How Merit List Is Prepared For DASA CIWG Schemes

How Merit List is prepared for DASA CIWG Schemes | NRI Student’s Guide

DASA and CIWG merit lists are based solely on the JEE Main All India Rank (AIR). Seats are allocated according to AIR, category (DASA/CIWG), and the applicant’s ordered preferences for institutes and branches.

Under the scheme, 15% of seats in participating institutes are reserved for DASA, of which 1/3rd (about 5% of total seats) are dedicated to CIWG students from eligible Gulf nations. This seat distribution significantly affects closing ranks, competition intensity, and cut-offs for popular branches like CSE and ECE across NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and CFTIs.

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Cut-offs under the DASA/CIWG Scheme depend on the number of applicants competing within the 15% DASA supernumerary quota, out of which 5% seats are earmarked for CIWG (children of Indian workers in Gulf/Middle East countries). When more NRI students apply, especially from the USA and Middle East—the required JEE Main percentile and rank increases. In years with fewer applicants, the closing ranks become comparatively relaxed.

DASA merit continues to remain rank-driven, not score-driven. Seat allocation is based on JEE Main All-India Rank (CRL) and percentile, unlike fixed-score benchmarks used in U.S. university SAT admissions. Also, DASA cut-offs are not linked to general quota cut-offs for Home-State/All-India seats in NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, or SPAs, as these follow separate reservation rules and seat structures.

If CIWG-reserved seats remain vacant after counselling, they are transferred to the Non-CIWG DASA quota. Such seats are then allotted to eligible NRI applicants, but standard DASA fee rules apply—not CIWG fee benefits.

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Merit List for NRI Students in Middle East choosing the CIWG Quota

In recent admission years, CIWG cut-offs have generally been higher than Non-CIWG because only about 5% of the DASA supernumerary seats are earmarked for CIWG students (mainly NRIs living in Gulf/Middle East countries), while the remaining portion goes to Non-CIWG applicants. With fewer CIWG seats and strong competition from Middle-East NRIs, closing ranks naturally become tighter.

Non-CIWG applicants usually have access to a larger share of seats, so their cut-offs tend to be comparatively lower, although it still varies year-to-year depending on applicant volume and JEE Main performance.

CIWG-eligible NRIs are allowed to apply under the Non-CIWG category as well, but Non-CIWG students cannot avail CIWG benefits.

Countries recognised under CIWG include: UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iran, and Iraq.

Merit List of DASA / CIWG 2023

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Merit List of DASA / CIWG 2022

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Merit List for DASA / CIWG 2021

The JEE Main 2021 Cutoff for DASA 2021 will follow the same pattern of forming a merit list for CIWG & non-CIWG DASA Quota. The only difference will be the exams that NRI Students will be giving i.e. JEE Main from 2021 onwards.

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Top 10 FAQs-DASA/CIWG Merit List 2025

1. What is the DASA/CIWG Merit List for 2025?

The DASA/CIWG Merit List 2025 is based on JEE Main All India Rank (CRL) and percentile. Closing ranks are published institute-wise after each counselling round for NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and SPAs.

2. Are DASA/CIWG admissions for 2025 based on SAT scores?

No. From 2021 onward, DASA/CIWG admissions use JEE Main ranks, not SAT scores.

3. How are CIWG cut-offs different from Non-CIWG for 2025?

CIWG seats are limited (within the 15% DASA quota), so cut-offs are usually higher. Non-CIWG has a larger seat share, so its closing ranks may be more relaxed.

4. Which students are eligible for CIWG in 2025?

Children of Indian workers in Gulf/Middle East countries such as UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq.

5. Are DASA/CIWG cut-offs the same every year?

No. Cut-offs change annually based on applicants, seat availability, JEE Main difficulty and category (CIWG vs Non-CIWG).

6. Where can NRI students check the 2025 closing ranks?

Institute-wise closing ranks are released after each allotment round on official DASA portals, participating NIT/IIIT/CFTI websites, and CSAB/DASA notices.

7. Can CIWG students apply under the Non-CIWG category?

Yes. CIWG-eligible students can apply under both CIWG and Non-CIWG. But Non-CIWG students cannot claim CIWG benefits.

8. Are CIWG cut-offs higher for NRI students from the Middle East?

Mostly, yes. Since CIWG seats are limited and competition is strong among Gulf-based NRIs, CIWG closing ranks tend to be tighter than general DASA.

9. Do U.S.-based NRIs qualify for CIWG seats?

No. CIWG applies only to NRIs whose parents are employed in Gulf/Middle East countries. U.S.-based NRIs can apply under the general DASA category.

10. Does the DASA Merit List include reserved quotas like CIWG?

Yes. The merit list and closing rank tables show both CIWG and Non-CIWG cut-offs separately, as they fall under different seat categories within DASA.