Difference Between JoSAA and CSAB: Eligibility, Special Restrictions, Seat Withdrawal Option

Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) is an authority to manage and conduct the entire seat allocation process for IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). JoSAA considers JEE (Main and Advanced) to participate in the seat allocation process. On the other hand, the Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) is an authority responsible for conducting the process of seat allocation for undergraduate engineering, technology and architecture programs in the NITs, IIEST, IIITs, SPAs and GFTIs (collectively known as NIT + system). CSAB considers JEE (Main) ranks for the allocation of seats. JoSAA generally offers more liberal entry than CSAB, as it covers a wider range of colleges. JoSAA also offers more flexibility in seat upgrades and offers higher chances of fee refunds. JoSAA offers more opportunities to students due to its various rounds and upgrade options. JoSAA is the main process of seat allocation, while CSAB is the supplementary process. Candidates not satisfied with the JoSAA allotment can participate in CSAB for a chance to get a better seat. 

JoSAA VS CSAB: Key Differences

JoSAA and CSAB are both responsible for the seat allocation process for engineering and architecture programs in India. However, the major differences between the two are the timing and scope. JoSAA fills the fresh seats on an initial level, and CSAB fills the leftover seats which are available after JoSAA counselling. The counselling based on JoSAA is done for IITs, NITs, IIITs and GFTIs; while the institutes covered by CSAB are NITs, IIITs and GFTIs. JoSAA has a larger number of seats available than CSAB, as CSAB handles those seats which are left over by JoSAA. 

Who can participate in JoSAA VS CSAB?

Candidates who have passed their class 12th (or equivalent) with the required subjects and have a valid rank in either JEE Main 2025 or JEE Advanced 2025 are eligible to participate in the JoSAA counselling. Generally, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are the compulsory subjects for Class 12th. 

To be eligible to participate in the CSAB, candidates must have a valid JEE Main rank, have participated in the JoSAA counselling, but were not allotted a seat, did not accept the seat or cancelled it. 

JoSAA VS CSAB: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for JoSAA counselling candidate must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as main subjects. Students belonging to the General category must have a minimum of 75% aggregate marks, whereas reserved category candidates need at least 65%. Also, the JEE Main or JEE Advanced exam must be qualified for. There is no age restriction for JoSAA. Candidates must make sure that they possess the category and medical certificates as per the specific requirements of the participating institutes. For CSAB, a candidate must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) and have a valid JEE Main 2025 score. Physics and Mathematics are generally the compulsory subjects for CSAB. There is no age restriction on the age limit for CSAB as well. 

JoSAA VS CSAB: Special Eligibility & Restrictions

There are general rules of eligibility criteria for JoSAA. However, there are a few institutes that require special restrictions for entry. For instance, the special restrictions at IIT Kharagpur include that the PwD candidates and candidates with colour blindness and/or one-eyed vision are also not eligible are not eligible. Similarly, admission to IIT BHU is not given to colour blindness, one-eyed vision and PwD candidates. The complete list of special restrictions for JoSAA can be viewed in the PDF given below:

 JoSAA_special_restrictions 

CSAB offers admission to candidates who come under the eligibility criteria mentioned above. However, there are special restrictions specific to the institutes. For instance, NIT Surathkal restricts PWD candidates and candidates with colour blindness. NIT Nagaland, on the other hand, do not provide a seat to Orthopedically handicapped candidates with Disability in walking. A complete list of special eligibility restrictions is given in the PDF below:

CSAB_special_restrictions

JoSAA vs CSAB: Documents Required

For JoSAA counselling, several documents are required for submission, such as academic documents, category certificate, etc. For NIT+ systems, the JEE Main 2025 admit card is necessary, which is not required for IITs. For CSAB, the list of documents includes a vast list of academic details, category details, etc. The list of documents for JoSAA and CSAB is given in the table below:

JoSAA VS CSAB Registration & Counselling Process

The step-by-step process for JoSAA and CSAB is given below:

JoSAA Registration & Counselling 2025

1. Registration and Choice Filling

2. Seat Allotment

3. Seat Confirmation and Document Verification

4. Reporting to the Allotted Institute

5. Special Round Consulting

CSAB Registration & Counselling Process 2025

1. Registration

2. Choice Filling and Locking

3. Seat Allotment

4. Fee Payment and Document Verification

5. Reporting

CSAB vs JoSAA Counselling Fees

The fee structure for both CSAB and JoSAA is differentiated based on the category to which the student belongs and the type of fee being paid. There is no registration fee for JoSAA counselling. It must be noted that JoSAA offers more flexibility in case of refunds as compared to CSAB. Also, JoSAA is more affordable as compared to CSAB. 

JoSAA VS CSAB: Seat Allotment Result

JoSAA seat allotment results can be checked on the JoSAA official website (josaa.nic.in). JoSAA 2025 counselling will have six rounds of seat allocation. To check the CSAB seat allotment result, candidates need to visit csab.nic.in. CSAB will conduct three special rounds to fill the vacant seats. Additionally, there is a separate CSAB Supernumerary Round for specific Union Territories. CSAB may conduct special rounds for NIT + system institutes if a seat remains vacant.