CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board)
1.Introduction
Purpose: CSAB conducts centralized counselling for admissions to NIT+ system institutes (NITs, IIEST, IIITs, SPAs, and other-GFTIs) based on JEE (Main) ranks.
Collaboration with JoSAA: Works alongside JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) for joint seat allocation (IITs + NIT+ system).
CSAB Special Rounds: Conducted after JoSAA rounds to fill remaining vacant seats in NIT+ institutes.
2. Key Admission Processes Under CSAB-2024
CSAB conducts three main types of seat allocation processes:
(A) CSAB Special Rounds
Conducted after JoSAA rounds (if seats remain vacant in NIT+ institutes).
Two rounds (Special Round-I & II) for seat allotment.
Fresh registration required (even if registered in JoSAA).
(B) CSAB Supernumerary Round
For supernumerary (extra) seats in select NITs (NIT Durgapur, NIT Calicut, SVNIT Surat).
Only for candidates from Union Territories:
Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu
Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
(C) CSAB NEUT Rounds
For North-Eastern states & UTs lacking technical institutes.
Seats reserved in AICTE-approved institutes under a special scheme.
3. Eligibility Criteria for CSAB Special Rounds
(A) General Eligibility
Must have a valid JEE (Main) 2024 rank.
Must meet Class XII (or equivalent) criteria (75% for GEN/OBC/EWS, 65% for SC/ST/PwD) OR be in top 20 percentile of their board.
(B) Who Can Apply? (9 Types of Eligible Candidates)
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type-1 | Did not register in JoSAA but eligible. |
| Type-2 | Registered in JoSAA but not allotted any seat. |
| Type-3 | Allotted seat but cancelled due to non-payment. |
| Type-4 | Exited JoSAA counselling. |
| Type-5 | Allotted IIT seat but later cancelled/withdrawn. |
| Type-6 | Retained NIT+ seat but wants upgrade in CSAB. |
| Type-7 | Withdrawn from allotted NIT+ seat. |
| Type-8 | Seat cancelled after JoSAA verification. |
| Type-9 | Seat cancelled due to non-payment of Partial Admission Fee (PAF). |
Note:
Type-6 candidates (already holding a JoSAA seat) can participate but will lose their previous seat if allotted a new one in CSAB.
DASA candidates must surrender their seat before joining CSAB.
4. Step-by-Step CSAB Counselling Process
Step 1: Online Registration (Fresh & Mandatory)
Website: https://csab.nic.in
Documents Needed:
JEE (Main) 2024 Admit Card & Rank
Class X & XII Marksheets
Category Certificate (if applicable)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Updates Allowed:
State of Eligibility, Nationality, Gender
Category change (only from reserved to general, if documents are invalid).
Step 2: Payment of Special Round Enrolment Fee
| Category | Fee (₹) | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| GEN/OBC-NCL/EWS | 45,000 | ₹40,000 (SAF) + ₹5,000 (Non-refundable) |
| SC/ST/PwD | 25,000 | ₹20,000 (SAF) + ₹5,000 (Non-refundable) |
Payment Modes: Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card / SBI e-Challan.
Step 3: Choice Filling & Locking
Fresh choices must be filled (JoSAA choices are not considered).
Lock choices before deadline (else auto-locked).
Strategy:
Prioritize higher-preferred institutes/branches.
Fill maximum choices to increase chances.
Step 4: Special Round-I Seat Allotment
Based on: JEE (Main) CRL Rank.
Result: Published on CSAB website.
Willingness Options After Round-I
| Option | Meaning | Next Round Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze | Accept seat, exit counselling | ❌ No further rounds |
| Slide | Accept seat but upgrade within same institute | ✅ Only for higher branches |
| Float | Accept seat but upgrade in any institute | ✅ For any higher choice |
| Surrender | Reject seat, participate in Round-II | ✅ For higher choices only |
| Withdraw | Reject seat, exit counselling | ❌ No further rounds |
Step 5: Document Upload & Verification
Upload Required Documents (if not verified in JoSAA).
Pay Institute Admission Fee-II (IAF-II):
GEN/OBC/EWS: ₹35,000
SC/ST/PwD: ₹12,500
Verification: Done online; respond to queries (if any).
Step 6: Special Round-II Seat Allotment
For candidates who chose Float/Slide/Surrender in Round-I.
Follows same process (allotment, fee payment, verification).
Step 7: Physical Reporting at Allotted Institute
Final step: Report to the allotted institute with original documents.
Pay balance fees (if applicable).
Failure to report = Seat cancellation.
5. Important Rules & Considerations
(A) Refund Policy
| Scenario | Refund Deductions |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal after SAF payment | ₹5,000 (JoSAA fee) + ₹2,000 (penalty) |
| Seat cancellation in CSAB | ₹5,000 (CSAB fee) + ₹2,000 (penalty) |
| No seat allotted in Round-II after Surrender | ₹5,000 (CSAB fee) + ₹2,000 (penalty) |
| Non-reporting after final allotment | No refund (fee transferred to institute) |
(B) Category Restoration
If a candidate’s category was changed in JoSAA (e.g., OBC → GEN due to invalid docs), they can restore it in CSAB by submitting valid certificates.
(C) No Dual Admissions (JoSAA + CSAB)
If allotted a seat in both JoSAA & CSAB, the JoSAA seat will be cancelled automatically.
6. Key Documents Required
Class X & XII Marksheets
JEE (Main) 2024 Admit Card & Rank
Category Certificate (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Medical Certificate (format in Annexure-6)
Bank Account Details (for refunds)
7. Important Dates & Deadlines
Registration: Check CSAB website for exact dates.
Choice Filling & Locking: Usually 3-4 days window.
Seat Allotment: Two rounds (Round-I & Round-II).
Physical Reporting: After final allotment.