JOSAA Counselling: Facts and Tips
Engineering is one of the conventional careers which many youngsters look up to fulfil their aspirations. However, with limited seats in premier institutes and increasing number of candidates, admissions have become really competitive and they need to be managed by the government to ensure a free and fair mechanism of admissions. To achieve all these objectives, the Ministry of Education established the Joint Seat Allocation Authority, commonly known as JOSAA as a single platform to provide admission into premier engineering institutes.
What is JOSAA?
JOSAA full form is Joint Seat Allocation Authority. It is the centralised body responsible for conducting the joint admission process for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and NIT+ System which includes National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). The primary objective of JOSAA is to streamline the admission process and ensure a fair and transparent allocation of seats to eligible candidates based on their performance in the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Advanced and JEE Main examinations.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the JOSAA counselling process, candidates must fulfil the eligibility criteria. One key requirement is having successfully passed and achieved 75% marks in Class 12 or equivalent examination (for general caste students) and 65% marks for (SC, ST, PWD candidates).
or
Candidates must be within the category-wise top 20 percentile of successful candidates in their respective Class XII (or equivalent) board examination.
Following is the specific criteria for eligibility for different courses:
JEE (Advanced) for IIT Academic Programs
- Candidates who want to pursue academic programs (excluding preparatory courses) at IITs must have appeared for and qualified in JEE (Advanced).
- Pass 12th standard or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry or Computer Science or Electronics or Information Technology or Biology or Informatics Practices or Biotechnology or Technical Vocational subject
JEE (Advanced) for IIT Preparatory Courses
- Those interested in preparatory courses at IITs should have successfully cleared JEE (Advanced).
- Pass 12th standard or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry or Computer Science or Electronics or Information Technology or Biology or Informatics Practices or Biotechnology or Technical Vocational subject, one language and one more subject.
JEE (Main) Rank for BE/BTech Programs
- Eligibility also extends to candidates who secured a rank in the JEE (Main) B.E./B.Tech. paper, applicable for IIITs, IIEST, NITs, and other GFTIs.
- Pass 12th standard or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry or Computer Science or Electronics or Information Technology or Biology or Informatics Practices or Biotechnology or Technical Vocational subject, one language and one more subject.
JEE (Main) Rank for BArch Programs
- For candidates aiming for BArch programs at IIITs, IIEST, NITs, and Other-GFTIs, a rank in the JEE (Main) BArch paper is necessary.
- Pass class 12 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and 2 more subjects
JEE (Main) Rank for B Plan Program
- Similarly, for the B Plan program at IIITs, IIEST, NITs, and Other-GFTIs, candidates must have a rank in the JEE (Main) B Plan paper.
- Pass class 12 or equivalent exam with Mathematics and any other 4 subjects.
Participating Institutes
The JOSAA counselling process 2024 covers admissions to the following institutes:
Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)
23
National Institute of Technology (NITs)
31
Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
27
Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs)
44
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) Shibpur
1
- In total there are 126 institutes which are participating in JOSAA counselling 2024.
- A few of the top IITs include IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati, IIT Madras. These are also known as 7 old IITs.
- Top NITs include NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Rourkela, NIT Warangal, NIT Calicut.
Courses Available
The JOSAA counselling process offers admissions to various undergraduate programs, including:
B. Tech (Bachelor of Technology) |
B S courses |
B. Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) |
B. Plan |
Dual Degree Programs: 1)BS+MS 2)B. Tech+M. Tech |
Integrated M. Tech |
Registration Process
The JOSAA registration process typically involves the following steps:
a) Online Registration:
Visit the official JOSAA website
Create an account using JEE Main/Advanced application number and other required details
Fill in personal, academic, and contact information
There is no JOSAA counselling fee to be paid at the time of registration. Registration and choice filling is free for all.
b) Choice Filling:
Select and prioritise preferred courses and institutes
Candidates can fill as many choices as they want, in order of preference
e) Mock Seat Allocation:
JOSAA conducts mock seat allocations to help candidates understand their chances and adjust their choices accordingly
f) Locking of Choices:
Candidates must lock their choices before the deadline
If not locked manually, choices are automatically locked at the end of the choice filling period
Seat Allocation Process
The JOSAA seat allocation process is conducted in multiple rounds:
a) First Round:
Seats are allocated based on candidates' JEE ranks, choices, and available seats
Results are published on the JOSAA website
b) Response to First Round Allocation:
Candidates if accepts the allocated seat, he gets following options:
Float: Accept the allocated seat but opt for upgrade in subsequent rounds
Slide: Accept the allocated seat within the same institute but opt for upgrade to a higher preference branch
Freeze: Accept the allocated seat and do not participate in further rounds
c) To exercise these options there are two requirements:
Document Verification
Upload scanned copies of required documents for online verification.
PWD candidates are called for physical document verification at reporting centres.
Seat acceptance Fee Payment
Pay the fee online through various modes (credit card, debit card, net banking). For the 2024 session this fee is 35,000 for general candidates.
d) Subsequent Rounds:
Multiple rounds of seat allocation are conducted
Candidates who chose Float or Slide options participate in these rounds
New allocations are made based on vacancies and candidates' preferences
e) Withdrawal:
Candidates who have been allotted a seat during the counselling process, can withdraw from the counselling till 5th round only. A candidate has to freeze the allotted seat, if any, in 6th round or the amount paid by him will be forfeited.
f) Exit:
Further, a candidate who has not been allotted a seat in JOSAA counselling, can exercise the option of exit from 2nd round to 5th round. A candidate is not allowed to do so after the commencement of the counselling process for the last round.
In both these cases, candidates are not considered for seat allocation in further rounds.
Reporting and Admission
For IITs: At the conclusion of joint seat allocation and seat acceptance, candidates will have to report at the admitting institute, complete all the admission formalities of the Institute including payment of Institute fees, get the admission confirmed and begin the academic session.
For NIT+ System: The physical reporting at the admitting Institute will be done after the completion of CSAB Special Rounds.
Total Number of Seats
The total number of seats for JOSAA counselling 2024 is 59937 for all the courses put together. JOSAA cut off or the closing rank for admission to any IIT is 25690 for the year 2023.
Reservation Policies
JOSAA follows the government-mandated reservation policies:
a) All India Quota:
50% of seats in NITs and some of the GFTIs are allocated under the All-India Quota.
100% seats of remaining GFTIs, IIITs and IITs are allocated on an all India basis.
b) Home State Quota:
50% of seats in NITs, and some GFTIs are allocated to candidates from the home state of the institute.
c) Category-wise Reservation:
SC: 15%
ST: 7.5%
OBC-NCL: 27%
EWS: 10%
PwD: 5% horizontal reservation across all categories
Special Features and Considerations
a) Female Supernumerary Seats:
Additional seats for female candidates to improve gender balance in technical education
b) Preparatory Courses:
Some institutes offer preparatory courses for SC/ST/PwD candidates who narrowly miss the cut-off
c) Category Upgradation:
Candidates from reserved categories who qualify under general category are upgraded to maintain the prescribed reservation percentages
d) Branch Change:
Some institutes allow high-performing students to change their branch after the first year, subject to availability
JOSAA Schedule/ Timeline
The JOSAA counselling process typically follows this timeline:
- June: JEE Advanced results declaration in the first week of June.
- JOSAA registration and choice filling begins within a day
- Typically, 8-10 days window is given for registration and choice filling and Mock seat allocation
- Mid-July: First round of seat allocation
- Late July to August: Multiple rounds of seat allocation
- August-September: Reporting to allotted institutes and commencement of academic sessions
Tips for Candidates
a) Research Thoroughly:
Understand the programs and institutes before filling choices
Consider factors like placement records, research opportunities, and campus facilities
b) Seek Expert Guidance:
Our counsellors at MentorMe will provide in-depth insights into the JOSAA process, helping students understand the intricacies of seat allocation, choice filling, and decision-making.
We assist in analysing trends, evaluating options, and aligning choices with individual career aspirations. This tailored guidance empowers students to make informed decisions, maximising their chances of securing admissions in their preferred programs and institutes.
c) Fill Maximum Choices:
Include as many relevant choices as possible to increase chances of allocation
d) Order Preferences Carefully:
Arrange choices based on genuine preference, not just based on perceived chances
e) Keep Documents Ready:
Prepare all required documents well in advance to avoid last-minute issues
f) Stay Updated:
Regularly check the JOSAA website for announcements and updates
g) Understand Float, Slide, and Freeze Options:
Make informed decisions about seat acceptance options in each round
h) Be Prepared for Quick Decisions:
Seat allocation rounds have short timelines, so be prepared to make quick decisions
i) Consider Long-term Goals:
Choose programs and institutes aligned with your career aspirations
Challenges and Considerations
a) High Competition:
The process is highly competitive, with a large number of candidates vying for limited seats
b) Complex Decision-making:
Candidates must make crucial decisions about their future in a short time frame
c) Geographic Considerations:
Consider the location of institutes and associated costs of living and travel
d) Balancing Preferences and Probabilities:
Candidates must balance their preferred choices with realistic chances of allocation
e) Adapting to New Environments:
Be prepared for potential relocation and adapting to new academic and cultural environments
Post-Admission Scenario
a) Orientation Programs:
Most institutes conduct orientation programs for new students
b) Academic Structure:
Understand the credit system, grading policy, and academic regulations of the allotted institute
c) Extracurricular Opportunities:
Explore various clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities offered by the institute
d) Industry Exposure:
Look for internship opportunities, industry collaborations, and placement assistance provided by the institute
Resources and Support
a) JOSAA Website:
The official source for all information, updates, and conducting the counselling process.
JOSAA provides helpline numbers and email support for query resolution.
Detailed brochures are published containing all relevant information about the admission process.
d) Social Media Channels:
Official social media accounts of JOSAA and participating institutes provide updates and clarifications.
Conclusion
The JOSAA counselling process, while comprehensive and fair, can be complex and overwhelming for many students. This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. MentorMe, with its team of experienced counsellors, offers personalised support to navigate this crucial phase of a student's academic journey.
As the landscape of technical education continues to evolve, we stay abreast of the latest developments, including new institutes, programs, and changes in the JOSAA process. Our up-to-date knowledge ensures that students receive the most relevant and actionable advice.
By partnering with MentorMe, students can approach the JOSAA counselling process with confidence, clarity, and a strategic mindset. Our expert guidance not only simplifies the immediate task of securing admission but also contributes to shaping the long-term trajectory of a student's career in engineering and technology.
In this dynamic field of technical education, MentorMe stands at the foremost as a reliable ally, helping students transform the challenges of the JOSAA process into opportunities for academic and professional growth. So, allow us to help you navigate this journey by booking a counselling session with our expert counsellors today.
Author:
Vandana Garg
5+ years of Experience in Career Guidance.
Certified Career Coach By NCDA.
