Piyush · July 30, 2026 
Introduction
The Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) has begun the DASA & CSAB Special Counselling 2026 Registration process. This gives a second chance to candidates who could not secure a seat through JoSAA. Eligible candidates can now complete their CSAB Registration or DASA Registration at csab.nic.in. Registration, fee payment, and choice filling will run until August 3, 2026. This blog covers the complete DASA & CSAB Special Counselling 2026 schedule. It also explains the registration process, fee details, and everything else candidates need to know.
What Is CSAB Special Counselling and DASA Counselling?
CSAB Special Counselling fills seats that remain vacant after JoSAA concludes. The Central Seat Allocation Board conducts this process every year. It covers the NIT+ system, which includes NITs, IIITs, IIEST, and other Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). DASA Counselling, on the other hand, serves a different group of candidates. It stands for Direct Admission of Students Abroad. Through this scheme, Indian nationals living abroad, PIO, and OCI candidates can apply for undergraduate engineering, technology, and architecture programmes. Their qualifying exam scores decide eligibility, not JEE Main rank. This year, both processes run under one counselling umbrella. As a result, DASA (UG) 2026 and CSAB Special Rounds 2026 registrations proceed in parallel.
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DASA & CSAB Special Counselling 2026: Key Highlights
- Registration for DASA (UG) 2026 and CSAB Special Rounds 2026 began on July 28, 2026. This followed the display of vacant seats after the JoSAA 2026 rounds.
- This year, candidates can access around 48,000 seats across 114 participating institutes. In comparison, only 105 institutes took part in the 2025 cycle.
- Additionally, CSAB will conduct the counselling cycle in two rounds this year. Last year, the process ran across three rounds.
- Candidates must therefore complete registration, fee payment, and document upload by August 3, 2026. After that, they must lock their choices by August 5, 2026.
DASA & CSAB Special Counselling 2026: CSAB Counselling Schedule
| Document | Purpose | Format Note |
| NEET UG Admit Card & Rank Card/Scorecard | Proof of exam appearance and rank | Download from the official NTA portal |
| Class 10th Marksheet & Certificate | Date of birth proof | Details must match the NEET application exactly |
| Class 12th Marksheet & Passing Certificate | Academic eligibility | Keep both documents separately |
| Category Certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST) | Reservation claim | Use the Central Government format only, not a state-issued certificate |
| Government ID Proof (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN) | Identity verification | Name must match all other documents |
| 10 Passport-Size Photographs | Required during various admission stages | Use the same photograph uploaded in the NEET application |
| Gap Affidavit/Certificate | Required if a gap year was taken | Get it notarized in advance |
| State Domicile Certificate | Eligibility for 85% State Quota seats | Requirements vary by state |
| Provisional Allotment Letter | Confirms seat allocation | Carry it while reporting to the allotted college |
Candidates should always cross-check these dates on the official CSAB website. After all, counselling schedules can change without much notice.
How to Complete CSAB Registration for Special Counselling 2026
Candidates seeking admission through CSAB Special Rounds must complete the CSAB Registration process. Follow these steps in order:
- Visit the official CSAB counselling portal. Then, select the DASA and CSAB Special Rounds 2026 registration link.
- Log in using your JEE Main 2026 credentials. Note that JoSAA login credentials do not work here. So, candidates must complete a fresh registration.
- Next, verify your displayed details. This includes your name, category, gender, state of eligibility, nationality, and JEE Main information.
- Enter your contact and bank details. Then, accept the necessary declarations.
- Pay the applicable Special Round Enrolment Fee (SREF). Only then can you proceed to choice filling.
- Open the choice-filling page. Select eligible institutes and programmes, and arrange them in order of preference.
- Save your choice list frequently. Continue to add, delete, or reorder choices until the locking deadline.
Importantly, choices submitted during JoSAA do not carry forward to CSAB Special Rounds 2026. Therefore, candidates must fill a completely fresh choice list.
DASA Registration Process for DASA UG 2026
Alongside CSAB Special Counselling, DASA Registration for DASA UG 2026 has also opened. The online application form is now live. Here are the key steps and dates for DASA Counselling candidates:
- Candidates can upload required documents between July 28 and August 3, 2026.
- CSAB will display the mock seat allocation for DASA UG 2026 on July 31, 2026.
- The last date to submit the application form is August 3, 2026.
- Candidates must respond to queries from the Document Verifying Officer by August 4, 2026. They must also pay the balance DASA Enrolment Fee (DEF), if applicable, by this date.
- Choice filling and locking for DASA candidates will take place on August 5, 2026.
- CSAB will announce the Round 1 seat allotment result on August 6, 2026. The Round 2 result will follow on August 12, 2026.
Fee Payment for CSAB Special and DASA Counselling 2026
Registration alone does not guarantee seat allotment. Candidates must also pay the applicable Special Round Enrolment Fee. In addition, they must save at least one institute-programme choice. So, candidates should complete their payment well before the deadline. Otherwise, they risk missing the payment-issue resolution window, since it only helps those who attempted payment before the window closed. Once CSAB allots seats, candidates must confirm admission. This also requires paying the balance admission fee between August 13 and 18.
Eligibility and Documents Required
CSAB Special Counselling eligibility mainly depends on a candidate’s JEE Main 2026 rank and category. Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifying criteria for the NIT+ system. For DASA UG 2026, eligibility works differently. It depends on the candidate’s qualifying exam performance, such as SAT or equivalent scores. Candidates must also hold status as an Indian national abroad, PIO, or OCI candidate. Before registration, candidates should keep these documents ready:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
- JEE Main 2026 scorecard or admit card (for CSAB Special candidates)
- Category certificate, if applicable (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD)
- Nationality or residency proof (for DASA candidates)
- Passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format
What Happens After Seat Allotment
Candidates allotted seats in Round 1 or Round 2 must report to their institutes. They need to do this within the specified reporting window. During this time, they must verify original documents and pay the balance admission fee. Candidates can also exercise seat upgradation preferences between rounds, based on their locked choices. Meanwhile, they should track their allotment status regularly on the official portal. They must also respond promptly to any communication from the institute or CSAB. Otherwise, they risk losing their allotted seat.
How Career Plan B Helps
CSAB Special and DASA counselling both involve tight timelines and multiple steps. Naturally, this can feel stressful for students and parents alike. Career Plan B therefore offers structured support at this crucial stage:
- Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: These help students evaluate whether an allotted branch or institute truly matches their aptitude and interests.
- Personalised Career Counselling: One-on-one guidance helps students choose the right institute and programme preferences during CSAB Special and DASA counselling.
- Admission and Academic Profile Guidance: Career Plan B helps students understand institute options and past cutoff trends before they lock their choices.
- Career Roadmapping: Counsellors build a long-term academic and career roadmap for each student. This ensures the allotted seat fits their broader career goals.
As the DASA & CSAB Special Counselling 2026 window progresses, Career Plan B helps students make informed decisions. This way, they avoid rushed choices under deadline pressure.
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Conclusion
The DASA & CSAB Special Counselling 2026 Registration process offers a crucial second chance. Candidates who missed a seat during JoSAA can now try again. This year, around 48,000 seats await allotment across 114 participating institutes. However, registration, fee payment, and choice filling deadlines fall in quick succession between July 28 and August 5. So, candidates must stay updated with the official CSAB Counselling Schedule. They must also complete each step on time. Otherwise, they risk forfeiting a seat at a reputed NIT, IIIT, or GFTI this year.
Confused about which institute or branch to choose after your CSAB or DASA seat allotment? Talk to a Career Plan B counsellor today for personalised guidance on making the right call.
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