CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026 will be conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board for candidates from North-Eastern states and Union Territories. This counselling provides admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs under reserved seats for students belonging to 8 North-Eastern states and 4 Union Territories. The seat allotment is based on JEE Main 2026 ranks. CSAB NEUT 2026 counselling will begin after the completion of JoSAA rounds in July 2026.
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JEE Main 2026 CSAB NEUT Counselling Schedule
CSAB releases the NEUT counselling schedule on the official website csab.nic.in. The schedule includes registration dates, document verification, choice filling, seat allotment rounds, and physical reporting timelines.
CSAB NEUT 2026 Counselling Dates (Expected)
| Event | Expected Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Document Upload | June 20 – June 30, 2026 |
| Online Document Verification | June 25 – July 5, 2026 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | July 1 – July 10, 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment Result | July 15, 2026 |
| Round 1 Online Reporting & Fee Payment | July 16 – July 22, 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment Result | July 28, 2026 |
| Round 2 Online Reporting & Fee Payment | July 29 – August 1, 2026 |
| Physical Reporting to Allotted Institute | As per institute schedule |
| Spot Round (if seats remain vacant) | August 2026 (conducted by respective DTEs) |
Note: The exact dates will be announced by CSAB on the official website. Candidates must visit csab.nic.in regularly for updates.
CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026
CSAB NEUT (North Eastern States and Union Territories) is a specialized counselling conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board. It allocates seats in AICTE-approved institutes under the Government of India's scheme of "Reservation of Seats in Degree Level Technical Courses for States/UTs Lacking Such Facilities."
Key features of CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026:
- Conducted separately from CSAB Special and JoSAA counselling
- Provides admission to Engineering, Architecture, and Pharmacy courses
- Seat allotment based on JEE Main 2026 Common Rank List (CRL)
- Two rounds of seat allotment followed by spot round if seats remain vacant
- Over 3,000 seats offered across 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, and 33 GFTIs
- NERIST, Itanagar also participates as an admitting institute since 2021
CSAB NEUT Counselling Eligibility 2026
Candidates must fulfill specific eligibility criteria to participate in CSAB NEUT counselling. The eligibility differs for Engineering/Architecture and Pharmacy admissions.
Eligibility Criteria for Engineering and Architecture Admissions
1. Eligibility Based on Entrance Examination:
- Candidates must have a valid rank in JEE Main 2026 Paper-1 for B.E./B.Tech programs
- For B.Arch programs, a valid rank in JEE Main 2026 Paper-2 is required
- Qualifying in NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is mandatory for B.Arch admission in non-centrally funded institutes
- Centrally Funded Institutions admitting through JEE Paper-2 are exempt from NATA requirement
2. Eligibility Based on Year of Passing:
- Candidates who passed Class XII (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible
- Candidates appearing for Class XII exam in 2026 whose results are not declared can participate provisionally
- Such candidates must submit their XII pass certificate by December 31, 2026
3. Academic Qualifications:
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks in Class XII board examination
- Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
- For B.Arch: Mathematics as a compulsory subject in Class XII
4. Relaxation for Reserved Categories:
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: 40% aggregate marks in Class XII
- No relaxation in the subjects requirement – PCM mandatory for all categories
Eligibility Criteria for Pharmacy Admissions
1. Eligibility Based on Year of Passing:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 in the year 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026
- Results awaited candidates can apply provisionally
2. Academic Requirements:
- Pass 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology
- Overall 50% aggregate in Class XII examination
- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics as main subjects
3. Important Note:
- Pharmacy admissions are based on Class XII percentage, NOT JEE Main rank
- Separate registration link is provided for Pharmacy admissions on the CSAB portal
- Candidates must create new login credentials for Pharmacy course registration
Additional Eligibility Criteria for CSAB NEUT
Date of Birth (DOB):
As per the Information Bulletin and Application Form of JEE Main 2026 for JoSAA. There is no specific age limit, but candidates must meet institute-specific age requirements if any.
Qualifying Examinations:
- 10+2 system (Class XII) from any recognized board
- Intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination
- Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy
- Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by NIOS
- Any Public School/Board/University examination equivalent to 10+2 system
- H.S.C. Vocational examination with Technical/Vocational subjects
- Diploma recognized by AICTE or State Board
State of Domicile:
Candidates must be domiciled in one of the eligible North-Eastern states or Union Territories. The domicile certificate must be issued by the competent authority of the respective state/UT.
Reservation of Seats:
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| General | 40.5% |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD (Horizontal) | 5% across all categories |
Persons with Disability (PwD) Eligibility for CSAB NEUT 2026:
- Candidates with 40% or more disability are eligible under PwD category
- Valid PwD certificate from a competent medical authority is mandatory
- PwD reservation is horizontal – applicable across all categories
- Candidates must upload PwD certificate during registration
Which state comes under CSAB NEUT?
CSAB NEUT counselling is exclusively for candidates from 8 North-Eastern states and 4 Union Territories:
| North-Eastern States (8) | Union Territories (4) |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Assam | Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| Manipur | Daman & Diu |
| Meghalaya | Lakshadweep |
| Mizoram | - |
| Nagaland | - |
| Sikkim | - |
| Tripura | - |
Note: Since 2021, NERIST (North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology), Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh has also joined as a participating institute for admitting students from different NE states.
Is CSAB NEUT Only for North East Students?
Yes, CSAB NEUT is exclusively designed for students from North-Eastern states and specific Union Territories. Candidates from other states cannot participate in CSAB NEUT counselling. The scheme was established to provide quality technical education access to students from regions that lack adequate technical education facilities.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be a permanent resident (domicile) of any of the 8 NE states or 4 UTs
- Possess a valid domicile certificate issued by the competent authority
- Have studied Class XII from a school located in the respective state/UT (in some cases)
Are CSAB and CSAB NEUT the Same?
No, CSAB and CSAB NEUT are different counselling processes:
| Parameter | CSAB Special Round | CSAB NEUT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fill vacant seats in NIT+ system after JoSAA | Reserved seats for NE states and UTs |
| Eligibility | All India candidates with JEE Main rank | Only NE states and UT candidates |
| Participating Institutes | NITs, IIITs, GFTIs (excluding IITs) | AICTE-approved institutes + NERIST |
| Registration Fee | ₹45,000 (Gen/OBC/EWS), ₹25,000 (SC/ST/PwD) | ₹5,000 Seat Acceptance Fee |
| Courses | Engineering, Architecture | Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy |
| JoSAA Registration | Required | Not required |
| Timing | After JoSAA completion (July-August) | Parallel to JoSAA (June-July) |
Cancellation Due to Non-Fulfillment of Eligibility
CSAB NEUT has strict guidelines regarding eligibility verification. The following situations lead to cancellation of candidature:
- Providing false or fraudulent information during registration
- Failure to respond to document verification queries within the scheduled time
- Non-submission of required documents by the deadline
- Domicile certificate found invalid or not from the competent authority
- Academic qualifications not meeting the minimum criteria
- Category certificate (OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS/PwD) found invalid or expired
- Not meeting institute-specific eligibility criteria
Important: It is the candidate's sole responsibility to verify their eligibility for specific courses/programs/institutes. CSAB NEUT or NIC will not be held responsible for cancellations due to non-fulfillment of eligibility conditions.
CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026 Registration
Registration for CSAB NEUT 2026 will be conducted online through the official portal csab.nic.in. The registration process differs for Engineering/Architecture and Pharmacy admissions.
Online Provisional Registration
Follow these steps to complete CSAB NEUT 2026 registration:
- Visit the official CSAB website: csab.nic.in
- Click on "CSAB NEUT 2026" link on the homepage
- For Engineering/Architecture: Log in using JEE Main 2026 roll number and password
- For Pharmacy: Create new login credentials using the separate registration link
- Verify OTP sent to registered mobile number and email
- Fill personal details including state of domicile, category, and contact information
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents
- Pay the registration fee of ₹4,000 online
- Submit the registration form and download the confirmation page
CSAB Login (Subsequent Login):
- Visit csab.nic.in and select CSAB NEUT portal
- Enter JEE Main 2026 Application Number (for Engineering/Architecture)
- Enter Password created during JEE Main registration
- Complete OTP authentication
- Access dashboard for choice filling, seat allotment status, and fee payment
Important Notes:
- Registration for Engineering/Architecture is separate from Pharmacy
- JoSAA registration is NOT required for CSAB NEUT
- Bank account details (Account Number, IFSC Code, Bank Name) must be provided for any refund
- Remember your password – do not share it with anyone
CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026 Document Verification
Document verification is a crucial step in CSAB NEUT counselling. All uploaded documents are verified online by the authorities. Candidates must ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in the specified format.
Documents Required for CSAB NEUT 2026:
| S.No. | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class X Certificate/Marksheet | Date of Birth verification |
| 2 | Class XII Marksheet | Academic qualification verification |
| 3 | Class XII Pass Certificate | Proof of qualifying examination |
| 4 | JEE Main 2026 Admit Card | Examination proof |
| 5 | JEE Main 2026 Rank Card/Scorecard | Rank verification |
| 6 | Domicile Certificate | State eligibility proof (mandatory) |
| 7 | Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) | Reserved category verification |
| 8 | EWS Certificate | For EWS category candidates |
| 9 | PwD Certificate | For PwD category candidates |
| 10 | Passport Size Photograph | Same as JEE Main application |
| 11 | Signature | Verification purpose |
| 12 | Aadhar Card/ID Proof | Identity verification |
| 13 | Fee Receipt (₹4,000) | Registration fee payment proof |
| 14 | NIOS Centre Proof (if applicable) | For candidates from NIOS |
| 15 | Declaration/Undertaking by Candidate | As per CSAB format |
| 16 | Undertaking by Parents/Guardian | As per CSAB format |
Document Verification Process:
- Uploaded documents are checked by verifying officials online
- If discrepancies are found, queries are raised
- Candidates receive SMS/Email notification about queries
- Queries must be responded to within the scheduled time through the candidate portal
- Failure to respond marks candidature as "Ineligible"
- Upon satisfactory resolution, candidature is "Confirmed"
CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026 Filling Up Of Choices, Saving, And Locking
After successful document verification, eligible candidates can proceed to fill their preferences for institutes and courses.
Filling up of Choices
Guidelines for choice filling in CSAB NEUT 2026:
- Enable pop-ups on your browser before starting choice filling
- All available choices (institutes, disciplines, branches) will be displayed
- Choices are specific to Engineering/Technology and Architecture disciplines
- Check respective institutes' websites for special restrictions or criteria
- Fill only those choices for which you are eligible
- Some institutes may have restrictions for female/PwD candidates in certain branches
- Fill as many choices as possible to increase chances of seat allotment
- Arrange choices strictly in order of preference – most preferred first
Steps for Choice Filling:
- Login to CSAB NEUT portal using your credentials
- Click on "Choice Filling" option
- Select State → Institute → Course → Branch in order
- Add the selected choice to your preference list
- Repeat for all desired choices
- Arrange choices in order of preference using Up/Down buttons
- Save your choices before closing the window
Saving and Locking of Choices
Important points about saving and locking choices:
- Save: You can save your choices and modify them later before the deadline
- Lock: Once locked, choices cannot be modified under any circumstances
- Candidates are advised to lock their choices before the deadline
- If choices are not locked manually, the last saved choices will be automatically locked at the deadline
- Take a printout of locked choices for your records
- Choices submitted in JoSAA are NOT valid for CSAB NEUT – fresh choices must be filled
Important: If any submitted information is found false or fraudulent, the seat allotment (if any) will be canceled, and the candidate will be deemed ineligible for further admission processes.
JEE Main CSAB NEUT Seat Allotment
CSAB NEUT conducts two rounds of seat allotment. The allotment is based on JEE Main 2026 CRL (Common Rank List), choices filled, and seat availability.
First Round of Seat Allotment and Online Reporting
- Round 1 seat allotment result is declared on the CSAB NEUT portal
- Candidates can check their allotment status by logging in
- Allotted candidates must complete online reporting within the scheduled time
- Pay Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) of ₹5,000 online
- Download Provisional Admission Letter (PAL) after fee payment
- Choose one of three options: Freeze, Float, or Slide
Second Round of Seat Allotment and Online Reporting
- Round 2 considers fresh choices and vacant seats from Round 1
- Candidates who opted for Float/Slide in Round 1 may get upgraded seats
- Same process of online reporting and fee payment applies
- Candidates with PAL after Round 2 can proceed for physical admission
Seat Allotment Options:
| Option | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze | Accept allotted seat permanently | No participation in further rounds |
| Float | Accept seat but want upgrade to any higher preference | Eligible for any better choice in next round |
| Slide | Accept seat but want upgrade within same institute | Eligible for better branch in same institute only |
CSAB NEUT Counselling Seat Withdrawal
Candidates can withdraw from CSAB NEUT counselling at various stages. However, withdrawal has financial implications.
iv. Withdrawal of Allotted Seat
- Candidates can withdraw their allotted seat through the online portal
- Withdrawal request must be submitted before the specified deadline
- Processing fee of ₹1,000 is non-refundable upon withdrawal
- Remaining amount (if any) will be refunded to the bank account provided during registration
- Withdrawn candidates cannot participate in subsequent rounds of the same counselling
- Seat becomes vacant and available for other candidates
Refund Policy:
- Registration fee (₹4,000): Partially refundable (₹3,000 refunded, ₹1,000 processing fee deducted)
- Seat Acceptance Fee (₹5,000): Refundable minus processing charges
- Refund credited within 15-30 working days after counselling completion
Physical Reporting For Admission
After receiving the Provisional Admission Letter (PAL), candidates must report to the allotted institute for physical verification and admission completion.
Documents to Carry During Physical Reporting:
- Provisional Admission Letter (PAL) – printed copy
- All original documents uploaded during registration
- Self-attested photocopies of all documents (2 sets)
- Fee payment receipt
- Passport size photographs (6-8 copies)
- Demand Draft (if required by the institute)
- Medical fitness certificate (if required)
- Character certificate from last attended institution
- Migration certificate (if applicable)
Physical Reporting Process:
- Report to the allotted institute within the dates mentioned in PAL
- Submit all original documents for verification
- Pay the balance admission fee as per institute fee structure
- Complete admission formalities including hostel allotment (if applicable)
- Collect admission confirmation receipt
Important: Candidates with PAL after Round 1 or 2 can proceed for admission without waiting for subsequent rounds if they don't wish to participate further.
CSAB NEUT Counselling Spot Rounds
If seats remain vacant after the completion of Round 1 and Round 2, a spot round may be conducted by the respective Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) of the states/UTs.
i. Allotment in Spot Round
- Spot round seats are allotted on first-come-first-served basis
- Physical presence at the designated centre is mandatory
- Allotment based on merit among present candidates
- Immediate document verification and fee payment required
ii. Offline Process
- Spot rounds are conducted in offline mode
- Candidates must visit the designated counselling centre
- Carry all original documents and demand draft
- On-the-spot document verification and seat allotment
- Admission confirmation on the same day
iii. Eligibility for Spot Round
- Candidates who registered for CSAB NEUT but were not allotted seats
- Candidates who withdrew from earlier rounds
- Fresh candidates meeting CSAB NEUT eligibility (in some cases)
- Must possess valid domicile certificate and JEE Main rank
iv. Withdrawal of Allotted Seat
- Seats allotted in spot round are generally non-withdrawable
- Full fees may be forfeited upon withdrawal
- Check specific DTE guidelines for spot round withdrawal policy
Admission Procedure Flow Chart
The complete CSAB NEUT 2026 admission procedure follows this sequence:
| Step | Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online Registration on csab.nic.in | June 2026 |
| 2 | Document Upload | During Registration |
| 3 | Registration Fee Payment (₹4,000) | During Registration |
| 4 | Online Document Verification | June-July 2026 |
| 5 | Query Response (if any) | Within specified deadline |
| 6 | Choice Filling & Locking | July 2026 |
| 7 | Round 1 Seat Allotment | Mid-July 2026 |
| 8 | Online Reporting & SAF Payment | Within 5-7 days |
| 9 | Select Freeze/Float/Slide Option | During Online Reporting |
| 10 | Round 2 Seat Allotment | Late July 2026 |
| 11 | Round 2 Online Reporting | Within 3-5 days |
| 12 | Download Provisional Admission Letter | After fee payment |
| 13 | Physical Reporting to Institute | As per institute schedule |
| 14 | Balance Fee Payment & Admission | During Physical Reporting |
| 15 | Spot Round (if applicable) | August 2026 |
CSAB Cut-Off: Previous Year (Category-wise OR-CR)
CSAB NEUT releases Opening Rank (OR) and Closing Rank (CR) after each round. These cutoffs help candidates understand the minimum rank required for admission to various institutes and branches.
CSAB NEUT 2025 Expected Cutoff Range (Based on Previous Years)
| Institute Type | Branch | General (CR) | OBC-NCL (CR) | SC (CR) | ST (CR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top NITs | CSE | 15,000-25,000 | 20,000-35,000 | 40,000-60,000 | 50,000-80,000 |
| Top NITs | ECE | 25,000-40,000 | 35,000-50,000 | 60,000-90,000 | 80,000-1,20,000 |
| Mid-tier NITs | CSE | 35,000-55,000 | 50,000-70,000 | 90,000-1,30,000 | 1,10,000-1,60,000 |
| IIITs | CSE | 20,000-40,000 | 30,000-55,000 | 60,000-1,00,000 | 80,000-1,40,000 |
| GFTIs | CSE | 50,000-80,000 | 70,000-1,10,000 | 1,20,000-1,80,000 | 1,50,000-2,20,000 |
| NERIST | All Branches | 60,000-1,00,000 | 90,000-1,50,000 | 1,50,000-2,50,000 | 2,00,000-3,50,000 |
Note: CSAB NEUT cutoffs are generally higher (meaning lower ranks get seats) compared to JoSAA/CSAB Special rounds due to regional reservation. Actual cutoffs vary based on seat availability and number of applicants each year.
Factors Affecting CSAB NEUT Cutoff:
- Number of registered candidates from each state/UT
- Total seats available under NEUT quota
- JEE Main 2026 difficulty level and normalization
- Choices filled by candidates
- Withdrawal/non-reporting in previous rounds
Conclusion
CSAB NEUT Counselling 2026 is a valuable opportunity for students from North-Eastern states and Union Territories to secure admission in top engineering institutes across India. The counselling process is straightforward – register online, upload documents, fill choices, and complete reporting after seat allotment.
Key points to remember for CSAB NEUT 2026:
- Exclusively for candidates from 8 NE states and 4 Union Territories
- Domicile certificate is mandatory – ensure it's valid and from competent authority
- Registration fee: ₹4,000 | Seat Acceptance Fee: ₹5,000
- Two rounds of seat allotment followed by spot round if seats remain vacant
- JoSAA registration is NOT required for CSAB NEUT
- Fill maximum choices to increase chances of seat allotment
- Choose Freeze/Float/Slide option wisely based on your preferences
- Check csab.nic.in regularly for schedule updates and notifications
For official information, visit the CSAB website: csab.nic.in
Frequently Asked Questions
- CSAB NEUT is a special counselling conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board for candidates from 8 North-Eastern states and 4 Union Territories. It provides admission to Engineering, Architecture, and Pharmacy courses in AICTE-approved institutes across India. The seat allotment is based on JEE Main ranks for Engineering/Architecture and Class XII percentage for Pharmacy courses.
- Yes, CSAB NEUT is completely different from JoSAA. JoSAA is for all India candidates and provides admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. CSAB NEUT is exclusively for NE states and UT candidates and provides admission under a special reservation scheme. JoSAA registration is not required for CSAB NEUT participation.
- No, CSAB NEUT is exclusively for candidates domiciled in 8 North-Eastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura) and 4 Union Territories (Andaman & Nicobar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep). Candidates from other states must apply through JoSAA or CSAB Special rounds.
- The registration fee is ₹4,000 payable online during registration. After seat allotment, candidates must pay a Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) of ₹5,000. The total fee for CSAB NEUT is significantly lower than CSAB Special rounds. Balance admission fees are paid directly to the allotted institute during physical reporting.
- Approximately 3,000+ seats are available across 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, 33 GFTIs, and NERIST Itanagar under CSAB NEUT. The exact seat matrix is released on csab.nic.in before counselling begins. Seats are distributed state-wise and category-wise as per the reservation policy.
- Yes, eligible candidates from NE states and UTs can participate in both JoSAA and CSAB NEUT counselling simultaneously. However, they must complete separate registrations and choice filling for each. If allotted seats in both, they must choose one and withdraw from the other.
- Key documents include Class X and XII marksheets, JEE Main admit card and scorecard, domicile certificate (mandatory), category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), passport size photograph, and Aadhar card. Domicile certificate is the most crucial document for CSAB NEUT eligibility.
- CSAB NEUT 2026 counselling is expected to begin in June 2026, typically after JEE Main results are declared. Registration usually opens in late June, with seat allotment rounds conducted in July. The exact schedule will be published on csab.nic.in. Students should regularly check the official website for updates.
- Freeze means accepting the allotted seat permanently with no further upgrades. Float means accepting the seat but remaining eligible for any higher preference in the next round. Slide means accepting the seat but eligible for upgrade to a better branch within the same institute only. Choosing the right option depends on your preferences and allotted seat.
- Yes, if seats remain vacant after Round 1 and Round 2, respective Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) of states/UTs may conduct spot rounds. Spot rounds are offline and require physical presence at designated centres. They operate on first-come-first-served basis among eligible candidates present.






