JEE Mandatory For DASA / CIWG Onwards

As per the official notification issued by DASA/CIWG in 2019, the SAT Subject Test (SAT-II) is no longer valid for securing admission into premier Indian engineering colleges such as NITs, IIITs, CFIs & SPAs.

Starting from the 2021–22 cycle onward, and continuing into 2025–26, JEE Main Rank is 100% mandatory for all NRI applicants—including NRI students living in the USA and those residing in the Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain).

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Implications:

Class 12th Students (2025-26):

NRI students in Grade 12 (studying abroad in USA or Middle East) in 2025–26 are eligible to write JEE Main 2026, which is now the only accepted exam for DASA & CIWG admissions.
Their admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs & SPAs will be based solely on their JEE Main Rank.

Class 11th & 10th Students (2025):

Students who entered Class 11 in 2025 will take admission under DASA/CIWG in 2027.
For them too, JEE Main Rank remains valid and mandatory, as SAT-2 will not return for DASA/CIWG.

This applies universally to all NRI students studying in USA, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other foreign countries.

Will this prevail?

Clearly, we cannot say anything with absolute certainty at this stage. However, one fact remains unchanged:
If any major change related to DASA / CIWG admissions is to be implemented, it must ideally be communicated to NRI parents at least 2–3 years in advance, especially those living in the USA and Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain).

NRI families plan their stay abroad and choose international schooling based on long-term academic pathways. Since CIWG and DASA both require a minimum of 2 years of education abroad (Grades 11 & 12), parents need clarity well in advance. During these critical years, the NRI student must complete his/her Class 11 and 12 abroad, otherwise they lose eligibility for the scheme.

This sudden “JEE-only” requirement was something the global NRI community-especially those in the USA and Gulf countries, was not fully prepared for, and naturally, it caused confusion and concern.

As of now:

The DASA official website only displays general notifications.
No new circular reversing or modifying the “JEE Mandatory” rule has been uploaded.
This means the authorities are still reviewing the policy, and minor adjustments may still occur in the coming years.

What to do as of now?

So, student who are in grade 11th this year who were planning to prepare for JEE Main partially in 11th and then write 12th in 2025.

Bottom line is that you cannot risk it, so, for now, you have 2 years with you. Start preparing for JEE Main. Why?

This is because as of now we do not have any option than to write JEE Main to get into NITs in India.
If you prepare for JEE Main this will also help you in preparing for prestigious IITs in India. Once you clear JEE Main you just need to work on Advanced. Hardworking students can get into IITs too.
Preparing JEE Main will help you in writing SAT 2 later on just in case the order is uplifted and reverted back to SAT 2

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What does NTA & JEE Mains Official website say about this DASA update?

As seen earlier on the official JEE Main (NTA) website, a public notice was provided confirming that from the 2021–22 admission session onward, the admission of NRI / PIO / OCI candidates into UG Engineering & Architecture programs offered by NITs, IIITs, CFTIs & SPAs under the DASA / CIWG schemes would be conducted strictly on the basis of JEE Main Rank.

This notification continues to remain applicable for the 2025–26 admission cycle as well, which directly impacts NRI students in the USA and the Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain), since JEE Main is now the only accepted pathway for securing seats under the DASA/CIWG quota.

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DASA / CIWG & JEE FAQ 2026

1. Is the DASA Scheme available in 2026?

Yes. DASA will continue for the 2025-26 cycle. NIT Rourkela coordinated recent years, but the official DASA 2026 brochure must confirm the coordinator. The scheme remains fully applicable for NRI students in the USA and Middle East.

2. Is SAT-II valid for DASA/CIWG 2026?

No. SAT Subject Tests (SAT-II) have been permanently discontinued worldwide. They are not accepted for DASA or CIWG admissions. Only JEE Main Rank is valid for 2026 admissions, including for NRI students in the USA and Middle East (UAE).

3. Why is JEE Main mandatory for DASA/CIWG now?

The 2019 policy revision ensured one standardized exam for all engineering aspirants. Since 2021, JEE Main Rank is compulsory for DASA/CIWG. This applies to all NRI students abroad, including those in the USA and Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Oman).

4. What is the eligibility for NRI/OCI/PIO under DASA/CIWG 2026?

Students must be NRI/OCI/PIO, complete Class 11 and 12 abroad, hold a valid passport, and obtain a JEE Main 2026 Rank. This applies to applicants studying in the USA, UAE, and other Middle East countries seeking NIT/IIIT admissions.

5. Which grade should NRI students be in to write JEE Main for DASA 2026?

Students in Grade 12 (2025–26) can write JEE Main 2026. Grade 11 students should begin preparation early as JEE Rank decides DASA/CIWG admission. This applies equally to NRI students in the USA and Middle East/Gulf region.

6. Is “JEE Mandatory from DASA 2025 onward” final?

Yes, as of now the rule is final. No circular has reversed it. JEE Main remains the only valid exam for DASA/CIWG for 2025–26. Any future policy change must be announced years in advance for NRI families in the USA and Middle East.

7. Can the government modify or withdraw this requirement?

Possible but unlikely. Any change must be announced 2-3 years ahead due to mandatory foreign-study criteria for DASA/CIWG. NRI parents in the USA and Middle East depend on this clarity while planning their children’s Class 11 and 12 abroad.

8. Has qualifying exam criteria changed for DASA/CIWG 2026?

No. Students must still pass Class 12 abroad and complete two years of schooling (Grades 11 & 12) outside India. This requirement remains unchanged for 2026 applicants from the USA and Middle East under the DASA/CIWG schemes.

9. How should NRI students prepare for JEE Main for DASA/CIWG 2026?

Start early in Grade 10 or 11. Follow JEE-focused study plans, concept-building, and timed mock tests. Students in the USA or UAE must balance their school curriculum (CBSE/IB/AP) with JEE problem-solving patterns for strong performance.

10. What will be the JEE Main Rank cutoff for DASA/CIWG 2026?

Cutoffs vary by NIT, branch, and seat demand. Competitive branches like CSE and ECE need higher ranks. Exact cutoffs for 2026 depend on applicants, seat matrix, and CIWG/DASA demand, especially from USA and Middle East NRI students.

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