years when JoSAA is well-attended, CSAB may have relatively few vacancies at top NITs. In years with high withdrawal rates, more seats open up.

Both rounds use the same choice list you submit once during CSAB registration. There is no re-ordering of choices between rounds — the algorithm simply re-runs with newly available seats.

Once CSAB Round 2 concludes, centralized counselling for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs ends for the academic year. There is no Round 3 or further escalation. Candidates who remain without a seat have the following options:

• State engineering counselling: Each state runs its own counselling for state-quota seats in government and private colleges (MHT-CET, WBJEE, TNEA, KCET, etc.). Deadlines often overlap with CSAB, so plan ahead.
• Private university admissions: Many deemed universities (VIT, Manipal, BITS, SRM) have their own entrance exams and merit lists with late registration windows.
• Lateral entry / gap year: Some candidates choose to attempt JEE again next year for a stronger rank and better options.
• Spot rounds at private colleges: Many AICTE-approved private colleges hold spot admission rounds in August–September for vacant seats.