The DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) UG is an admission scheme initiated by the Government of India to facilitate undergraduate admissions for Foreign Nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRI), and Indian nationals who have completed their qualifying education abroad. The DASA UG scheme provides a streamlined pathway for these aspirants to secure seats primarily in National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs), and other centrally funded technical institutions across India. DASA does not conduct a separate entrance examination; admissions are based on the JEE Main 2026 exam rankings.
Candidates aspiring for admission under DASA UG 2026 must first appear for the JEE Main 2026 exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The JEE Main score is pivotal as it forms the basis for ranking and seat allocation through the DASA counselling process. Applicants should be well-prepared for the JEE Main exam, which tests candidates in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, covering the syllabus prescribed for classes 11 and 12 by the NCERT. This integration with JEE Main ensures that DASA candidates compete on par with all other national aspirants while providing special quotas and provisions for overseas and diaspora students.
The DASA UG 2026 scheme emphasizes transparency, meritocracy, and inclusivity by setting clear eligibility criteria, a robust application system, and a multi-phase counselling and seat allotment process. The scheme also prioritizes candidates such as Children of Indian Workers in Gulf countries (CIWG), enhancing educational opportunities for a diverse set of applicants. Overall, DASA UG 2026 brings together international standards and Indian educational excellence for aspiring engineers and planners from abroad.
All You Need to Know for DASA UG 2026
Basic Information on DASA UG
DASA UG 2026 – Exam Dates (Tentative)
DASA UG 2026 – Exam Highlights
DASA UG 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
DASA UG 2026 – Application Form
DASA UG 2026 – Exam Pattern
DASA UG 2026 – Syllabus
DASA UG 2026 – Admit Card
DASA UG 2026 – Results
DASA UG 2026 – Counselling
The DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) UG is a national-level admission scheme regulated by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, which is designed to facilitate undergraduate admissions for Foreign Nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRI), and Indian students who have completed their qualifying examinations abroad. The DASA UG scheme provides admissions mainly into engineering, architecture, and planning programs offered by prestigious institutions such as National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs), and other centrally funded technical institutes across India. Admissions under DASA UG 2026 are based on the candidates’ valid JEE Main 2026 scores, and the entire registration, counselling, and seat allotment process is conducted online through the official DASA portal – dasanit.org. The DASA UG scheme ensures a streamlined route for international and diaspora students to gain access to high-quality technical education in India under reserved quotas.
Following is the list of the DASA UG 2026 exam dates. Please note that these dates are only tentative as the authorities are yet to release the dates in their official website.
Event
Tentative Date (2026)
Application Form Opens
2nd week of June 2026
Application Form Deadline
3rd week of June 2026
Rank List Declaration
4th week of June 2026
Mock Seat Allotment
1st week of July 2026
Choice Filling Window Opens
1st Round Seat Allotment
2nd Round Seat Allotment
2nd week of July 2026
3rd Round Seat Allotment
3rd week of July 2026
4th Round Seat Allotment (if any)
Special Round & Spot Round
Late July to August 2026
Reporting to Allotted Institutes
Features
Details
Exam Name
Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main)
Conducted By
National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Level
National, Undergraduate
Exam Mode
Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration
3 hours
Question Type
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions
Total Questions
75 questions (25 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
Sections
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Section-wise Questions
Each section has 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions (out of 10 numerical questions, candidates attempt any 5)
Marking Scheme
+4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ answer, no negative marking for numerical questions
Syllabus
NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Language
13 Languages including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam, etc.
Eligibility
Minimum 60% aggregate in PCM in qualifying exam (or equivalent CGPA), valid JEE Main 2026 rank is mandatory
DASA UG 2026 eligibility criteria requires candidates to be Foreign Nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRI), or Indian nationals who have completed their qualifying examination from abroad. Applicants must have passed their 12th class with Mathematics, Physics, and one subject among Chemistry, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or Biology with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. Candidates should be born on or after October 1, 2001, and must have a valid JEE Main 2026 rank. Indian nationals applying through DASA must have completed at least two years of education (including 11th and 12th) abroad in the last eight years.
The DASA UG 2026 application form is accessible online through the official DASA portal (dasanit.org) and usually opens in the second week of June 2026. Applicants must register using their valid JEE Main 2026 credentials, fill in personal and academic details, select institute and course preferences. They also need to upload necessary documents such as passport, mark sheets, study certificates, photographs, and JEE Main scorecard in prescribed formats. Payment of the non-refundable application fee is mandatory to complete the submission. Candidates should ensure accuracy in the form as correction opportunities are limited.
DASA UG 2026 admission is based on the JEE Main 2026 exam, which is conducted in online mode by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam duration is 3 hours and consists of 75 questions divided equally among the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 numerical value-based questions. Each correct answer awards 4 marks, while each incorrect MCQ results in a 1-mark deduction; however, there is no negative marking for numerical questions. The DASA UG 2026 exam will be offered in multiple languages and tests conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills critical for undergraduate engineering admissions.
The DASA UG syllabus for 2026 follows the JEE Main syllabus, which includes topics from the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The Physics syllabus covers mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and modern physics. Chemistry includes physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry topics, such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and hydrocarbons. Mathematics consists of algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and probability. The DASA UG 2026 syllabus ensures candidates have a strong foundational understanding required for engineering programs and aligns with the JEE Main pattern that DASA uses for admission ranking.
Candidates preparing for DASA UG 2026 must focus on thorough preparation for the JEE Main exam, as admission is based on its scores. Key strategies include understanding the complete JEE syllabus, creating a balanced study timetable with dedicated time for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and utilizing NCERT textbooks as a primary resource. Regular practice of previous years’ papers and mock tests helps improve speed and accuracy. Consistent revision and conceptual clarity are crucial to performing well in this competitive exam.
The admit card for DASA UG 2026 is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for JEE Main 2026 candidates. It is available online on the official JEE Main website and must be downloaded by entering the application number and password. The DASA UG 2026 admit card contains essential details such as exam date, venue, timings, and instructions. Candidates are required to carry the printout of the admit card to the exam center without fail.
The DASA UG 2026 cut-offs are determined by factors like JEE Main scores, category-wise seat availability, total number of applicants, and previous year trends. Cut-offs vary for different participating institutes and branches, with top institutes requiring higher cut-offs. These closing ranks or percentile scores guide candidates on admission likelihood and selection into preferred programs.
DASA UG 2026 results are based on the JEE Main 2026 scores and ranks. The official rank list is published on the DASA portal after the conclusion of the application and verification process. Following rank declaration, seat allotment results for counselling rounds are released online. Candidates must regularly check the official website for their result status and seat allotment details to proceed with admission formalities.
The DASA UG counselling process is conducted online in multiple rounds after the declaration of the rank list. Candidates register on the DASA portal, fill in their institute and course preferences, and lock their choices. Seats are allotted based on rank, preferences, and category reservations. Successful candidates must confirm their admission by fee payment and document verification within stipulated timelines, followed by physical reporting at the allotted institutes.
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for DASA UG 2026?
Ans. Only Foreign Nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Indian nationals who have studied abroad for at least two years in the last eight years and meet academic criteria are eligible to apply for DASA UG 2026. Applicants must have completed 12th standard with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry/Biotechnology/Computer Science/Biology and possess a valid JEE Main 2026 rank.
Q2. How can candidates apply for DASA UG 2026?
Ans. Candidates must apply online through the official DASA portal (dasanit.org) when the application window opens, typically in June 2026. They need to register using their JEE Main credentials, fill out the application form with personal and academic details, upload required documents, pay the application fee, and submit the form before the deadline.
Q3. What exam is mandatory for admission under DASA UG 2026?
Ans. A valid rank and score in the JEE Main 2026 exam is mandatory for admission under DASA UG 2026. Candidates must appear for and qualify in JEE Main to be considered for seat allotment under this scheme.
Q4. How are seats allocated through DASA UG 2026 counselling?
Ans. Seats are allocated on the basis of candidates’ JEE Main ranks, preferences filled during online counselling, and category-based reservations. The counselling process involves multiple rounds in which candidates can accept allotted seats, seek upgrades, or withdraw.
Q5. When are the DASA UG 2026 counselling and seat allotment results released?
Ans. The counselling process usually begins in July 2026, with the rank list declared in June. Seat allotment results for various rounds are announced from early July through August 2026. Candidates must keep track of official notifications on the DASA portal to meet deadlines.