JEE Main 2026 Counselling: Dates, Process, Documents Required, Feesc

JEE Main counselling 2026 will be conducted by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) in six rounds each year. JEE Main 2026 counselling is a crucial step after the exam results, where you will be allotted seats in top engineering institutes across India, including IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other GFTIs. 

The JEE Main 2026 counselling process involves registration, choice filling, document verification, and seat allotment. Understanding the stages and timelines ensures you don’t miss any opportunity to secure your preferred college and branch.

Read More: JEE Main Exam Dates 2026

When Will the JEE Main 2026 Counselling Start?

The JEE Main counselling dates 2026 will be announced once the exam results are released. The counselling will be conducted online in multiple rounds, and the schedule will be released by the JoSAA on its official website. Separate rounds under CSAB are usually conducted later for vacant seat filling.

The table below shows the tentative JEE Main counselling dates 2026:

Check This: JEE Main Participating Colleges

Types of JEE Main Counselling 2026: JoSAA vs CSAB

The JEE Main counselling 2026 will be conducted by two major platforms, that is, JoSAA and CSAB. The JoSAA counselling carries out the primary seat allocation to top IITs, NITs, GFTIs and IIITs while the CSAB counselling is conducted for those who want to upgrade their current seat based on the vacant seat list.

Here is the comparison between JoSAA and CSAB counselling 2026:

How Do I Register for JEE Main 2026 Counselling?

JEE Main counselling 2026 will tentatively begin in Jun 2026. You can register for the counselling process by visiting the JoSAA official website. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to register for JEE Main 2026 counselling:

• Step 1: Visit the official JoSAA website at josaa.nic.in once registration opens.
• Step 2: Log in using your JEE Main application number and password.
• Step 3: Fill in the required details and confirm your eligibility.
• Step 4: Proceed to the choice filling and locking section and fill your choice in your preference order
• Step 5: Submit and save your choices before the deadline

Read More: JEE Main Marks vs Percentile

Documents Required for JEE Main Counselling 2026

You will be required to submit documents such as your identity proof, domicile certificate, category certificate, etc, during the JEE Main counselling process for verification. Here is the list of documents you can keep handy in the prescribed format for easy registration:

• JEE Main 2026 Admit Card & Rank Card
• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets
• Category Certificate (if applicable: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD)
• Domicile Certificate (for state quota seats)
• Passport-size Photographs
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card/Passport/Driving License)

Check This: JEE Main Reservation Criteria

What is Choice Filling and How Should I Fill My Choices?

JEE Main choice filling is the step where you have to choose the college and branch of your preference and lock your choices. The seats will be allocated later based on the choices filled by you, considering various factors like the availability, category, merit score, etc.

Here is a guide on how to fill the JEE Main choices during counselling registration:

• Research on the College: It is important to research and analyse the top colleges that offer the desired branch and their opening and closing ranks
• Set a Preference List: This must include all the college and branch combinations you want to lock based on the cutoff that aligns with your score.
• Lock Many Choices: There is no restriction in the number of colleges you fill, so lock as many combinations as you want to add that go slightly above your rank range
• Keep a Track of Timelines: Avoid missing out the JEE counselling timeline. It is important to submit the choices before the deadline set by the authorities to avoid going seatless

Read More: JEE Main Cutoff 2026

What Are the Freeze/ Float/ Slide Options in JEE Main 2026 Counselling?

The conducting authorities offer three options to you after each round of the seat allotment process, such as freeze, float and slide. You are required to choose the option within the timeframe set by the authorities once the seat allotment is released.

• Freeze: Accept the allotted seat and stop participating in further rounds.
• Float: Accept the seat but remain open for better options in future rounds.
• Slide: Accept the seat in the allotted institute but wait for an upgrade to a preferred branch in the same institute.

What Is the Fee for JEE Main 2026 Counselling and Seat Acceptance?

The JEE Main counselling seat acceptance fee vary depending on the category of the candidate. The seat acceptance fee paid by the candidate will be adjusted against the admission fee by the allotted institution. The table below shows the JEE Main counselling fee details:

What Happens If I Miss a Counselling Round Or a Deadline?

Missing a JEE Main 2026 counselling deadline can cost you a seat. The JEE Main counselling schedule will be released by the authorities on the official website, and it is important that you keep track of the important dates and events.

If you miss JoSAA rounds due to any unforeseen situation, you can still participate in CSAB rounds later if eligible. The following are some of the important JEE Main counselling events that you should not miss to avoid going seatless.

• JEE Main Counselling Registration
• JEE Main Choice Filling Process
• Seat Acceptance
• Document Verification
• Fee Payment

JEE Main 2026 counselling is just as important as the exam itself, as it determines which college and branch you ultimately secure. With careful planning and timely action, you can maximize your chances of admission to your dream institute. Staying updated on official notifications, filling choices wisely, and keeping documents ready is crucial to secure the seat.