JoSAA Round 1 vs Round 6 Closing Rank (2025 Data)

Round 1 has fewer seats filled because candidates who got allotted high-priority choices take them, freeing up lower-priority seats in subsequent rounds (via Float). As rounds progress, more seats become available through Float and Slide movements. This means the "last rank admitted" in Round 6 is higher (a less competitive rank) than Round 1, because seats opened up for less competitive candidates. Think of it as demand settling — high demand seats get filled quickly, and leftover seats go to candidates with slightly weaker ranks.

If your rank falls between the Round 1 closing rank and Round 6 closing rank for a programme, you have a realistic chance of getting allotted in later rounds. Choose 'Float' (or 'Float and Slide') as your choice lock-in option so you remain in the running as seats open up. For example, if NIT Trichy CSE R1 closing is 987 and R6 closing is 1102, a candidate with rank 1050 should float — they have a strong chance by Round 4–5. Note: "Round 6" here refers to the 2025 cycle's pattern (used as a proxy for how much ranks ease over successive rounds) — JoSAA 2026 had only 5 rounds total, ending at Round 5 (Final) on July 16, 2026, with no Round 6.

No. Top IIT seats (IIT Bombay CSE, IIT Delhi CSE, IIT Madras CSE) typically differ by only 5–10 ranks between Round 1 and Round 6. These seats are so highly sought after that they fill up quickly. The Float activity for top IIT branches is minimal because most candidates who get these seats keep them as their top priority and don't float to something else.

Newer IITs, lower-ranked NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs see the largest round-wise rank movement, often 15–25% or more. This is because these institutes have more vacancies created by candidates who float up to better options. If you are targeting a newer IIT or mid-tier NIT, waiting through all 5 rounds via Float can significantly improve your outcome.

If you get an allotment but it's not your top preference, choose 'Float' — you keep your current seat but remain eligible for better allotments in subsequent rounds. Only choose 'Freeze' if you are completely satisfied with your allotment and do not want to risk any change. Most counsellors recommend 'Float' unless you're fully happy with your allocation. 'Slide' allows movement within the same institute to a better branch but not to a different institute.