While JoSAA remains the central counselling authority for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, many reputed engineering institutions in 2026 are following independent admission routes using JEE Main scores. These colleges operate through their own application portals or state-level counselling systems, offering additional opportunities to high-performing candidates. This decentralised admission structure requires candidates to actively track multiple application timelines to avoid missing out on preferred colleges.
Why Some Colleges Do Not Participate in JoSAA?
Several autonomous institutions, state universities, and private deemed universities prefer to manage their own admission processes. This allows them to set institution-specific eligibility criteria, conduct early admission rounds, and directly shortlist candidates based on JEE Main performance, board marks, or a combination of both. As a result, students with strong JEE Main scores can secure seats outside the central JoSAA framework.
Engineering Colleges Offering Direct Admission via JEE Main 2026
The following institutions will accept JEE Main 2026 scores through direct applications or independent counselling processes. Candidates must apply separately on the official websites of these universities.
State-Level Counselling Accepting JEE Main Scores
Several states reserve All India Quota or JEE Main quota seats through their technical education counselling bodies. Candidates must register on the respective state counselling portals.
Important Points Candidates Must Note
Candidates applying outside JoSAA must monitor individual deadlines, document requirements, and counselling schedules. Many institutions close their admission windows earlier than JoSAA to secure top-ranked applicants. Missing a single registration deadline may result in the loss of a high-quality seat, regardless of JEE Main rank.