What is CSAB?
CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) is the body that fills leftover vacant seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs after all JoSAA rounds are complete. These are called Special Stray Vacancy Rounds — they happen after JoSAA closes, typically in August.
JoSAA vs CSAB: Key Differences
| Parameter | JoSAA | CSAB Special Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| When | June–July | August (after JoSAA) |
| Institutes | IITs + NITs + IIITs + GFTIs | NITs + IIITs + GFTIs only (no IITs) |
| Seats | Full seat matrix | Leftover vacant seats only |
| Participation | Automatic with JEE Main | Separate registration required |
| Cutoffs | Stricter (more competition) | Often more relaxed (leftover seats) |
| Upgrade option | Yes (Float/Freeze) | Limited upgrade in 2 CSAB rounds |
Who Should Apply for CSAB?
- Students who did NOT get any seat in JoSAA despite qualifying JEE Main
- Students who got a JoSAA seat they are unhappy with (e.g., poor branch/location)
- Students who withdrew from JoSAA but still want a centrally-funded institute
- Students who missed JoSAA registration entirely (rare but eligible)
CSAB 2026 — Expected Timeline
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| JoSAA Final Round ends | Late July 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 1 registration | Early August 2026 |
| CSAB Round 1 allotment | Mid-August 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 2 | Late August 2026 |
| Classes begin at most institutes | August–September 2026 |
What Seats Are Available in CSAB?
CSAB seats are whatever remained unfilled after JoSAA. These are typically at lower-ranked NITs, non-CS branches at top NITs, and GFTIs. Occasionally, a well-ranked NIT may have 1–2 CS seats leftover due to student withdrawals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to CSAB if I already have a JoSAA seat?
Yes, but only if you withdraw from JoSAA first. If you hold a JoSAA seat and also want to participate in CSAB, you must withdraw from JoSAA (forfeiting the acceptance fee). You cannot hold seats in both simultaneously.
Are IIT seats available in CSAB?
No. CSAB Special Rounds only cover NIT, IIIT, and GFTI seats. IIT seats are exclusively allotted through JoSAA and are not part of CSAB.
Is there a separate fee for CSAB registration?
Yes. CSAB has a separate registration fee (typically ₹1,000–2,000). You also pay a separate seat acceptance fee if allotted a seat in CSAB rounds.
What is the CSAB cutoff compared to JoSAA?
CSAB cutoffs are generally similar to or slightly more relaxed than JoSAA final round cutoffs. The difference depends on how many students withdrew and how many seats remain vacant.