Check the article to know the major difference between IIT JAM Counselling JOAPS vs CCMN. All details have been mentioned here for your guidance.
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If you are planning to join postgraduate science programmes through IIT JAM, you are likely to be confused, as you will come across two counselling portals, which are JOAPS and CCMN. Most people who apply also think that the purpose of both is similar; however, this is not the case, as they are applied at various levels of the admission process and to different groups of institutions.
It is important to understand the difference between JOAPS and CCMN so that you do not miss out on deadlines or commit mistakes during counselling. In simple terms, JOAPS is the official registration portal of IIT JAM registration, result access, and initial admission rounds for IITs, and CCMN is the portal that is used for counselling and seat allocation in NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions. As these two processes are related to the JAM scores but are independent of each other, understanding the functioning of each system will allow you to be more tactical in planning your preferences and admissions.
What Is JOAPS in IIT JAM Counselling?
The official counselling and admission portal used for seeking admission to IITs is JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS). This portal is used by IIT JAM-qualified candidates. In case you plan to take an M.Sc., M.Sc.- PhD Dual Degree or any other postgraduate degree that uses JAM to administer, JOAPS is the platform on which the whole process is handled.
Using JOAPS, you can enroll in counselling, update and change your preferences, upload documents needed, and pay the seat acceptance fee. Seat allotment rounds are also managed by the system, which gives you the choice for accepting, retaining, or withdrawing seats according to your rank and preferences. Simply put, JOAPS is IIT admissions only, and it is right at the centre of deciding where and in what programme you ultimately get a seat after qualifying for the IIT JAM.
Must Check: IIT JAM Cutoff for NIT 2026
What Is CCMN in IIT JAM Counselling?
The counselling platform used for NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and other participating institutes that accept IIT JAM scores is called CCMN or the Centralised Counselling to M.Sc./M.Sc.(Tech.) Admissions. In contrast to JOAPS, CCMN does not feature IITs and is aimed at applicants who want to apply to popular non-IIT institutions. You can also register, fill in programme and institute preferences, and attend several counselling rounds through the CCMN portal on the basis of your JAM rank.
The allocation of seats is based on rank, category, availability of seats, and order of preference. CCMN also offers such options as freeze, float and slide, which will provide you with flexibility during counselling. In a nutshell, CCMN can be your gateway to JAM-based admissions outside IITs and with a large variety of colleges and specializations in India.
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JOAPS vs CCMN: Detailed Comparison for IIT JAM Counselling
It is important to know the distinction between JOAPS and CCMN to plan how to achieve admission to IIT JAM. Although both sites utilize your JAM score to assign your seats, they are used in dissimilar institutes, counselling regulations and seat distribution processes.
The table below shows a complete comparison between JOAPS (for IITs) and CCMN (for NITs and CFTIs).
| Feature | JOAPS (JAM Online Application Processing System) | CCMN (Centralized Counselling for M.Sc.) |
| Institutes Covered | 22 IITs and IISc Bangalore | 20+ NITs, IIEST Shibpur, SLIET, and DIAT |
| Eligibility (Marks) |
Gen/OBC: 55% or 5.5 CGPA SC/ST/PwD: 50% or 5.0 CGPA |
Gen/OBC: 60% or 6.5 CGPA SC/ST/PwD: 55% or 6.0 CGPA |
| Admission Portal | jam2026.iitb.ac.in | ccmn.admissions.nic.in |
| Counseling Rounds | Typically 4 to 5 Rounds | 3 Regular Rounds + Special Rounds + National Spot Round (NSR) |
| Registration Fee | Approximately INR 750 (Non-refundable) |
Gen/OBC: INR 3,000 SC/ST/PwD: INR 2,500 |
| Seat Booking Fee |
Gen/OBC: INR 10,000 SC/ST/PwD: INR 5,000 |
Gen/OBC: INR 15,000 SC/ST/PwD: INR 10,000 |
| Choices Offered | Accept & Upgrade, Accept & Freeze, Reject & Quit | Float, Slide, Freeze, Surrender & Participate |
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Conclusion
When planning your IIT JAM admissions, it is important to know what is the difference between JOAPS and CCMN. The main counselling portal for IITs is JOAPS, which will suit the top rankers looking to get into prestigious M.Sc. and integrated programmes. The number of seats is limited, and competition is high, hence it is important to register in time and fill the preferences correctly.
CCMN in contrast offers access to NITs, IIITs and other CFTIs, so it becomes a good alternative to mid- to high-ranked JAM applicants. It has a versatile counselling system with freeze, slide, and float features that enable more efficient seat maximisation in various institutes. By participating in both platforms where you can plan and strategise your preferences, you stand a high chance of getting admission. Ultimately, strategic planning and rank-based decisions matter more than the choice ofthe portal itself
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