CSAB Counselling 2026: Final Chance to Restore Cancelled Category for JoSAA Candidates
The Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) has opened a one-time Category/PwD Restoration facility for candidates whose reserved category status was changed to General (GEN) during the JoSAA 2026 counselling due to missing, invalid, or outdated reservation certificates. This special provision gives eligible candidates a final opportunity to restore their original reservation status before participating in the CSAB Special Rounds 2026 for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
According to the official CSAB notification, candidates whose OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, or ST category was converted to General during JoSAA document verification can submit a restoration request by uploading valid category certificates through the CSAB portal. The restored category, if approved, will be considered during the CSAB Special Round seat allocation process.
CSAB Counselling 2026: Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Counselling Authority | Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) |
| Counselling | CSAB Special Rounds 2026 |
| Category Restoration | Available for eligible JoSAA candidates |
| Eligible Categories | OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and applicable PwD cases |
| Purpose | Restore cancelled reservation status |
| Registration for CSAB | Begins July 28, 2026 |
| Official Website | csab.nic.in |
What Is Category Restoration?
Category Restoration is a special online facility introduced by CSAB for candidates who lost their reservation benefits during JoSAA 2026 because they could not submit valid category documents at the time of document verification.
If eligible candidates have now obtained valid certificates, they can request CSAB to restore their original reserved category before the Special Round counselling begins.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates may apply for category restoration if:
- Their OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, or ST category was changed to General during JoSAA verification.
- They now possess a valid category certificate that meets the prescribed requirements.
- They intend to participate in CSAB Special Rounds 2026.
Candidates whose documents were successfully verified in JoSAA without any category change do not need to apply for restoration.
How to Request Category Restoration
Eligible candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official CSAB portal.
- Log in using the required credentials.
- Open the Category/PwD Restoration link.
- Upload the valid category certificate and supporting documents.
- Submit the online request.
- Monitor the portal for any clarification requests from CSAB.
- Respond within the specified deadline if additional documents are requested.
Why Is This Important?
Restoring the reserved category can significantly improve admission opportunities during the CSAB Special Rounds.
Once approved, candidates become eligible for:
- Reserved-category vacant seats.
- Category-wise merit consideration.
- Reservation benefits applicable under Government of India rules.
Without restoration approval, candidates will continue to compete under the General category during CSAB counselling.
CSAB Special Rounds 2026
The CSAB Special Rounds are conducted after the completion of JoSAA counselling to fill vacant seats in:
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs)
Fresh registration is mandatory for all eligible candidates, even if they participated in JoSAA. Previous JoSAA registration is not valid for CSAB Special Rounds.
Documents Required
Candidates requesting category restoration should keep the following documents ready:
- Valid OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST certificate, as applicable.
- JoSAA registration details.
- JEE Main 2026 application details.
- Aadhaar Card or another valid photo ID.
- Any additional supporting documents requested by CSAB.
Only certificates that satisfy the prescribed validity conditions will be accepted.
CSAB Registration After Restoration
After the restoration process is completed, eligible candidates must:
- Register separately for CSAB Special Rounds.
- Pay the Special Round Enrolment Fee.
- Fill and lock their choices.
- Participate in Special Round 1 and Special Round 2 seat allotment.
Failure to complete CSAB registration will make the candidate ineligible for seat allocation, irrespective of category restoration approval.
Important Advice for Candidates
Candidates should:
- Upload only valid and updated category certificates.
- Respond promptly to any document verification queries.
- Complete CSAB registration within the notified schedule.
- Check the official portal regularly for updates regarding restoration status and counselling dates.
Since category restoration is available only within the notified window, missing the deadline may result in continued consideration under the General category.
FAQs
What is Category Restoration in CSAB Counselling 2026?
Category Restoration allows eligible candidates whose reserved category was converted to General during JoSAA 2026 to request restoration by submitting valid reservation certificates before CSAB Special Rounds.
Who is eligible for Category Restoration?
Candidates whose OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, or ST category was changed to General during JoSAA verification due to invalid or missing documents can apply, provided they now possess valid certificates.
Is fresh registration required for CSAB Special Rounds?
Yes. Every eligible candidate must complete a fresh CSAB registration, even if they participated in JoSAA counselling.
Which institutes participate in CSAB Special Rounds?
CSAB Special Rounds are conducted for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs where seats remain vacant after JoSAA counselling.
What happens if the category restoration request is rejected?
If the request is rejected due to invalid or ineligible documents, the candidate will continue to participate in the CSAB Special Rounds under the General category, as assigned during JoSAA verification.
