JEE & DASA 2026 Important Dates & Deadlines For NRIs

For NRI (Non-Resident Indian) students, especially those living in the USA and Middle East (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia) who are aiming to secure admission to prestigious engineering institutes in India, JEE Main and DASA/CIWG are two key pathways.

With the 2026 admissions cycle on the horizon, it’s essential to understand the tentative timelines, eligibility rules, and strategic differences between these admission options, especially since the criteria have changed significantly after DASA made JEE Main Rank compulsory.

This blog covers the most expected JEE Main 2026 and DASA/CIWG 2026 dates, the latest eligibility criteria, and an ideal preparation timeline that NRI students should follow to stay ahead in the competitive admission process.

What Are JEE and DASA?

JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is the national-level entrance test for undergraduate engineering programs in India. It has two stages:

JEE Main – required for admission to NITs, IIITs, IIEST, SPAs, and all Centrally Funded Technical Institutions
JEE Advanced – required only for admission to IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)

DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) is a separate admission scheme for Foreign Nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Non-Resident Indians (NRI)-including students living in the USA and Middle East (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia) for admission into NITs, IIITs, SPAs, IIEST, and other centrally funded technical institutions in India.
NOTE:
The category *“Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)” has been officially discontinued and merged into the OCI category as per updated Government of India guidelines.

Admissions under DASA/CIWG for 2026 will be based entirely on JEE Main 2026 All-India Rank, since SAT-based admissions have been discontinued.

Tentative Timeline for JEE & DASA 2026

For NRI students in the USA and Middle East, DASA/CIWG 2026 admissions will be based on JEE Main 2026 rank. JEE exams run from January to April, and DASA applications are expected from April to June 2026, with seat allotments in July.

Eligibility for DASA 2026

To apply under the DASA scheme, candidates must:

• Be a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), or foreign national living abroad
• Have completed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized school outside India (for overseas quota)
• Have a valid JEE Main 2026 rank, JEE is mandatory now
• Have completed Class 11 & 12 with Physics and Mathematics (and preferably one more relevant subject)
• Possess a valid passport and academic record documents from abroad

Key Tips for NRI Students

• Start early: Begin JEE Main preparation from Class 11. Take structured online coaching if needed for Physics, Math, and practice-based learning.
• Appear in both JEE Main sessions: Attempt Jan and April exams to secure your best possible AIR, DASA will consider the higher rank.
• Track official updates: Visit dasanit.org frequently for brochure releases, timelines, and eligibility confirmations.
• Keep documents ready: Maintain updated passport, transcripts, school certificates, and overseas study proof for Class 11 & 12.
• Match subject requirements: Students under IB, AP, British or American systems must ensure Physics and Math were core subjects in Grades 11 & 12.

Final Thoughts

Competition under the DASA/CIWG scheme is increasing every year, especially for highly preferred institutes like NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, and IIIT Hyderabad. With JEE Main now being the sole admission gateway, strong performance in JEE Main 2026 is crucial for NRI students living in the USA and Middle East.

By preparing early, staying updated with the official DASA guidelines, and keeping documents organized, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a seat in one of India’s top engineering institutions under the DASA pathway.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is JEE Main compulsory for DASA/CIWG 2026 admissions?

Yes. Admissions for DASA/CIWG 2026 will be based entirely on JEE Main 2026 All India Rank. SAT scores are no longer accepted, and no separate entrance test is conducted. Every applicant must upload an official JEE Main 2026 scorecard.

Q2. Who is eligible to apply under DASA 2026?

Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and eligible Indian nationals who have completed Class 11 and 12 outside India (including USA, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia) can apply under DASA. They must have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Q3. Which countries qualify under CIWG for 2026 admissions?

Children of Indian Workers in Gulf (CIWG) applies only to students whose parents work in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Saudi Arabia. Valid proof of parental employment in a Gulf country is mandatory during registration and document verification.

Q4. What documents are required during DASA 2026 registration?

Students must upload their passport, proof of date of birth, Class 10-12 transcripts, study certificates confirming schooling abroad, JEE Main 2026 scorecard, and fee payment proof. CIWG students must additionally upload their parent’s Gulf employment documents.

Q5. Is there a minimum percentage requirement for admission under DASA 2026?

Currently, no fixed percentage or CGPA requirement is listed for DASA 2026. The primary selection criterion is JEE Main AIR. However, Physics and Mathematics must be core subjects in Class 11 and 12 for engineering admissions.

Q6. Do USA-based NRI students qualify for CIWG?

No. CIWG is only for students whose parents work in designated Gulf countries. NRI students residing in the USA, Canada, Europe, Singapore, or Australia must apply under the normal DASA category using their JEE Main 2026 rank.

Q7. Are IITs included under DASA or CIWG admission routes?

No. IITs do not accept admissions through DASA or CIWG. Students who wish to join IITs must qualify JEE Advanced 2026 after clearing JEE Main. DASA covers NITs, IIITs, SPAs, IIEST, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions.

Q8. When will the DASA 2026 application process begin?

DASA UG 2026 registrations are tentatively expected to start in June 2026. Applications must be submitted online on the DASA portal, along with scanned documents and the mandatory registration + tuition fee. Final dates will be announced in the official brochure.

Q9. What is the fee structure for DASA 2026?

A non-refundable registration fee of USD 300 must be paid at the time of application. Tuition fee is USD 4,000 per semester for DASA applicants, while CIWG students pay the same fee as Indian nationals in INR. Final figures await brochure confirmation.

Q10. How can students pay the DASA 2026 application fee?

Applicants may pay fees through SWIFT transfer or international debit/credit cards. Fee receipts must be uploaded during registration. If the student is not allotted a seat or withdraws admission, the first-semester tuition fee is refundable as per official rules.

Q11. What proofs are required for CIWG eligibility?

CIWG students must upload their parent’s passport, Gulf residence visa, work permit, official employment letter, and company/organization ID. These documents confirm that at least one parent is legally working in an eligible Gulf country during the application period.

Q12. How are seats allotted under DASA/CIWG 2026?

Seat allotment depends on JEE Main 2026 All India Rank and the order of choices filled by the student. Three rounds of allotment are expected, followed by internal sliding based on availability. No separate merit list, exam, or rank is issued under DASA.

Q13. Can a CIWG student apply under both CIWG and DASA categories?

Yes. CIWG students may choose both CIWG and General DASA categories if they pay the same initial fee applicable to Non-SAARC DASA applicants. If allotted under CIWG, the tuition fee difference will be refunded as per official refund policies.

Q14. What happens if I miss the DASA 2026 deadline?

The system doesn’t allow individual extensions. Students who miss the initial deadline may be allowed to register during the late “Choice Refilling and New Registration” period before Round 2 or 3, depending on seat availability. Dates are brochure-dependent.

Q15. How should NRI students prepare for DASA/CIWG 2026 admissions?

Since admission depends entirely on JEE Main 2026 rank, NRI students should start preparation early, preferably from Grade 11. Regular mock tests, NCERT fundamentals, time management, and structured guidance significantly increase chances of securing top NITs.