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Securing a seat in a premier engineering institute like the NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, or even the coveted IITs hinges on successfully navigating the JEE Main Counselling 2025 process. This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify every stage, from registration to final seat allotment, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a first-time applicant, a dropper, or a concerned parent, understanding the “what,” “how,” and “when” of JEE Main Counselling is paramount for a smooth admission journey.
What is JEE Main Counselling?
JEE Main Counselling is the centralized admission process for undergraduate engineering and architecture programs offered by the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). For admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), a separate, but integrated, counselling process is conducted by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) for candidates who qualify JEE Advanced.
The counselling process primarily involves online registration, choice filling of preferred courses and institutes, seat allotment based on JEE Main/Advanced ranks and choices, and subsequent document verification.
Why is JEE Mains Counselling important for engineering aspirants?
This centralized system streamlines admissions, making it easier for students to apply to multiple institutions through a single platform. For engineering aspirants, participating in JEE Main Counselling (primarily through JoSAA) is the only gateway to securing a seat in these top-tier institutions. Failure to register or follow the procedure correctly can lead to forfeiture of a seat, regardless of a strong JEE Main or JEE Advanced rank.
JoSAA Counselling 2025 Dates
The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) has officially released the detailed schedule for the 2025 counselling process. It’s crucial to stay updated with these dates to avoid missing any deadlines.
| Event | Date (Official) |
| Registration & Choice Filling Starts | June 3, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Display of Mock Seat Allocation – I | June 9, 2025 (2:00 PM) |
| Display of Mock Seat Allocation – II | June 11, 2025 (12:30 PM) |
| Candidate Registration & Choice Filling for academic programs under JoSAA 2025 ENDS | June 12, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | June 14, 2025 |
| Online Reporting (Fee Payment/Document Upload/Response to Query) (Round 1) | June 14 – 18, 2025 |
| Last date for fee payment (Round 1) | June 18, 2025 |
| Last day to respond to query (Round 1) | June 20, 2025 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | June 21, 2025 |
| Online Reporting (Fee Payment/Document Upload/Response to Query) (Round 2) | June 21 – 25, 2025 |
| Last date for fee payment (Round 2) | June 25, 2025 |
| Last day to respond to query (Round 2) | June 27, 2025 |
| Round 3 Seat Allotment | June 28, 2025 |
| Online Reporting (Fee Payment/Document Upload/Response to Query) (Round 3) | June 28 – July 2, 2025 |
| Last date for fee payment (Round 3) | July 2, 2025 |
| Last day to respond to query (Round 3) | July 3, 2025 |
| Round 4 Seat Allotment | July 4, 2025 |
| Online Reporting (Fee Payment/Document Upload/Response to Query) (Round 4) | July 4 – 8, 2025 |
| Last date for fee payment (Round 4) | July 8, 2025 |
| Last day to respond to query (Round 4) | July 9, 2025 |
| Round 5 Seat Allotment | July 10, 2025 |
| Online Reporting (Fee Payment/Document Upload/Response to Query) (Round 5) | July 10 – 14, 2025 |
| Last date for fee payment (Round 5) | July 14, 2025 |
| Last day to respond to query (Round 5) | July 15, 2025 |
| Round 6 Seat Allotment (Final for IITs) | July 16, 2025 |
| Online Reporting (Fee Payment/Document Upload/Response to Query) (Round 6) | July 16 – 21, 2025 |
| Last date for fee payment (Round 6) | July 21, 2025 |
| Last day to respond to query (Round 6) | July 22, 2025 |
| Visit JoSAA Portal | josaa.nic.in |
| Register for Counselling | Link active from June 3, 2025 |
Eligibility for JEE Main Counselling
Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most critical step. Discrepancies can lead to disqualification at later stages.
Who can apply for JEE Mains 2025 Counselling?
- Candidates who have successfully qualified JEE Main 2025 with a valid All India Rank (AIR).
- Candidates who have qualified JEE Advanced 2025 (for IIT admissions).
Difference in eligibility for NITs vs IITs
- For NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs: A valid JEE Main 2025 score is mandatory.
- For IITs: A valid JEE Advanced 2025 rank is mandatory, in addition to meeting specific academic eligibility and age criteria. All IIT admissions are exclusively handled via JoSAA for those who have qualified JEE Advanced.
Academic qualification requirements
To be eligible for admission to top IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA 2025, candidates must fulfill the following Class 12 (or equivalent) academic criteria:
- For General/GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL candidates: Must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in the Class 12 (or equivalent) board examination, OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective qualifying examination board.
- For SC/ST/PwD candidates: Must have secured at least 65% aggregate marks in the Class 12 (or equivalent) board examination.
Additionally, candidates must have passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination in either 2024 or 2025. Those who appeared in 2023 or earlier are not eligible.
How to Register for JoSAA Counselling 2025
The JEE Main registration and choice filling process for JoSAA Counselling 2025 is entirely online. Accuracy and careful consideration of choices are vital.
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Visit josaa.nic.in
Navigate to the official Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) website. - Step 2: Login using JEE Main Roll Number
Click on the “JoSAA Counselling 2025 Apply” link. Log in using your JEE Main 2025 Application Number/Roll Number and Password. Your basic details will be auto-fetched from the NTA JEE Main database. Verify all information carefully. - Step 3: Choice Filling
This is the most critical step in the JEE seat allotment 2025 process. Candidates must select their preferred institutes and academic programs from the available list. You can add as many choices as you wish. It is highly recommended to fill in a wide range of choices to maximize your chances of allotment. Prioritize your choices carefully, placing your most desired options at the top. - Step 4: Lock Choices
After filling in your choices, you must “lock” them. Once choices are locked, you cannot modify them. If you fail to lock your choices by the deadline, your last saved choices will be automatically locked.
Pro Tip: Always lock your choices before the deadline to avoid auto-locking, which may not reflect your final preferences. - Step 5: Seat Allotment
JoSAA conducts multiple counselling rounds for seat allotment. The seat allocation is based on your JEE Main/Advanced rank, the choices you filled, your category, and the availability of seats in the chosen institutes/programs. Results for each round will be published on the official website. - Step 6: Accept or Float
Upon seat allotment, candidates have a few options:- Freeze: Accept the allocated seat and do not wish to participate in further rounds.
- Float: Accept the allocated seat but wish to be considered for an academic program of higher preference in any institute in subsequent rounds.
- Slide: Accept the allocated seat but wish to be considered for an academic program of higher preference within the same institute in subsequent rounds.
- Withdraw: Reject the allocated seat and withdraw from the counselling process.
- Candidates must exercise one of these options and pay the seat acceptance fee if they wish to retain the allotted seat.
Documents Required for JEE
Prepare all necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth document verification process. Most documents will need to be uploaded online, and original copies will be required for physical reporting to the allotted institute.
- Class 10 Mark Sheet/Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12 (or equivalent) Mark Sheet and Pass Certificate
- JEE Main Admit Card
- JEE Main Scorecard (issued by NTA)
- Provisional Seat Allotment Letter (downloaded from JoSAA portal)
- Proof of Seat Acceptance Fee Payment (e-challan or online transaction receipt)
- Valid Photo Identity Card (Aadhar Card, Passport, Driver’s License, etc.)
- Medical Certificate (as per JoSAA format)
- Category Certificate (if applicable: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/GEN-EWS, in the format prescribed by the Government of India and available on the JoSAA website)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable, issued by a competent authority)
- Undertaking by the candidate (as specified by JoSAA)
- Passport-size photographs (matching the one uploaded during JEE Main/Advanced registration)
- OBC-NCL declaration form (if applicable)
- For foreign nationals: OCI card/PIO card (if applicable), Passport/Citizenship Certificate.
Seat Matrix & Category-Wise Allotment
The seat matrix provides a detailed breakdown of available seats across various institutes and programs, categorized by different reservation quotas.
Total Seats in NITs, IIITs, GFTIs
While the exact numbers for 2025 are finalized just before counselling, based on previous years and the official JoSAA information, the total government college seats available through JEE Main are approximately 59,937, distributed as follows:
| Institute Type | Number of Institutes | Total Seats (Approx.) |
| Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) | 23 | 17,760 |
| National Institutes of Technology (NITs) | 32 | 24,229 |
| Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) | 26 | 8,546 |
| Government Funded Technical Institutes2 (GFTIs) | 40 | 9,402 |
| Total | 121 | 59,937 |
Note: This table represents the comprehensive seat matrix through JoSAA. Exact numbers will be released with the official JoSAA Information Brochure 2025.
Category-specific reservations
JEE Main Counselling adheres strictly to the Government of India’s reservation policy:
| Category | Reservation (%) |
| GEN-EWS | 10 |
| OBC-NCL | 27 |
| SC | 15 |
| ST | 7.5 |
| PwD | 5 (horizontal) |
Additionally, a certain percentage of seats are reserved for female candidates (supernumerary quota) in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
JEE Mains 2025 Counselling: How seat allotment is calculated
Seat allotment is a complex process primarily driven by:
- JEE Main/Advanced All India Rank (AIR): This is the primary determinant.
- Choices Filled: The order of preferences filled by the candidate.
- Category: Reservation category (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD, Female Supernumerary, etc.).
- Seat Matrix: Availability of seats in specific programs and institutes for that category.
- Home State/Other State Quota: Applicable for NITs and some GFTIs.
The algorithm attempts to allot the highest possible preference to a candidate based on their rank and the available seats in their respective category and quota. This intricate process culminates in the release of cutoff ranks for various institutes and branches after each counselling round.
JEE Mains 2025 Counselling Fee Structure
Candidates who are allotted a seat and wish to confirm it must pay a Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF). This fee is part of the first-year admission fees and is usually adjusted later.
| Item | Fee |
| General Seat Acceptance | ₹35,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD Seat Acceptance | ₹15,000 |
| Refund Rules | Available upon withdrawal before deadline (as per JoSAA/CSAB rules) |
Note: These fees are tentative and subject to change by JoSAA for 2025. Always refer to the official brochure for the exact amounts.
Refund Rules
Specific refund rules apply if a candidate withdraws their seat before the designated deadline. Generally, a portion of the fee might be deducted as a processing charge. It’s crucial to consult the official JoSAA/CSAB information brochure for detailed refund policies and deadlines for the current year.
CSAB Special Rounds After JoSAA
After the completion of all JoSAA counselling rounds, if any seats remain vacant in the NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, the Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) conducts “Special Rounds” to fill these remaining seats. This is an additional opportunity for aspirants aiming for these institutes.
When and why CSAB rounds happen
CSAB Special Rounds are typically held in late July or early August, after the conclusion of all JoSAA rounds. They are conducted to ensure that all available seats in the NIT+ system are filled, providing another opportunity for candidates who might not have secured a seat through JoSAA or wish to upgrade their allotted seat.
JEE Mains 2025 Counselling Eligibility criteria
- Candidates who participated in JoSAA but did not get a seat.
- Candidates who got a seat in JoSAA but cancelled it (withdrawn).
- Candidates who did not participate in JoSAA at all.
- Candidates must satisfy the JEE Main 2025 eligibility criteria and pay a fresh registration fee for CSAB Special Rounds.
- Crucially, candidates need to freshly register and fill new choices for CSAB Special Rounds. Choices filled during JoSAA are not carried forward.
JEE Mains Counselling: Participating colleges
Only NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs participate in CSAB Special Rounds to fill their vacant seats. IITs do not participate in CSAB rounds.
The JEE Main Counselling 2025 process is a pivotal step towards realizing your engineering dreams. By thoroughly understanding the JoSAA schedule, adhering to eligibility criteria, meticulously filling your choices, and preparing all required documents, you significantly increase your chances of securing a seat in your desired institution. Stay vigilant for official announcements, utilize mock allotment features, and remember that careful planning and timely action are crucial for a successful counselling journey. Early registration, careful choice filling, and monitoring allotment rounds is crucial for securing top colleges.
FAQs on JEE Main Counselling 2025
What is the difference between Freeze, Float, and Slide options?
Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and do not wish to participate in further counselling rounds. Float: Accept the allotted seat but remain open to a better preference (higher choice) in any institute in subsequent rounds. Slide: Accept the allotted seat but remain open to a better preference (higher choice) within the same institute in subsequent rounds.
When do CSAB Special Rounds begin?
CSAB Special Rounds usually begin after the completion of all JoSAA rounds, tentatively from July 26, 2025. Separate registration and choice filling are required for CSAB.
When will JEE Mains Counselling 2025 start?
Counselling for JEE Main 2025 started on June 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM, after the JEE Advanced results were declared on June 2, 2025.
Is there an age limit for JEE Main Counselling 2025?
There is no age limit criterion for JEE Main. However, for IITs, candidates must have been born on or after October 1, 2000. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, a five-year relaxation is granted, meaning they are eligible if born on or after October 1, 1995.
How many attempts are allowed for JEE Advanced through counselling?
A candidate is permitted a maximum of two consecutive attempts at JEE Advanced. This means you can appear for the exam in two back-to-back years only.
Is JoSAA registration mandatory for NIT admission?
Yes, all NIT, IIIT, and GFTI admissions are handled via JoSAA. If you wish to secure a seat in these institutes, JoSAA registration is mandatory.
What happens if I forget to lock my choices?
If you do not explicitly lock your choices, the last saved choices will be automatically locked after the choice-locking deadline. This might not be ideal if you made last-minute changes that were not saved.
Can I edit my choices after locking them?
No, once choices are locked (either manually or automatically), they cannot be changed. This emphasizes the importance of careful choice locking.
