JoSAA 2026 DASA/NRI Quota Seats – Eligibility, Fees & Process

The DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme provides a pathway for NRI, OCI, PIO, and foreign national students to gain admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs without appearing for JEE Main. Admission is based on SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) scores. DASA seats are supernumerary — additional seats on top of the regular JEE Main-based intake, so they don't affect regular Indian students' admission chances.

DASA 2026 is administered by NIT Warangal as the coordinating institute. Applications are submitted on the official DASA portal (dasanit.org). Eligible candidates include Indian nationals abroad, NRI/OCI/PIO holders, and foreign nationals who have completed or are completing equivalent of Class 12 with PCM.

An important clarification: NRI students who appeared for JEE Main from India should use the regular JoSAA counselling route — not DASA. JoSAA treats NRI students the same as Indian resident students for the purpose of JEE Main-based admissions. You get the same rank list and same access to NIT/IIIT seats.

DASA is specifically for students who could NOT appear for JEE Main because they were studying/residing abroad. If you have a JEE Main rank, JoSAA is your route and gives better options than DASA at competitive programs. Use DASA only if you are unable to qualify or appear for JEE Main from India.