NIMCET counselling is fully online until the very last step, when you report in person at the institute. It is centralised: one process covers all participating NITs and IIITs, run by the coordinating NIT. This guide explains each stage as it worked in 2026. For the dates themselves, see the round-by-round counselling schedule.
Step 1: Register for counselling
Only candidates with a NIMCET rank can register. In 2026:
- The registration fee was ₹1,000, non-refundable.
- Registration and choice filling ran together, from 30 June to 3 July.
Step 2: Fill your choices
You list institute-programme combinations in order of preference. Each line is a separate choice: for example, NIT Patna's AI and IoT programme and its Data Sciences programme are different choices, as are regular and self-financing seats.
Tips for this stage:
- List in your true order of preference. The system always gives you the highest choice you qualify for.
- Include enough choices. A short list risks no allotment if your rank falls outside all of them.
- Check fees for self-financing and IIIT seats before listing them.
Step 3: Choices are locked
In 2026, choices were locked automatically at 5 PM on 3 July. After that, the saved list was used for allotment.
Step 4: Seat allotment
Seats are allotted in order of rank, matching each candidate to the highest available choice in a category they are eligible for. Results are published in your login.
Step 5: Respond to your allotment
After an allotment, you have three options:
| Option | What it means | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze | Accept this seat and stop taking part in further upgrades | Seat acceptance fee, and the partial admission fee as required |
| Float | Keep this seat, but stay in the running for a higher choice in later rounds | Seat acceptance fee |
| Withdraw | Leave counselling | See the brochure's refund rules |
In 2026 the seat acceptance fee was ₹10,000. If you do not respond and pay within the window, you can lose the allotted seat.
Freeze or float?
- Freeze if you got your first choice or a seat you are happy with.
- Float if a higher choice is realistic based on last year's closing ranks.
Step 6: Rounds 2 and 3
In each later round, floating candidates may be upgraded to a higher choice, and vacated seats go to the next eligible candidates. Fresh allottees in these rounds pay the fees within their reporting windows.
Step 7: Special round
After Round 3, vacant seats are announced, and a special round with its own registration and choice filling follows. In 2026 it ran from 22 to 24 July, with allotment on 25 July.
Step 8: Report physically
From 27 July 2026, candidates reported at the allotted institute according to its schedule. Carry:
- Admit card and rank card
- Allotment letter and fee receipts
- Original degree mark sheets and certificates (or proof of eligibility if you were in your final year)
- Category, EWS or PwD certificates in the required format and date range
- The photo ID used in your application
Documents are verified here. Any mismatch with what you entered in the application can lead to cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NIMCET counselling fee?
The registration fee was ₹1,000 in 2026, with a ₹10,000 seat acceptance fee after allotment.
What is the difference between freeze and float in NIMCET?
Freeze accepts the seat and ends upgrades; float keeps the seat while staying eligible for a higher choice in later rounds.
How many rounds of NIMCET counselling are there?
Three rounds and a special round, in 2026.
Do I need to visit the institute in person?
Yes. Final admission requires physical reporting with original documents.