JoSAA 2026 Choice Filling Start Date & Schedule

The choice filling window is only 5–7 days — shorter than it sounds when you consider the complexity of researching 100+ college-branch combinations. Here is why early start matters:

• Research time: You need to look up closing ranks for each branch at each institute across multiple years. This takes significant time.
• Mock allotment feedback: The mock allotment (available mid-window) gives you critical feedback. You need to have a complete initial list before the mock allotment runs, then refine after seeing results.
• Peer comparison: Your friends and peers are filling choices simultaneously. The mock allotment reflects competition pressure in real time.
• Portal stability: josaa.nic.in typically experiences high traffic. Starting early avoids last-day technical issues and server slowdowns.

Tip: Prepare a spreadsheet of your preferred college-branch combinations with 3-year closing rank data BEFORE the choice filling window opens. When it opens, you can input choices quickly without scrambling.

The mock allotment is arguably the most valuable tool in the choice filling process. After Mock 1 results:

1. Check if your mock allotment result is a seat you are happy with.
2. If yes — ensure you have enough choices above it for upgrade attempts via Float.
3. If no (not allotted, or allotted something you do not want) — add more choices, especially in the rank range that got you the mock allotment.
4. Add safety net choices below your mock allotment to ensure you get SOMETHING in Round 1.
5. Check mock allotment 2 after edits to confirm the changes had the expected effect.