CSAB 2026 Special Round registration is expected to open on July 22, 2026, with Round 1 seat allotment likely on July 28, 2026, and Round 2 allotment expected around August 6, 2026.
The Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) conducts Special Rounds every year after JoSAA counselling concludes, to fill seats left vacant in National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). Students with a valid JEE Main 2026 rank who participated in JoSAA 2026 but did not secure admission, or whose seat was not accepted, can register for CSAB Special Round 2026. Based on 2025 patterns, two special rounds are expected, each with a short registration and choice filling window, a seat allotment result, and a reporting deadline.
- CSAB Special Round 2026 is expected to begin from July 22, 2026.
- Two rounds are typically held — Special Round 1 in late July and Special Round 2 in early August.
- Participation requires a valid JEE Main 2026 rank and prior JoSAA 2026 registration.
- Only seats left vacant after all JoSAA 2026 rounds are available in the special rounds.
- All dates listed are expected and tentative, based on 2025 trends — the official portal will publish confirmed dates.
| Direct Link — CSAB 2026 Special Round Official Portal (Active from July 22, 2026) |
What is CSAB 2026 Special Round?
CSAB Special Round is a counselling process conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board after all regular JoSAA rounds end. Its purpose is to fill seats that remain vacant in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs after the main JoSAA process closes. Students who have a JEE Main 2026 rank but did not secure admission through JoSAA — either because they were not allotted a seat or because they did not accept one — can register and fill choices for available seats.
In 2025, CSAB held two special rounds. The same format is expected in 2026. Each round has its own registration window, choice filling deadline, seat allotment result, and a reporting period. Students allotted a seat must pay the acceptance fee and report to the institute with original documents within the given dates to confirm admission.
CSAB 2026 Special Round Key Dates
The table below lists the expected CSAB Special Round 2026 schedule based on the 2025 calendar. These are tentative dates — the official CSAB portal will publish the confirmed schedule before the round begins.
| Event | Expected Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| CSAB Special Round 1 — Registration Opens | July 22, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 1 — Last Date for Choice Filling | July 26, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 1 — Seat Allotment Result | July 28, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 1 — Reporting and Fee Payment | July 29–31, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 2 — Registration Opens | August 1, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 2 — Last Date for Choice Filling | August 4, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 2 — Seat Allotment Result | August 6, 2026 |
| CSAB Special Round 2 — Reporting and Fee Payment | August 7–9, 2026 |
CSAB Special Round 1 Schedule 2026
CSAB Special Round 1 registration is expected to open on July 22, 2026. Students must log in to the official portal, complete registration, pay the registration fee, and fill their institute and branch preferences before the July 26 deadline. The seat allotment result for Round 1 is expected on July 28, 2026. Students allotted a seat must pay the acceptance fee and report to their institute by July 31, 2026 to confirm admission.
| Round 1 Activity | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Registration and Choice Filling Opens | July 22, 2026 |
| Last Date to Register and Lock Choices | July 26, 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Result | July 28, 2026 |
| Acceptance Fee Payment Deadline | July 29–31, 2026 |
| Reporting at Allotted Institute | July 29–31, 2026 |
CSAB Special Round 2 Schedule 2026
CSAB Special Round 2 registration is expected to begin on August 1, 2026. This round is open to students not allotted a seat in Round 1, and to those who accepted a Round 1 seat but wish to try for a better option. Choice filling closes on August 4, 2026. The allotment result is expected on August 6, 2026. Students allotted a seat in Round 2 must report to their institute by August 9, 2026.
| Round 2 Activity | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Registration and Choice Filling Opens | August 1, 2026 |
| Last Date to Register and Lock Choices | August 4, 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Result | August 6, 2026 |
| Acceptance Fee Payment Deadline | August 7–9, 2026 |
| Reporting at Allotted Institute | August 7–9, 2026 |
Eligibility for CSAB 2026 Special Round
Not every JEE Main 2026 qualified student can participate. You must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must have a valid JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 rank for B.Tech and B.E. programs.
- Must have completed JoSAA 2026 registration — students who skipped JoSAA entirely are not eligible for CSAB Special Rounds.
- Students whose JoSAA seat was cancelled, not accepted, or not paid for can apply.
- Students who were not allotted any seat across all JoSAA rounds are eligible.
- Must fulfil the academic eligibility criteria (minimum Class 12 marks, subject requirements) for the chosen program.
How to Register for CSAB 2026 Special Round
Follow these steps once CSAB Special Round 2026 registration opens on the official portal:
- Visit the official CSAB portal (csab.nic.in) or the JEE Main official website.
- Log in using your JEE Main 2026 Application Number and registered password.
- Click on CSAB Special Round 2026 Registration and fill in all required details.
- Pay the registration fee online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
- Go to Choice Filling — add institutes and branches in your preferred order.
- Lock your choices before the deadline; unsubmitted choices are auto-locked at closing time.
- Check your seat allotment result on the portal on the allotment date.
- If allotted, pay the acceptance fee and report to the allotted institute with original documents within the reporting window.
CSAB Special Round 2026 FAQs
Ques. When does CSAB Special Round 2026 registration start?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, CSAB Special Round 1 registration is expected to open on July 22, 2026. Confirmed dates will be published on the official CSAB portal before the round begins.
Ques. How many special rounds does CSAB 2026 hold?
Ans. CSAB typically conducts two special rounds — Special Round 1 in late July and Special Round 2 in early August. A third round may be added if seats remain vacant after Round 2, though this is uncommon.
Ques. Can I join CSAB Special Round if I did not register for JoSAA?
Ans. No. CSAB Special Round eligibility requires prior JoSAA 2026 registration. Students who skipped JoSAA cannot participate in CSAB Special Rounds.
Ques. What is the registration fee for CSAB 2026 Special Round?
Ans. The CSAB Special Round registration fee was Rs 2,000 in 2025. The 2026 fee is expected to be similar — confirm the exact amount on the official portal when registration opens.
Ques. If I get a seat in Round 1, can I still try for a better option in Round 2?
Ans. Yes. Students allotted a seat in Round 1 can retain it and also participate in Round 2 for a better preference. If allotted a new seat in Round 2, the Round 1 seat is surrendered. Check the official CSAB 2026 rules for the specific float or upgrade policy.
Ques. What documents are needed for reporting after CSAB 2026 seat allotment?
Ans. You need your Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates, JEE Main 2026 admit card and scorecard, CSAB seat allotment letter, category certificate (if applicable), a valid photo identity proof, and recent passport-size photographs. Carry both originals and self-attested photocopies.








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