JEE Main Counselling 2026: Dates, JoSAA Schedule, Procedure & Online Reporting
JEE Main 2026 counselling process and seat allotment, key dates, steps, and tips to secure your desired engineering college seat.
If you are planning to appear for JEE Main 2026, the JEE Main 2026 counselling process and seat allotment would be your next big step. This is the moment where your rank can get you a real seat in one of the top engineering colleges in India. The procedure is often considered by many students as quite complicated. However, with proper assistance, it becomes rather simple. In this article, we will explain the JEE Main 2026 counselling step by step, helping you understand how the seats are allotted. Also, we will provide some JEE Main 2026 counselling tips which would allow you to make decisions with confidence and competence.
JEE Main Counselling 2026: Overview
| Particulars |
Details |
| Conducting Body |
Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) and Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) |
| Mode of Counselling |
Online |
| Applicable Exams |
JEE Main (for NITs, IIITs, GFTIs), JEE Advanced (for IITs via JoSAA) |
| Eligible Institutions |
NITs, IIITs, GFTIs (thru JoSAA), the Rest via CSAB |
| Rounds of Counselling |
JoSAA: 5-6 rounds, CSAB- 2 special rounds |
| Key Steps in Counselling |
Counselling Registration, Filling up of Choice, Seat Allotment, Seat Acceptance and Reporting |
| Seat Acceptance Fee |
35,000 ( General/ EWS/ OBC - NCL), 15,000 ( SC/ ST/ PwD) |
| Counselling Start Date |
June , 2026 |
| Documents Required |
JEE Main Rank Card, Class 10 and 12 Marksheet, Category Certificate (in case of category), Photo ID and so on. |
| Counselling Website |
https://josaa.nic.in |
Most Asked Questions:
1. What is JoSAA and how is it related to JEE Main counselling?
The process of seat allotment of IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFT is based on the scores of JEE Main and advance runs through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). It is a corporate counselling authority to the forms of engineering.
2. Who conducts the JEE Main Counselling 2026 process?
JEE Main Counselling 2026 arranged byJoSAA when it comes to IITs, NITs, IIITs and GFTIs and specialised counselling by means of closing JoSAA counselling is performed by CSAB in the remaining seats which remain open.
3. Is JoSAA counselling the only way to get admission in NITs and IIITs?
Indeed, JoSAA is the official online address, which has been authorized to give admission on the JEE Main rank into NITs and IIITs. It ushers a central and transparent process of seat allocation.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event |
Expected Date |
| JEE Main 2026 (Session 1) Result Declaration |
By 12 February 2026 |
| Counselling Registration & Choice Filling |
June 2026 |
| Mock Seat Allotment |
June 2026 |
| First Round of Seat Allotment |
June–July 2026 |
| Final Reporting & Admission |
July–August 2026 |
Note: Ensure to regularly check the official websites (jeemain.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in) for any updates.
JEE Main Counselling Eligibility Criteria - NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
Top Engineering Colleges in India by Rank
Several factors determine JEE Main 2026 seat allotment criteria, which include:
- The first factor is your All India Rank (AIR) in JEE Main.
- The second one is your category – General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, or PwD.
- Availability of seats in various colleges is also a factor that determines seat allotment.
- Lastly, choices you submitted at the time of registration play a significant role.
Every single college taking part in the allocation process abides by the rules laid down by JoSAA to ensure that the JEE Main 2026 counselling process and seat allotment is transparent and fair.
| Institution Type |
Eligibility Criteria |
| NITs & GFTIs |
At least 75 percentile and 65 percentile in Class 12 (SC/ST) or within Top 20 percentile and rank JEE Main |
| IIITs |
At least 75% in Class 12 (65% SC / ST) + JEE Main rank |
| Academic Requirement |
Have passed class 12 (Physics, Mathematics and any other subject, Chemistry/Biology/Technical Vocational) |
| Age Limit |
No age limit for appearing in JEE Main |
| Attempt Limit |
Six attempts at the most, 3 years following the course completion year of Class 12 |
Most Asked Questions:
1. What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for NIT admission?
The candidates should qualify either by scoring 75 percent in Class 12 (65 percent SC/ST) or earn a place in the top 20 percentile in their boards to be called eligible to NITs and GFTIs.
2. Is there any age limit for JEE Main counselling?
There is no age limit to JEE Main counselling. The application must have conquered the 12 th level in the year 2023, 2024, or somewhere it seems that it would pass in 2026.
3. Are droppers eligible for JoSAA counselling?
The answer is yes because even the students who have dropped and have come out in JEE main in past 2 years or the students dropping in the current year and meeting the academic criteria can also get a dropper in JoSAA counselling.
JEE Main 2026 Counselling Process
All those students participating in the JEE Main 2026 counselling have to undergo various steps, from registration to choice filling, among others. Candidates should check the eligibility criteria for 2026 JEE Main counselling before appearing for the counselling process. Given below is the detailed step-by-step process involved in applying for the JEE Main 2026 counselling:
Online Registration:
Candidates can register for JoSAA 2026 on the official website, where they will be required to log in through their JEE Main 2026 application number, password, and security pin. Fill in your details carefully, and then click on the “Confirm Registration” tab.
Choice Selection and Locking:
Candidates are required to fill in their choices of programs and colleges. Once you have filled in your final choices, lock them before the last date of registration. The choices can be edited and locked after each round of JEE Main Counselling 2026.
JEE Advanced Related Links
Most Asked Questions:
1. What are the steps involved in JEE Main counselling?
Steps include registration, choice filling, locking, seat allotment, seat acceptance fee payment, document verification, and final reporting to the allotted institute.
2. Do I need to visit any centre for JoSAA registration?
No, the entire JoSAA registration process is online. You only need to visit the allotted institute physically during final admission and verification after seat allotment.
3. Can I participate in multiple rounds of counselling?
Yes, candidates can participate in all rounds until they freeze their seat or withdraw. Choosing float or slide allows continued participation in further rounds.
JEE Main JoSAA 2026 Seat Allotment
JoSAA will assign the highest suitable seat depending on their assessment of choices of the candidates, JEE Main 2026 AIR, category, availability of seats etc. It is through SMS/mail on their registered number/e-mails that they will be intimated.
Seat Acceptance Fee Payment and Verification of Documents:
Once the seat has been allocated, candidates will be required to pay the seat acceptance fee for the seat allotted to them. This payment shall be made through e-Challan/Net Banking. The seat acceptance fee varies for the categories as follows:
|
General Unreserved
|
INR 45,000
|
|
SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD
|
INR 20,000
|
After the candidates have registered and made the seat acceptance fee, they shall be called to the reporting centre, where their documents will be verified. Candidates will also be given a provisional admission letter.
Report to Allotted College
This is the final step. One will have to report to the assigned college with all the required documents to complete the last verification and get admission.
What Are the Options Available After JEE Main 2026 Seat Allotment?
Candidates will have three options available after the JEE Main Seat Allotment is done:
- Freeze: When the candidate is satisfied with the allotted seat and does not wish to participate in further rounds of counselling.
- Float: When the candidate is satisfied with the seat but would like to be considered for other institutes during the future rounds of seat allocation.
- Slide: When the candidate has accepted the seat allotted but is also open for admission into a higher preferred course in the same institute.
JEE Main Seat Allotment 2026: Fee Details
|
Category
|
Amount
|
|
SC/ ST/ ST-PwD/ SC-PwD/ OBC-NCL-PwD/ GEN-PwD
|
Rs 20,000
|
|
Candidates belonging to other categories
|
Rs 45,000
|
Documents Required for JEE Main Counselling 2026
The following are documents that candidates should have in order to apply to JEE Main 2026 Counselling:
- Letter issued by JoSAA of JEE Main seat allotment 2026.
- Three passport-size pictures (must be identical with the ones uploaded during registration).
- A government issued photo I.D card.
- Documents of proof of fee paid to secure seat in JEE Main 2026.
- Birth certificate.
- JEE Main Admit Card 2026.
- Mark sheet of class 12.
- JEE Main 2026 Score Card.
- Certificate of category (when applicable).
Most Asked Questions:
1. How is seat allotment done in JoSAA counselling?
Seat allotment is revolving around the AIR of the candidate in JEE Main, category, choices selected by them, availability of seat and rules of reservation according to the institute and course.
2. On what basis are seats allotted in JEE Main counselling?
The seats offered are according to rank, preferences, category and number of seats available in desired course and institution.
3. Will I be informed after seat allotment?
Yes, you will get a notification through SMS and email and the allotment status may be viewed through your JoSAA account on the official site.
JEE Main 2026 Counselling: Participating Institutes
|
Institutes
|
Number of Institutes
|
|
National Institute of Technology
|
32
|
|
Indian Institute of Information Technology
|
26
|
|
Government Funded Technical Institutes
|
38
|
Most Asked Questions:
1. How many NITs and IIITs participate in JoSAA counselling?
There were 32 NITs and 26 IIITs partaking in JoSAA counselling of JEE Main candidates who got qualified.
2. Is IIEST Shibpur part of JoSAA 2026?
IIEST Shibpur is also a JoSAA participating institute and it accepts admissions through JEE Main ranks into B.Tech courses.
3. Where can I find the list of participating institutes?
To see the list of the participating institutes, you can visit the JoSAA information site (josaa.nic.in).
JEE Main 2026 Special Round Counselling
After completing the Josaa counselling, the authorities conduct the JEE Main 2026 Special Round Counselling. The JEE Main special round counselling will be held for admission to NITs, IIESTs, IIITs, and GFTIs. To participate in the special round of counselling, candidates have to register separately for CSAB.
Most Asked Questions:
1. What is CSAB special round in JEE counselling?Special rounds are made after JoSAA by CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) to offer seats that still remained vacant in NITs, IIITs, IIEST, and GFTIs.
2. Who can participate in the CSAB counselling 2026?Those, who did not secure seat in JoSAA or wish to upgrade, can take part. CSAB rounds are to be participated in, but registration is distinct.
JEE Main 2026 Seat Allotment and Admission Process - Important Points
The points that are significant to the JEE Main 2026 Seat Allotment and Admission Process are the following:
- JoSAA and CSAB carry out the counselling on a virtual platform.
- The candidates are supposed to apply through JoSAA portal, select options, and confirm preferences.
- Allocation of seats is dependent upon JEE Main ranking, category, and preferences as well as availability.
- Once allotted, the candidates should make payment of seat acceptance fee.
- Online verification requires one to upload the necessary documents.
- Select either Float, Freeze or Slide.
- The candidates are supposed to report in the assigned institute to have their confirmation in the admission.
- JoSAA will have several rounds, and then the CSAB will have special round to fill unoccupied seats.
- All actions should be developed within in time not to be disqualified.
- Proper documentations and payment of fee in a good time are requisite to its approval.
Most Asked Questions:
1. What happens after seat allotment in JoSAA counselling?
There is the seat acceptance fee that needs to be paid after allotment, as also uploading documents, selection of float/freeze/slide and reporting to the institute allotted.
2. When should I report to the allotted institute?
You will need to report to the assigned institute within the stipulated time (as per your round schedule) to have the final verification of the documents done and admit.
3. Can I reject the allotted seat in JoSAA counselling?
Yes, you can refuse the seat or you can step out of counselling. This is however supposed to be done before deadlines in order to qualify in case of refunds or participation in CSAB.
JEE Main 2026 Counselling : FAQs
Q1. When will JEE Main Counselling start?
Answer: JoSSA has opened JEE Main 2026 counselling registration process in June 2026. JoSAA counselling is open to all students thrice successful to acquire the JEE Advanced 2026.
Q2. How is counselling done in JEE mains?
Answer: The counselling of JEE Main takes place online. To get a chance of participating in the counselling process, candidates are required to register on the site.
Q3. Who is eligible for counselling in JEE Mains?
Answer: Only the candidates with the JEE main cut off will be allowed to appear in the counselling.
Q4. When will the JEE Main counselling seat allotment be released?
Answer: JEE Main Seat allotment will be published in online mode by the authority. All of these information should be regularly checked up by the students on the official site.
Q5. How many counselling rounds of JEE Main 2026 will be conducted?
Answer: There will be 6 rounds conducted for JEE Main Counselling 2026.
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