CSAB 2026 Special Round Commences; Registration and Selection Process Opens at csab.nic.in

The Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) has officially launched the CSAB 2026 Special Round counselling process, aimed at filling vacant seats within the NIT+ system. Eligible candidates can now register and fill their choices by visiting the official CSAB website at csab.nic.in. This initiative follows the conclusion of the JoSAA 2026 counselling process, which has left several seats unfilled in National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs).

To participate in the CSAB Special Round, candidates must complete a new registration, even if they previously registered through the JoSAA portal. It is important to note that choices made during the JoSAA counselling will not be carried over; therefore, candidates are required to submit a fresh list of preferred institutes and courses during the CSAB choice filling process. The registration and choice filling will remain open until August 3, 2026, and candidates must also pay the Special Round Enrolment Fee (SREF) to finalize their application.

Once the payment is successfully processed, candidates will have until August 5, 2026, to fill and lock their choices. In the event that candidates do not manually lock their choices, the system will automatically lock the last saved choices once the choice filling window closes. This process is crucial for ensuring that candidates secure their desired seats in the available programs.

The CSAB Special Round counselling is open to all eligible JEE Main 2026 candidates. This includes those who did not secure a seat through the JoSAA process, candidates who withdrew from JoSAA counselling, and those whose allotted seats were cancelled due to non-payment of the seat acceptance fee or other valid reasons. This round provides a vital opportunity for these candidates to gain admission into their preferred institutes.

For candidates looking to participate, it is essential to follow the outlined steps for registration and choice filling. Keeping track of important dates and adhering to the guidelines will be crucial for a successful application. As the CSAB 2026 Special Round progresses, candidates are encouraged to stay informed and prepared to make the most of this opportunity.