Can a Student Apply for Both JoSAA and CSAB?

Can a Student Apply for Both JoSAA and CSAB: Every year, as the JEE Advanced and JEE Mains results are declared, lakhs of students enrol themselves in the counselling process so that they can secure their desired seat in the top engineering institutes such as IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The governing body that conducts the counselling of these candidates is JoSAA or (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). However, as the JoSAA counselling rounds come to an end, there are many students who end up without a seat and wish to have a better course or institute. That’s where CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) plays a major role. This governing body offers special rounds of counselling to fill vacant seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs (but not IITs).

So, a common question that arises among the candidates is: Can a student apply for both JoSAA and CSAB? The answer is yes—students can apply to both, and doing so may actually improve their chances of getting a seat in a preferred college or branch. But there are some rules and steps to follow carefully. This article explains everything you need to know about participating in both JoSAA and CSAB counselling.

Also Check - How to Fill Undertaking Form of JoSAA?

What Are JoSAA and CSAB?

JoSAA is the official counselling body that is designed for admissions into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The governing body conducts six rounds of counselling based upon JEE Main and JEE Advanced ranks. All students who wish to get admission into these institutes must register for JoSAA and participate in the process.

On the other hand, CSAB comes into play after JoSAA completes its six rounds. It conducts two special rounds of counselling to fill any leftover seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. However, CSAB does not offer seats in IITs. It uses JEE Main scores only, and it's especially helpful for those who didn’t get any seat through JoSAA or are looking for better options.

Can I Apply for JoSAA and CSAB?

Yes, you can apply for both. In fact, this is a common route taken by many aspirants. First, you must participate in JoSAA counselling and go through all its rounds. If they don’t get a seat or are not satisfied with the allotted seat, they can also apply for CSAB counselling.

Some of you who accept a seat through JoSAA may still apply for CSAB to try for an upgrade. However, if you are allotted a new seat in CSAB, then their previous JoSAA seat will be cancelled, and you must take the CSAB seat.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for JoSAA and CSAB?

For JoSAA, you must have qualified in either JEE Main or JEE Advanced, depending on the institute they are aiming for (IITs require JEE Advanced; NITs/IIITs/GFTIs accept JEE Main).

For CSAB, you must have appeared for JEE Main and must either:

• Not have received any seat during JoSAA counselling, or

• Have received a seat but want to participate again to try for a better one.

What Happens to JoSAA Seat If I Join CSAB?

If you have already accepted a seat through JoSAA and are participating in CSAB:

• If you are not allotted a new seat in CSAB, your JoSAA seat remains safe.

• If you are allotted a seat through CSAB, your JoSAA seat will be automatically cancelled, and you must join the institute allotted through CSAB. There is no going back to the previous seat.

This is why you must be very careful before registering for CSAB and should do so only if you are ready to give up your JoSAA seat in case a new one is allotted.

Fees and Refunds for JoSAA and CSAB

For JoSAA, you have to pay a seat acceptance fee—₹35,000 for General/OBC candidates and ₹17,500 for SC/ST/PwD. This is usually adjusted in the admission fee or refunded if you withdraw before the final round.

For CSAB, you have to pay a non-refundable registration fee, which may vary between ₹3,000–₹4,000. If a seat is allotted in CSAB and you choose not to take it, no refund is given. So, you should apply only if you are serious about joining.

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What are the Options During JoSAA and CSAB Counselling?

Both JoSAA and CSAB offer similar options for seat acceptance:

• Freeze: Accept the seat and do not participate in further rounds.

• Float: Accept the seat but remain open to better options in other institutes.

• Slide: Stay in the same institute but hope for a better course.

• Withdraw: Exit the counselling altogether (allowed under specific deadlines).

• Surrender (in CSAB only): Give up the seat to try again in the next CSAB round.

Should I Apply for JoSAA and CSAB Both?

The answer is typically yes, but it comes with the following conditions:

• If you want to improve your chances of getting a better course or college,

• If you did not get any seat in JoSAA,

• If you are willing to give up your JoSAA seat in case CSAB offers a better one.

If you are willing to accept these conditions, then applying for both JoSAA and CSAB is a smart move. It increases options and ensures that no opportunity is missed due to unfilled seats.

In conclusion, applying for both JoSAA and CSAB can be beneficial, but students need to be fully aware of the rules, deadlines, and consequences, especially regarding the cancellation of previous seats. By carefully planning their participation in both counselling rounds, students can increase their chances of getting a seat in a preferred college or branch. Keeping track of updates on the official JoSAA and CSAB websites is also very important to avoid missing any important step in the process.

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