JEE Main 2026 CSAB Counselling – Complete Guide

CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) is the body that conducts special counselling rounds for the NIT+ system after JoSAA concludes. In 2026, CSAB runs 2 special rounds in August. These rounds are your second opportunity to get admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs if you missed out in JoSAA or want to upgrade your allotment.

Key CSAB 2026 facts: Seat acceptance fee ₹30,000 (General/EWS/OBC) and ₹15,000 (SC/ST/PwD). Separate registration required on csab.nic.in. CSAB also runs NEUT (North Eastern and Union Territory) special rounds. Seats across NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs typically become available in CSAB, largely in non-CS branches at NITs.

CSAB strategy for 2026: (1) Always register for CSAB after JoSAA Round 5 ends — even if you have a JoSAA seat. (2) In CSAB, fill choices that are strictly better than your JoSAA allotment. (3) CSAB typically has better options than JoSAA later rounds because candidates who dropped out create new vacancies. (4) Focus on CSAB NEUT rounds if you are from a North Eastern state or Union Territory — these have significantly relaxed criteria.

Common mistake to avoid: Surrendering a good JoSAA seat thinking CSAB will give a better option. Use CSAB as an upgrade opportunity — participate without surrendering your existing JoSAA seat until CSAB confirms a better allotment. Use our college predictor to identify which CSAB choices are realistic upgrades.