JoSAA Counselling 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

JoSAA Counselling 2026: The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) conducts the centralized counselling process for admission into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). Candidates who qualify JEE Main 2026 or JEE Advanced 2026 can participate in the counselling process through the official website, josaa.nic.in.

The entire counselling procedure is conducted online and includes registration, choice filling, mock allotment, seat allotment, fee payment, document verification, and final admission confirmation. Candidates must complete every stage within the prescribed schedule to secure admission into their preferred institute and branch.

Step 1: JoSAA 2026 Online Registration

The first step in the counselling process is online registration. Candidates need to log in to the JoSAA portal using:

• JEE Main 2026 application number or JEE Advanced credentials

• Password

• Security pin

After successful login, candidates can access the counselling dashboard and begin the admission process.

Step 2: Choice Filling and Locking

After registration, candidates must fill in their preferred:

• Colleges

• Institutes

• Courses

• Branches

Students can modify, add, rearrange, or delete choices multiple times before the deadline. After finalizing the options, candidates must lock their choices. If choices are not locked manually, the last saved choices will automatically be considered final.

Step 3: JoSAA Mock Seat Allotment 2026

JoSAA releases mock seat allotment results before the actual allotment rounds. The mock allotment helps candidates understand the probable seat they may receive based on:

• Rank

• Category

• Preferences filled

• Seat availability

Candidates can use the mock allotment result to make changes to their preferences before the final locking deadline.

Step 4: JoSAA Seat Allotment Result 2026

JoSAA releases seat allotment results in multiple rounds through the candidate login portal. Seat allocation is done on the basis of:

• JEE Main rank

• JEE Advanced rank

• Category

• Choices filled by candidates

Candidates who receive a seat allotment can either:

• Accept the allotted seat

• Participate in the next counselling round for better options

Step 5: Seat Acceptance Fee Payment

Candidates allotted a seat must pay the seat acceptance fee within the specified deadline to confirm their admission process.

After successful payment, candidates can download:

• Seat allotment letter

• Payment receipt

• Admission confirmation details

Failure to pay the fee on time may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.

Step 6: Document Verification and Reporting

After fee payment, candidates need to complete document verification through the designated reporting process. Students are required to carry:

• Original documents

• Photocopies

• Identity proof

• Academic certificates

• Category certificates (if applicable)

Verification of documents is mandatory for admission confirmation.

Step 7: Final Admission at Allotted Institute

The final step is reporting to the allotted institute within the prescribed schedule. Institutes will complete:

• Final document verification

• Admission formalities

• Fee submission process

Candidates who fail to report to the allotted institute within the deadline may lose their admission seat.

JoSAA Seat Matrix 2026

The official JoSAA Seat Matrix 2026 will be released before counselling begins. The seat matrix will provide:

• Institute-wise seat availability

• Branch-wise seats

• Category-wise seat distribution

Candidates should review the seat matrix carefully before filling their choices during counselling.