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IIIT DASA & CIWG Admission Guide for NRI Families
Students from NRI, OCI, PIO and Foreign National are eligible to apply for admission to participating Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) through Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme.
Many students search for “NRI quota in IIITs” but the correct term for many centrally participating IIITs is DASA admission. Candidates eligible under DASA are provided supernumerary seats and NRI students who qualify and have a parent who is or has been working in an approved Gulf country can compete under the DASA-CIWG category.
DASA UG admission is based on JEE Main rank, not SAT scores. The official 2026 DASA brochure includes IIITs among the participating institute categories and confirms that DASA admission is available to eligible Foreign National, OCI, PIO and NRI candidates.
This article discusses the NRI admission in IIITs (DASA and CIWG routes), eligibility, participating IIITs, fees, seats, cut-offs, documents, and the admission process.
Check DASA eligibility, JEE Main rank planning, CIWG documents, participating IIITs, fees and branch choices before counselling.
| Admission Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Overseas Route | DASA at participating IIITs |
| Common Search Term | NRI quota in IIITs |
| Eligible DASA Categories | NRI, OCI, PIO and Foreign Nationals |
| Entrance Exam | JEE Main |
| B.Tech Exam | JEE Main Paper 1 |
| DASA Seats | Supernumerary |
| Maximum DASA Allocation | Up to 15% programme-wise |
| CIWG Reservation | 5% of total intake within DASA |
| CIWG Share of DASA Seats | Approximately one-third |
| DASA Non-SAARC Initial Payment | US$4,300 |
| CIWG Initial Payment | US$300 + ₹62,500 under standard DASA structure |
| Seat Allocation | JEE Main CRL + category + choices + seat availability |
| Counselling | DASA through CSAB |
| Do All IIITs Participate? | No |
What families need to know: Not all institutes with IIIT in their name are participating in DASA. Students should check the latest official DASA seat matrix to ensure there is an NRI seat available.
Check whether the student should plan through DASA, CIWG or regular JoSAA before making an IIIT choice list.
Students and parents seeking admission abroad often use the term ‘NRI quota in IIITs’.
For participating IIITs, the relevant route is generally DASA – Direct Admission of Students Abroad.
Under DASA, eligible overseas candidates can compete for supernumerary seats in participating institutions using their JEE Main rank.
The official DASA framework states that supernumerary DASA seats can be up to 15% of the programme’s total intake.
Therefore:
NRI quota in IIITs ≠ institute-level management quota
For participating IIITs, it usually means:
JEE Main → DASA Registration → DASA/CIWG Choice Filling → Seat Allotment → IIIT Admission
Not every IIIT follows the same admission route, so verify current DASA participation before depending on NRI seats.
No.
This distinction is extremely important.
There are different types of institutions using the IIIT name in India, and their admission systems are not identical.
Some IIITs participate in the central DASA/CSAB system, while others do not appear in the current DASA seat matrix.
For example, students should not automatically assume that institutions such as IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Delhi or IIIT Bangalore follow the same DASA admission route merely because they are called IIITs.
The official DASA seat matrix should be the final reference for determining whether an institute has DASA seats in a particular admission cycle.
Use the JEE E-Book to plan JEE Main preparation, DASA counselling and NIT/IIIT choices.
Download JEE E-BookNRI families should compare all eligible routes before counselling so the student does not miss better IIIT options.
DASA Non-CIWG, DASA-CIWG and regular JoSAA/CSAB are separate admission routes.
DASA, CIWG and regular JoSAA admission are different routes and NRI families need to identify the right route before applying.
Eligible NRI, OCI, PIO and Foreign National candidates can apply for DASA Non-CIWG seats at participating IIITs.
The seat-allocation system considers:
Candidate category + JEE Main Common Rank List rank + choice order + available seats
For Indian NRI candidates, the applicable DASA overseas-education requirement must also be satisfied.
This route is particularly relevant to eligible NRI students studying in:
| Non-CIWG Country / Region | Non-CIWG Country / Region |
|---|---|
| USA | Australia |
| Canada | Europe |
| UK | Other non-CIWG countries |
| Singapore | — |
CIWG stands for Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries.
CIWG is not a separate entrance examination. It is a reserved category within DASA.
For 2026, the approved CIWG countries are:
| Eligible CIWG Country | Eligible CIWG Country |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Kuwait |
| Bahrain | Oman |
| Iraq | Qatar |
| Iran | Saudi Arabia |
To claim CIWG status, the candidate must satisfy the applicable DASA rules and the prescribed parent-employment condition.
The 2026 brochure states that either parent must be working or have worked in an eligible Gulf country during the applicable admission-cycle period.
CIWG seats form 5% of total programme intake within the DASA allocation, equivalent to approximately one-third of DASA seats.
Some overseas candidates may also qualify for the normal:
JEE Main → JoSAA → IIIT
route depending on their nationality and candidate status.
This route uses the regular NIT+ seat pool rather than DASA supernumerary seats.
DASA and JoSAA should therefore not be treated as the same counselling process.
The official CSAB information confirms that IIITs form part of the NIT+ system, while DASA runs as a distinct admission route for eligible overseas candidates.
| Student Situation | Route to Check |
|---|---|
| Indian NRI studying in USA | DASA Non-CIWG |
| Indian NRI studying in Canada | DASA Non-CIWG |
| Indian NRI in UAE with eligible parent employment | DASA-CIWG + Non-CIWG |
| Indian NRI in Saudi Arabia | DASA-CIWG if parent condition is met |
| Indian NRI in Qatar | DASA-CIWG if eligible |
| Indian NRI in Oman | DASA-CIWG if eligible |
| Indian NRI in Kuwait | DASA-CIWG if eligible |
| Indian NRI in Bahrain | DASA-CIWG if eligible |
| OCI Candidate | DASA according to applicable classification |
| PIO Candidate | DASA according to applicable rules |
| Foreign National | DASA |
| Regular Indian Candidate | JEE Main → JoSAA/CSAB |
Confirm JEE Main Paper 1, Class 12 subjects, age rule, marks and overseas-study condition before filling choices.
Confirm JEE Main Paper 1, Class 12 subjects, marks, age and overseas-study conditions.
For B.Tech admission through DASA, candidates must satisfy nationality/status, age, academic, JEE Main and residential requirements.
The current official DASA framework requires candidates to have a valid JEE Main Paper 1 rank for B.E./B.Tech programmes.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Candidate Categories | NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign National |
| Entrance Exam | JEE Main |
| B.Tech Paper | JEE Main Paper 1 |
| Qualifying Examination | Class 12 or equivalent |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | 75% aggregate or 7.5 CGPA |
| Required Subjects | Mathematics + Physics + one of Chemistry / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Biology |
| DASA 2026 Age Requirement | Born on or after October 1, 2001 |
| Indian NRI Overseas Rule | At least 2 years abroad including Classes 11 and 12 |
| Qualifying Exam for Applicable NRI | Must be passed abroad |
| Seat Allocation | JEE Main CRL rank + category + choices + seats |
75%/7.5 CGPA academic qualification and the subject combination prescribed for B.E./B.Tech admission is ensured from the official brochure.
In the case of eligible Indian NRI candidates, DASA requires a minimum of two years of education abroad including Classes 11 and 12 or equivalent during the prescribed eight-year period with the qualifying examination passed abroad.
Class 10 India → Grade 11 USA → Grade 12 USA
The student may satisfy the DASA residential requirement if all other conditions are fulfilled.
Parents live in USA → Student completes Classes 11 and 12 in India
Parent residence abroad alone does not automatically satisfy the applicable DASA overseas-schooling condition for an Indian NRI candidate.
For DASA UG admission to participating IIITs, yes.
B.Tech candidates need a valid JEE Main Paper 1 rank.
DASA no longer uses the old SAT Subject Test route for current undergraduate admission.
The official DASA brochure states that seat allocation considers the candidate’s position in the JEE Main Common Rank List (CRL).
Students should therefore focus on their JEE Main rank, not only marks or percentile.
Compare participating IIITs, CIWG seats, Non-CIWG seats, branches and fee notes before final choice filling.
Not every IIIT participates in DASA. Check the current seat matrix before building your choice list.
The revised official DASA 2026 UG seat matrix includes the following IIIT/IIITDM institutions.
| Participating IIIT / Institute | DASA-CIWG Seats Listed? |
|---|---|
| ABV-Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management Gwalior | Yes |
| IIIT Kota | Yes |
| IIIT Guwahati | Yes |
| IIIT Sonepat | Yes |
| IIIT Una | Yes |
| IIIT Sri City | Yes |
| IIIT Vadodara | Yes |
| IIIT Allahabad | Yes |
| IIITDM Kancheepuram | Yes |
| IIITDM Jabalpur | Yes |
| IIIT Tiruchirappalli | Yes |
| IIIT Dharwad | Yes |
| IIIT Kottayam | Yes |
| IIIT Pune | Yes |
| IIIT Bhagalpur | Yes |
| IIIT Bhopal | Yes |
| IIIT Raichur | Yes |
| IIIT Vadodara International Campus Diu | Yes |
Important: The participating institutes, programmes and number of seats offered may change from year to year. Students are always advised to check the latest official DASA seat matrix.
IIIT Allahabad is included in the current DASA seat matrix.
For 2026, listed undergraduate DASA programmes include areas such as:
Information Technology
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Information Technology – Business Informatics
Selected dual-degree programmes
The 2026 matrix lists separate Non-CIWG and CIWG seats for these programmes.
For example, the four-year Information Technology programme has 24 Non-CIWG and 12 CIWG seats in the revised matrix.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior is also part of the 2026 DASA matrix.
Programmes listed include:
Computer Science and Engineering
Mathematics and Scientific Computing
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Integrated B.Tech + M.Tech
Integrated B.Tech + MBA
Both DASA Non-CIWG and CIWG seats appear in the official matrix.
IIIT Guwahati participates in DASA.
The 2026 matrix includes programmes such as:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering – Artificial Intelligence
Separate Non-CIWG and CIWG seats are listed.
IIIT Sri City also appears in the DASA 2026 matrix.
Programmes listed include:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
The revised matrix provides separate DASA and CIWG seat allocations.
IIIT Kottayam participates in DASA and has programmes such as:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Mathematics and Computing
Cyber Security
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
The official 2026 matrix contains both Non-CIWG and CIWG seat categories for IIIT Kottayam.
Do not assume that ₹62,500 per semester is universally the final CIWG fee at every IIIT.
The DASA brochure specifically tells candidates admitted to institutions other than NITs and IIEST to check the individual institute for any balance tuition fee or additional charges.
This is why each IIIT’s latest fee notice must be checked separately.
IIIT Pune is included in the current DASA seat matrix.
For 2026, its listed programmes include:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
The matrix lists:
CSE: 29 Non-CIWG + 15 CIWG seats
ECE: 11 Non-CIWG + 6 CIWG seats.
IIIT Dharwad currently offers DASA seats in programmes including:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence and Computing
Separate CIWG seats are also included in the revised 2026 matrix.
IIIT Sonepat participates in DASA.
The revised 2026 matrix includes programmes such as:
Computer Science and Engineering
CSE – Data Science & Analytics
CSE – Artificial Intelligence
Information Technology
Each listed programme contains separate Non-CIWG and CIWG seat allocations.
IIIT Tiruchirappalli is another participating DASA institute.
The 2026 matrix includes:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
CSE – Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
ECE – VLSI Design
Both DASA Non-CIWG and CIWG seats are listed.
Different institutes have different availability of programmes. The current DASA matrix includes technology oriented branches like:
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | CSE |
| Artificial Intelligence | AI, AI & Data Science |
| Data Science | Data Science & Analytics |
| Information Technology | IT |
| Cyber Security | CSE Cyber Security |
| Electronics | ECE |
| VLSI | ECE/VLSI programmes |
| Mathematics | Mathematics & Computing |
| Computing | Mathematics & Scientific Computing |
| Design | B.Des at selected IIITDM institutes |
| Manufacturing | Smart Manufacturing / Design Engineering |
Students may find Computer Science, IT, AI, Data Science, and ECE programs at a few of the participating IIITs, but they should look at the specific programs listed in the current seat matrix rather than assuming that all IIITs offer the same branches.
There is no single IIIT that is automatically “best” for every DASA candidate.
Students should compare IIITs based on:
programme offered + JEE Main rank + DASA cutoff + institute fee + location + curriculum + official placement data + personal career interests
For example, a student targeting Information Technology may consider a different set of institutes from a student targeting AI, Data Science, ECE or Design.
Some frequently compared DASA-participating institutions include:
IIIT Allahabad
ABV-IIITM Gwalior
IIITDM Kancheepuram
IIITDM Jabalpur
IIIT Guwahati
IIIT Sri City
IIIT Pune
IIIT Vadodara
IIIT Kottayam
IIIT Dharwad
The final preference order should be based on objective programme-level factors rather than simply the IIIT name.
IIITs may require balance tuition and institute-specific charges.
This topic needs careful explanation because IIIT fees are not necessarily identical to NIT fees.
For DASA 2026, the standard initial DASA Enrolment Fee is:
| Candidate Category | Registration Fee | First-Semester Tuition Component | Initial DASA Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| DASA Non-SAARC | US$300 | US$4,000 | US$4,300 |
| DASA SAARC | US$300 | US$2,000 | US$2,300 |
| DASA-CIWG | US$300 | ₹62,500 | US$300 + ₹62,500 |
| CIWG + Non-CIWG | US$300 | US$4,000 initially | US$4,300 |
The US$300 registration component is non-refundable.
No.
This is one of the most important fee points for NRI families.
The official DASA brochure states that candidates admitted to institutions other than NITs and IIEST Shibpur may need to pay a balance tuition fee and additional institute fees.
Candidates are specifically advised to check the allotted institute’s own fee structure.
Therefore:
DASA initial payment ≠ guaranteed final IIIT semester fee
Each IIIT should have its fee checked individually.
Hostel fees are not included universally in DASA tuition.
The official DASA brochure states that hostel fees and other expenses vary by institute and are paid directly to the allotted institution.
Additional costs can include:
Hostel rent
Mess charges
Security deposit
Admission fee
Institute development charges
Examination fee
Student activity fee
Insurance
Travel and personal expenses
Families should calculate the complete annual cost, not only the DASA payment.
Qualifying Gulf-based NRI students may benefit from CIWG seats at participating IIITs.
CIWG offers:
a reserved seat pool within DASA + concessional initial tuition treatment
However, CIWG does not guarantee admission.
Candidates still compete based on:
JEE Main rank + category + choice order + programme availability
The 2026 seat matrix shows separate CIWG seats at many participating IIITs.
An eligible CIWG student may also choose to compete for regular DASA Non-CIWG seats.
In this case, the candidate pays the Non-SAARC initial DASA amount of US$4,300 and may see both seat types during choice filling.
For example:
IIIT Allahabad IT – CIWG
and
IIIT Allahabad IT – DASA Non-CIWG
may be separate choices.
If final admission is under CIWG, the applicable tuition balance is refunded according to DASA rules.
A DASA seat at an IIIT is not allocated simply because the student is an NRI.
The official allocation system considers five major factors:
Candidate’s DASA category tag
JEE Main Common Rank List position
Choice order
Seat availability
Other applicable eligibility rules
The brochure confirms that the highest possible eligible preference is allocated according to these factors.
The DASA cutoff for an IIIT is the JEE Main rank at which a particular programme closes for a DASA category and counselling round.
Cutoffs can differ between:
IIITs
Branches
CIWG and Non-CIWG
Counselling rounds
For example:
IIIT Allahabad IT CIWG cutoff
is not necessarily comparable with:
IIIT Allahabad IT Non-CIWG cutoff
and neither should be confused with the regular JoSAA cutoff.
Students should therefore compare their rank with the correct DASA category-specific opening and closing ranks.
CSAB publishes previous DASA opening and closing rank information on its official portal.
NRI students studying in the USA can apply to participating IIITs through DASA if they satisfy the required conditions.
For an Indian NRI candidate, the key overseas-schooling condition normally includes:
Grade 11 + Grade 12 abroad
within the applicable DASA framework.
USA-based students typically compete through DASA Non-CIWG, because the United States is not a CIWG country.
A typical admission path is:
JEE Main → DASA Eligibility → Register on CSAB → Select IIITs → Choice Filling → Seat Allotment
Potentially yes.
Foreign Nationals are included among the eligible DASA candidate categories.
A US citizen may therefore qualify under the applicable Foreign National framework, subject to academic, JEE Main and other DASA requirements.
A US citizen holding an OCI card should also check the applicable OCI classification rather than automatically applying Indian NRI rules.
Eligible NRI students living in the UAE may potentially compete under:
DASA-CIWG
and
DASA Non-CIWG
where all applicable conditions are met.
The UAE is one of the approved CIWG countries.
It should also be noted that students from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Emirates are reminded that Gulf residence itself does not confer CIWG eligibility. Required: proof of parent’s prescribed employment.
Eligible NRI students from these Gulf countries may also qualify for CIWG if the parent-employment and DASA conditions are satisfied.
The approved CIWG list currently includes:
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Iraq and Iran.
Qualifying students can compare both CIWG and Non-CIWG choices when building their preference list.
Keep passport, Class 10–12 records, overseas-study proof and CIWG parent-employment documents ready.
Candidates should prepare the documents required for DASA verification before registration.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Candidate Passport | Nationality/identity |
| Class 10 Certificate | Date of birth |
| Class 11 Academic Record | Overseas-study history |
| Class 12 Marksheet/Certificate | Academic eligibility |
| JEE Main Rank Details | Merit verification |
| School Certificate | Study history |
| OCI/PIO Card | Where applicable |
| Overseas Education Proof | Applicable NRI candidates |
| DASA Allotment Letter | Institute admission |
| Medical Certificate | Where prescribed |
| Institute-Specific Documents | Final IIIT reporting |
CIWG candidates additionally need the prescribed parent Gulf-employment documents.
The official DASA brochure requires candidates to upload the prescribed documents before verification and states that unresolved verification queries can result in cancellation of candidature.
The overall admission process is:
JEE Main → DASA Registration → Fee Payment → Document Upload → Verification → Choice Filling → Seat Allotment → IIIT Reporting
B.Tech candidates need JEE Main Paper 1.
Confirm nationality/status, age, academics and residential eligibility.
Candidates use their JEE Main application number and password on the DASA/CSAB portal.
Choose the correct NRI, OCI/PIO, Foreign National and CIWG details.
Pay the amount corresponding to the assigned category tag.
Upload all prescribed academic and nationality documents.
Respond to any document query within the specified deadline.
Add participating IIITs and branches in genuine preference order.
DASA 2026 has two seat-allocation rounds under the current CSAB framework.
After final allotment, complete institute-specific fee payment and reporting requirements.
A good DASA choice list should not contain only one institute and one branch.
Students should compare:
JEE Main rank + previous DASA cutoff + branch interest + institute fee + location + backup options
For example, a student targeting computing may compare:
CSE
IT
AI
Data Science
Mathematics & Computing
Cyber Security
across multiple participating IIITs.
Choice filling should reflect the student’s genuine preference because the system tries to allot the highest available choice for which the student is eligible.
| Factor | IIITs | NITs |
|---|---|---|
| DASA Available | At participating IIITs | At participating NITs |
| JEE Main Required | Yes | Yes |
| CIWG | Available where listed | Available |
| Main Focus | Often computing, IT, electronics and related areas | Wider engineering branch range |
| DASA Seat Matrix | Institute/programme specific | Institute/programme specific |
| Final Fee | Can differ significantly by IIIT | More standard DASA framework in many NITs |
| Hostel/Other Fees | Institute specific | Institute specific |
Students should not decide to go for NITs or IIITs on the basis of category of the institute. Programme quality, curriculum, rank, fee and Personal interests are more important.
Participating IIITs may use DASA, while IIT undergraduate admission follows the applicable JEE Advanced route.
This distinction is essential.
IIT undergraduate admission is not conducted through DASA.
Students seeking an IIT seat must follow the applicable JEE Advanced/IIT admission rules.
By contrast, eligible overseas candidates can use DASA for participating IIITs.
Therefore:
IIIT + NRI → DASA may be available
but
IIT + NRI → DASA is not the admission route
Students should not confuse IITs with IIITs because their names and admission systems are different.
Assuming every IIIT participates in DASA.
Calling DASA an institute-level management NRI quota.
Comparing JoSAA cutoffs directly with DASA cutoffs.
Assuming ₹62,500 is the final CIWG fee at every IIIT.
Assuming US$4,000 is automatically every IIIT’s final semester tuition.
Using old SAT-based DASA information.
Ignoring the Class 11 and 12 overseas-study rule for applicable NRI candidates.
Assuming Gulf residence alone guarantees CIWG.
Filling only CSE at one or two IIITs.
Ignoring institute-specific fee and reporting requirements.
Participating IIITs offer supernumerary seats to eligible overseas candidates through DASA. “NRI quota” is a common search term, but DASA is the more accurate admission route.
Yes. Eligible NRI candidates can apply to participating IIITs through DASA.
No. Students should check the current official DASA seat matrix.
Yes, for DASA B.Tech admission, candidates require a valid JEE Main Paper 1 rank.
Current DASA UG admission uses JEE Main rather than the old SAT Subject Test system.
Yes, eligible OCI candidates may participate subject to the applicable DASA classification and requirements.
Yes. Foreign Nationals are among the eligible candidate categories under DASA.
Yes. Eligible USA-based Indian NRI candidates can apply to participating IIITs through DASA Non-CIWG.
A qualifying US citizen may participate as a Foreign National or under the applicable OCI framework if relevant.
Eligible NRI candidates may claim CIWG if their parent satisfies the applicable Gulf-employment requirement.
Yes. Saudi Arabia is currently an approved CIWG country.
The 2026 matrix includes institutions such as IIIT Allahabad, IIIT Gwalior, IIIT Guwahati, IIIT Sri City, IIIT Vadodara, IIIT Sonepat, IIIT Una, IIIT Pune, IIIT Dharwad, IIIT Kottayam and several others.
For B.Tech under DASA 2026, candidates need 75% aggregate or 7.5 CGPA in five subjects, along with the required subject combination.
The standard DASA initial payment for Non-SAARC candidates is US$4,300, including US$300 registration and US$4,000 first-semester tuition. However, IIITs may require additional or balance tuition according to their own fee structure.
The standard DASA-CIWG initial payment is US$300 plus ₹62,500, but individual IIITs may have additional or different institute-level tuition obligations. Always check the allotted IIIT’s official fee notice.
Yes, many participating IIITs have separate CIWG seats in the official DASA matrix.
No. Admission depends on JEE Main rank, candidate category, choice order, programme eligibility and seat availability.
Yes. Eligible candidates can include programmes from participating NITs, IIITs and other DASA institutes in their choice list.
No. IIT undergraduate admission is not through DASA.
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