With JoSAA Counselling 2026 now underway, thousands of JEE Main and JEE Advanced qualifiers are preparing to make one of the most important decisions of their academic journey. This year, registration and choice filling are starting today, June 2, while the choice-filling window will remain open until June 11. The first mock seat allocation is scheduled for June 8, the second mock allocation for June 10, and Round 1 seat allotment results will be announced on June 13. (Image: Screengrab/josaa.nic.in)

Filling Too Few Choices: Many candidates only list a handful of colleges or branches they are interested in. This can significantly reduce their chances of getting a seat. Fill as many realistic choices as possible, including dream, target and safe options. A longer preference list gives you more opportunities during seat allotment rounds. (Image: AI-generated)

Prioritising College Over Personal Interest: Choosing a branch solely because it is offered at a prestigious institute can backfire if you have no interest in the subject. Instead, consider both the institute and the branch. Think about your interests, career goals and the subjects you would enjoy studying for the next four years. (Image: Pexels)

Ignoring Previous Years’ Cut-Offs: Some students fill choices without checking opening and closing ranks from previous years. Use past JoSAA cut-off data as a reference. While cut-offs change every year, they provide a useful benchmark when creating your preference list. (File photo)

Not Using Mock Seat Allocation Properly: The mock allotment rounds are designed to help students assess their chances, yet many ignore them. Analyse your results carefully and revise your choices if necessary before final locking. (File photo)

Arranging Choices Based on Chances Instead of Preference: A common myth is that students should place “easier” options higher to improve their chances. Always arrange choices in the exact order of your preference. JoSAA’s system automatically checks your higher preferences first. (Image: Pexels)

Following Friends’ Choices Blindly: Your friend’s ideal college or branch may not be the right fit for you. Make decisions based on your rank, interests, location preferences and career plans, not someone else’s choices. (File photo)

Forgetting to Lock Choices: Some students assume their choices will automatically be finalised and fail to check the locking process. Review your choices carefully before the deadline and ensure they are properly locked. Keep a copy of the final preference list for reference. (Image: AI-generated)

Ignoring Newer IITs, NITs and IIITs: Many candidates focus only on a few famous institutes and overlook newer campuses that offer excellent opportunities. Research placement records, faculty, infrastructure and industry connections rather than relying solely on brand perception. (Image: Raghav Khandelwal/Wikimedia Commons)

Not Understanding Freeze, Float and Slide: Many students become confused after receiving a seat allotment. Learn the difference beforehand: Freeze – accept the allotted seat and stop participating in further rounds; Float – accept the seat but remain open to higher-preference institutes; Slide – stay within the same institute but seek a higher-preference branch. (Image: AI-generated)

Waiting Until The Last Minute: Technical glitches, internet issues or simple errors can create unnecessary stress close to the deadline. Complete choice filling early and use the remaining time to review and refine your list. (Image: AI-generated)