The Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) 2026 scheme facilitates admissions for foreign nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) engineering and technical courses in reputed Indian institutions. The admission process emphasizes standardized eligibility criteria, entrance exam requirements, and transparent counselling rounds.
For UG admissions, candidates must have completed their 12th grade from a recognized foreign board with a minimum of 75% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and one related subject. A valid JEE Main 2026 rank is mandatory, along with proof of overseas study for at least two years. PG admissions require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited foreign university with a typical aggregate of 60–70%, and some institutes may require GATE scores.
The counselling process for DASA UG involves four rounds, while PG counselling consists of two rounds, where seats are allotted based on merit and choices filled by candidates. The process also involves document verification, payment of registration fees, and submission of required certificates. Special provisions exist for candidates in the Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries (CIWG) category. The DASA 2026 exam follows merit-based ranking with tie-breaking criteria based on subject grades and candidate age.
DASA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The DASA 2026 eligibility criteria cover both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions for foreign nationals, PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs. It specifies academic qualifications, entrance exam requirements, age limits, and special provisions like the CIWG category to ensure fair and standardised admission processes.
DASA UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Foreign nationals, PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs must have scored at least 75% in Physics, Chemistry, Math, and one related subject in their 12th grade from a foreign board to be eligible for DASA UG 2026. A valid JEE Main 2026 rank is also required. Candidates should be born on or after October 1, 2001, and must have studied abroad for at least two years in the last two years.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Foreign Nationals, PIOs, OCIs, NRIs |
| Educational Qualification | 12th grade or equivalent from a recognized foreign board/university |
| Mandatory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and one among Chemistry / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Biology |
| Minimum Academic Performance | Minimum 75% aggregate or CGPA of 7.5/10 in the qualifying exam |
| Entrance Exam Requirement | JEE Main 2026 rank is mandatory |
| Residential Requirement | At least 2 years of education (Classes 11 & 12) in a foreign country within the last 8 years |
| Age Limit | Born on or after October 1, 2001 |
| Documentation Required | Secondary education certificates or any valid government-issued document |
| Special Category (CIWG) | Same academic criteria; proof of parents' employment in Gulf countries required |
DASA PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The DASA PG 2026 eligibility criteria: international citizens, PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited international university, typically requiring 60–70% of the possible points or a comparable CGPA, are eligible for DASA PG 2026. Some institutions may require GATE scores while others consider academic records alone.
There are no residency or age restrictions, offering wide eligibility. Degree certificates and valid ID are mandatory. The CIWG category may apply depending on the institute. These criteria maintain academic standards while offering flexibility to international postgraduate applicants.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Foreign Nationals, PIOs, OCIs, NRIs |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized foreign university |
| Minimum Academic Performance | Typically 60-70% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (varies by institute) |
| Entrance Exam Requirement | GATE scores may be required by some institutes; otherwise, academic records considered |
| Residential Requirement | No specific residential requirement |
| Age Limit | No explicit age limit |
| Documentation Required | Bachelor’s degree certificates and valid identity proofs |
| Special Category (CIWG) | May apply depending on institute |
DASA UG 2026 Counselling Process
The details for the DASA 2026 Counselling have not yet been revised and are expected to remain the same as the previous year. The DASA UG 2026 counselling process guides candidates through course selection, document submission, and seat allotment based on JEE Main scores. It also details the required documents and registration fees for various admission categories, ensuring a smooth and transparent admission experience.
DASA UG 2026 Choice Filling and Locking
Post-registration, candidates can fill preferred courses and institutes by priority. Selecting multiple choices increases allotment chances.
The DASA UG 2026 merit list, based on JEE Main 2026 scores, is expected to be declared in July 2026 on the official website.
DASA UG 2026 Required Documents
| Category | Document | Specification / Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Identification | Passport | Valid passport in PDF/JPG format, including personal details and photo page. Nepalese applicants: Authenticated Citizenship Card accepted. |
| Photograph | Recent passport-sized photo | JPG format, 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm, ≤ 100 kB, front-facing on white/light background |
| Signature | Scanned signature | JPG format, ≤ 100 kB, black/blue ink preferred |
| Proof of Date of Birth | Birth Certificate / Class 10 Certificate | Issued by competent government authority/school, PDF/JPG format |
| Academic Records | Class 10 Mark Sheet | Original or authenticated copy, PDF preferred, subject-wise marks/grades |
| Class 11 Mark Sheet | Official transcript showing academic performance, PDF format | |
| Class 12 Mark Sheet / Equivalent | Final board result or provisional certificate if awaiting final result, PDF format | |
| Certificate of Completion | Certificate proving completion of Classes 11 & 12 | From recognized board/school, PDF format |
| CGPA Equivalence Certificate | If applicable | Required if grading scale other than 10-point CGPA; must mention conversion formula, PDF format |
| Proof of Two Years of Foreign Education | Evidence of continuous study overseas | School-issued certificates or bonafide letters, PDF format |
| JEE Main 2026 Scorecard | JEE Main Rank Card | Mandatory, PDF from NTA website, includes application number, rank, and personal details |
| CIWG Category (if applicable) | Parent’s Passport, Visa, Work Permit, Employer Certificate | Clear scans showing name, nationality, photo, visa, work permit, and employment details on company letterhead |
DASA UG 2026 Registration Fee
| Admission Category | Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | First Semester Tuition Fee | Total Payable at Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIWG | USD 300 | INR 62,500 (or equivalent in USD) | USD 300 + INR 62,500 |
| DASA (SAARC) | USD 300 | USD 2,000 | USD 2,300 |
| DASA (Non-SAARC) | USD 300 | USD 4,000 | USD 4,300 |
DASA PG 2026 Counselling Process
DASA PG 2026 counselling starts with registration on the official DASA portal in July 2026. Candidates must provide personal, academic, and identity details, upload required documents, and pay registration fees.
DASA PG 2026 Required Documents
| Document | Details | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Proof of identity and nationality, valid throughout course duration | Essential for verifying foreign nationals |
| Academic Qualification Certificates | Bachelor’s degree/provisional certificate and mark sheets from recognized foreign university | Ensures eligibility; AIU equivalence certificate often required |
| Entrance Exam Score Card (if applicable) | GATE scorecard or institute-specific test scores | Merit-based admission standardization |
| DASA Counselling Registration Confirmation | Proof of online registration and fee payment | Confirms participation in counselling |
| Photographs | Recent passport-sized photos as per specifications | Identity verification during admission |
| Proof of Residential Status (if applicable) | For CIWG: proof of parent’s Gulf employment (visa, residency documents) | Supports special category admissions |
| Valid Identity Proof | Government-issued ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID, driving license, or national ID | Additional identity verification |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) (if required) | Required for sponsored candidates | Confirms eligibility if sponsored by employer/government |
DASA PG 2026 Fee Structure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee Amount | INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 (approx. USD 65 to 130) |
| Fee Structure by Category | General/OCI/PIO/Foreign Nationals: Full fee; CIWG: concessional; Sponsored: varies |
| Mode of Payment | Online payment via net banking, credit/debit cards, digital wallets |
| Refund Policy | Non-refundable |
| Payment Deadline | During registration window (typically July 2026 for PG) |
DASA 2026 Counselling Process
DASA 2026 counselling happens in multiple rounds for both UG and PG courses — 4 rounds for UG and 2 for PG. Seats are given based on the choices filled by candidates.
First Round: All eligible candidates are considered. Options are:
- Accept (confirm seat)
- Accept & Upgrade (keep seat but try for better in next round)
- Decline (exit counselling)
Second Round: Candidates not selected or who chose Accept & Upgrade in Round 1 are considered with the same options.
Third Round: Candidates not allotted in Round 2 or who chose Accept & Upgrade are considered. Accept confirms seat, Decline cancels it.
Internal Sliding: Seats can be shifted within the same institute based on merit without changing choices.
Special Round: Vacant seats after internal sliding are offered to candidates who were not allotted earlier.
Visa: Selected foreign students must get a valid student visa from Indian Missions by submitting required documents.
Medical: Candidates must be medically fit and submit fitness certificates. Medical tests happen at the institute.
Reporting: Candidates must report to the institute with documents on time. Not reporting cancels the seat.
DASA 2026 Rank Calculation
- For UG admissions: JEE Main 2026 normalized scores are used to prepare the merit and rank lists.
- For PG admissions: Rank is based on academic records and GATE scores (if applicable). Some institutes weigh GATE scores more heavily.
DASA 2026 Normalisation and Score Conversion
JEE Main raw scores are normalised across sessions; percentile scores convert normalised scores into ranks. GATE score normalisation follows GATE methodology for PG candidates.
DASA 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria
- Higher grades in relevant core subjects (mathematics for UG, core subjects for PG).
- Date of birth or age (younger candidates may be preferred).
- Additional institute-specific criteria as applicable.
DASA 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for DASA UG 2026 admission?
Ans. Foreign nationals, PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs must have at least 75% in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and one related subject in their 12th grade from a recognized foreign board. A valid JEE Main 2026 rank is mandatory. Candidates should be born on or after October 1, 2001, and have studied abroad for at least two years in the last eight years.
Ques. What are the academic qualifications required for DASA PG 2026 admission?
Ans. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized foreign university with typically 60-70% aggregate or equivalent CGPA. Some institutes may require GATE scores for admission.
Ques. Is JEE Main 2026 rank compulsory for DASA UG 2026 admission?
Ans. Yes, a valid JEE Main 2026 rank is mandatory for admission under DASA UG 2026.
Ques. What documents are required for DASA UG 2026 counselling?
Ans. Required documents include a valid passport, recent passport-sized photograph, scanned signature, proof of date of birth, mark sheets for Class 10, 11, 12, certificate of completion, CGPA equivalence certificate (if applicable), proof of two years of foreign education, and JEE Main 2026 scorecard. Additional documents are needed for the CIWG category.
Ques. What is the registration fee for DASA UG 2026 for the CIWG category?
Ans. The registration fee for the CIWG category is USD 300, plus the first semester tuition fee of INR 62,500 (or equivalent in USD).
Ques. How many counselling rounds are there for DASA UG 2026 and PG 2026?
Ans. DASA UG 2026 counselling has 4 rounds, while DASA PG 2026 counselling has 2 rounds.
Ques. What are the options available after seat allotment in DASA 2026 counselling?
Ans. Candidates can choose to Accept (confirm the seat), Accept & Upgrade (keep the seat but try for a better one in next round), or Decline (exit the counselling process).
Ques. Are there any age or residential restrictions for DASA PG 2026 admission?
Ans. No, there are no specific age or residential requirements for DASA PG 2026 admission.
Ques. How is the DASA 2026 rank calculated for UG admissions?
Ans. DASA UG 2026 rank is calculated based on the normalized JEE Main 2026 scores and percentile performance across exam sessions.
Ques. What documents are necessary for foreign nationals under the CIWG category during DASA UG 2026 admission?
Ans. Applicants must submit parent’s passport, valid visa, work permit, and employer certificate proving employment in Gulf countries.