JoSAA 2026 vs CSAB SR1 – Full Combined Timeline
JoSAA and CSAB together form the complete JEE Main-based counselling calendar for 2026 — from Round 1 on June 13 to CSAB's final reporting window in mid-August. This page lays out every stage in one place so you can see exactly where you stand.
Why Look at JoSAA and CSAB as One Combined Timeline
Most candidates only think about JoSAA and CSAB as two separate, unrelated processes — largely because they're run through different portals (josaa.nic.in and csab.nic.in) with separate registrations. In practice, though, they form a single continuous counselling calendar for anyone appearing through JEE Main: JoSAA's 5 rounds run first, and CSAB's special rounds pick up immediately afterward using the vacancies JoSAA leaves behind at NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Understanding the full combined timeline matters most if you're unallotted, or unsure whether to Freeze a JoSAA seat versus holding out for CSAB. Knowing exactly how much time separated JoSAA's Round 5 (July 16) from CSAB's SR1 reporting window (Aug 6–11) — roughly three weeks — helps you plan realistically instead of either panicking prematurely or missing a CSAB deadline because you assumed it was "later."
For a side-by-side breakdown of exactly what differs structurally between JoSAA's final round and CSAB (participating institutes, rank requirements, seat pool size), see our dedicated JoSAA Round 5 vs CSAB comparison.
The Full Combined Timeline: JoSAA + CSAB 2026
| Phase | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| JoSAA | Round 1 Allotment | June 13, 2026 |
| JoSAA | Round 2 Allotment | June 30, 2026 |
| JoSAA | Round 3 Allotment | July 6, 2026 |
| JoSAA | Round 4 Allotment | July 10, 2026 |
| JoSAA | Round 5 Allotment (Final) | July 16, 2026 |
| Transition | NIT+ Withdrawal Window | July 16–20, 2026 |
| Transition | PAF Payment & Category Restoration | July 22–24, 2026 |
| CSAB | Registration & Vacancy Display Opens | July 28, 2026 |
| CSAB | Mock Allotment | July 31, 2026 |
| CSAB | Registration/SREF Payment Closes | Aug 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| CSAB | Choice Locking Deadline | Aug 5, 2026 (2:00 PM) |
| CSAB | Special Round 1 (SR1) Reporting | Aug 6–11, 2026 |
| CSAB | Special Round 2 (SR2) Reporting | Aug 12–17, 2026 |
| CSAB | Physical Reporting at Institute | Aug 13–18, 2026 |
JoSAA dates are confirmed and concluded (final Round 5 result July 16, 2026). CSAB registration ran July 28–August 3, 2026, and CSAB 2026 counselling has now fully concluded (SR2 result declared August 12) — verify the final schedule at csab.nic.in.
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Reading the Timeline: Three Distinct Phases
Phase 1 — JoSAA (June 13 to July 16, 2026): Five rounds covering IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs on a single national merit list. This is the largest and most competitive phase, and the one most candidates are already familiar with.
Phase 2 — Transition (July 16 to July 28, 2026): An administrative gap most candidates overlook. The NIT+ withdrawal window (expected July 16–20) lets JoSAA seat-holders formally exit to become CSAB-eligible, followed by PAF payment and category restoration (expected July 22–24). Nothing new is "allotted" in this phase, but missing its steps can block your CSAB eligibility entirely.
Phase 3 — CSAB (July 28 to August 18, 2026): Registration, mock allotment, choice locking, and two special rounds (SR1, SR2) covering only NIT/IIIT/GFTI vacancies left after JoSAA. This phase moves faster than JoSAA's month-long span — the entire CSAB cycle, from registration to final physical reporting, compresses into roughly three weeks.
Planning Tips Using This Timeline
- Don't withdraw from a JoSAA seat casually. The NIT+ withdrawal window (Jul 16–20) is your only chance to exit for CSAB eligibility, and it's irreversible.
- Use the July 16–28 gap productively — research CSAB-eligible institutes and prepare your choice list in advance rather than starting from scratch after registration opens.
- CSAB's entire cycle moves fast — registration to final reporting spans just three weeks, versus JoSAA's full month. Set calendar reminders now for July 28, Aug 3, and Aug 5.
- Plan your fallback options in parallel, not sequentially — if CSAB doesn't work out, state counselling and private college deadlines may not wait for SR2 to close.
Related Pages
JoSAA 2026 vs CSAB SR1 Timeline – FAQs
Common questions about how JoSAA and CSAB's schedules fit together
1Do JoSAA and CSAB run at the same time?
2Why is there a gap between JoSAA Round 5 (July 16) and CSAB registration (July 28)?
3How many total rounds are there across JoSAA and CSAB combined in 2026?
4Do I need to register separately for CSAB even though I already registered for JoSAA?
5If I'm unallotted after JoSAA Round 5, what should I do during the gap before CSAB opens?
6Is CSAB SR1 the same as a JoSAA round, just renamed?
7What happens after CSAB SR2 — is there a Round 3 or SR3?
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Disclaimer
JoSAA 2026 dates are confirmed and concluded. CSAB 2026 registration ran July 28–August 3, 2026, and CSAB 2026 counselling has now fully concluded (SR2 result declared August 12) — verify the final schedule at josaa.nic.in / csab.nic.in.