IISER Counselling 2026 

The IISER 2026 counselling process is a centrally coordinated and fully online procedure that determines the seat allotment for admission to India's premier Institutes of Science Education and Research based on merit, preferences, and category. The IISER counselling process provides transparency and flexibility, ensuring that each candidate is allocated the best possible program and campus.

IISER 2026 Counselling Timeline

• IISER counselling typically begins in early July, immediately after the IISER results are declared and continues through multiple rounds, with final admission closure in late August or early September.
• Key activities include registration for preference filling, seat allocation rounds, acceptance of offers, fee payment, and document verification.

Step-by-Step IISER 2026 Counselling Procedure

• Preference Registration: Eligible candidates must log in to the portal and submit their preferences for programs and campuses. The preference form is typically open for about ten days.
• Seat Allotment: Seat allocation occurs in multiple rounds based on ranks, preferences, and category. Candidates are notified of their allotted seat via the portal and must respond within the stipulated window for each round.
• Acceptance and Payment: Upon receiving an offer, candidates pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) to confirm their intent to join. This triggers provisional admission.
• Float/Freeze Options: After each allotment, candidates can choose to "Freeze" (accept and exit further rounds) or "Float" (wait for a higher preference in subsequent rounds).
• Document Upload/Verification: Selected candidates must upload required documents for verification (mark sheets, certificates, photo ID) through the portal.
• Final Admission Offer: Once accepted and verified, a final admission letter is issued, and candidates report to their allotted IISER for joining as per schedule.

Seat Allotment Rounds & Withdrawal

• Typically, at least 5-7 seat allotment rounds are conducted, with closing ranks published after each round for transparency.
• Candidates may withdraw participation without penalty until final withdrawal deadlines for each round.

No Physical Counselling

• The entire IISER 2026 counselling process is online hence candidates are not required to visit campuses in person until final reporting and joining.

Click Here For IISER 2026 Cut Offs

FAQs

Q1: When does IISER 2026 counselling start?

Ans. IISER 2026 counselling usually starts in the first week of July, shortly after IISER results are announced and continues into September with multiple rounds.

Q2: How are seats allotted during counselling?

Ans. Seats are allotted as per merit ranks, candidate preferences, reservation policies, and availability. Multiple rounds allow re-allotment in case seats vacate or preferences shift.

Q3: What is the float and freeze option in IISER counselling?

Ans. "Float" allows candidates to hold their current seat while still being considered for higher preferred choices in future rounds. "Freeze" means the candidate accepts the current seat and exits further rounds.

Q4: What documents are needed for admission confirmation?

Ans. Candidates must upload scanned copies of Class XII-mark sheet, category certificates, birth certificate, photo ID, and other relevant documents for verification before final admission.

Q5: Is it possible to change preferences or withdraw from counselling?

Ans. Yes, preferences can usually be changed before final submission during preference filling. Withdrawing participation is permitted until the withdrawal deadline for each round, usually without penalty.