NRI Quota in Indian Colleges & IIT : Everything to Know

“Can my son get into IIT through the NRI quota?”

I get this question at least five times a week on our BacktoIndia WhatsApp groups.

And the answer surprises most parents.

IITs do not have an NRI quota.

Let that sink in for a moment. Because this is the single biggest misconception among NRI parents planning their move back to India or sending their children for higher education.

But here’s the thing – while IITs don’t have an NRI quota, many other top-tier institutions do. NITs, IIITs, medical colleges, IIMs, and several excellent private universities all reserve seats specifically for NRI students.

The system is complex, the rules change frequently, and the information online is scattered and often outdated. This guide breaks it all down – institution by institution, exam by exam, with real fees and real timelines.

First, Let’s Clarify: Who Qualifies as an “NRI Student”?

Before we go further, let’s define who actually qualifies for NRI quota seats. The definition varies slightly by institution, but broadly includes:

• NRI (Non-Resident Indian): Indian citizen living abroad for employment, business, or other purposes
• PIO (Person of Indian Origin): A person of Indian origin who holds citizenship of another country
• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India): A foreign citizen registered as an OCI cardholder
• Foreign Nationals: Citizens of other countries (separate category in some institutions)

For most college admissions, NRI status is determined by the parents’ residency, not just the student’s. If at least one parent is an NRI, the child typically qualifies for NRI quota – even if the child has been studying in India.

However, for the DASA scheme (more on this below), the student must have completed at least two years of education (11th and 12th) outside India.

What is the NRI Quota?

IITs: No NRI Quota – Here’s What NRI Students Actually Need to Do

This is the part that catches most NRI parents off guard.

IITs do not accept admissions through DASA, CIWG, or any NRI quota. There is no separate track, no reserved seats, and no different fee structure for NRI students at IITs.

Every student – whether from the US, UAE, UK, or anywhere else – must:

1. Clear JEE Main first (conducted by NTA)
2. Qualify for JEE Advanced based on JEE Main rank (top 2.5 lakh candidates)
3. Secure a rank in JEE Advanced good enough for their desired branch and IIT

NRI students compete on the exact same merit list as Indian students. No separate cutoff, no relaxation.

What this means practically:

• Your child needs to prepare for JEE just as rigorously as any student in India
• The syllabus is based on CBSE Class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
• Students studying in international curricula (IB, A-Levels, AP) will need to bridge any gaps in the JEE syllabus
• JEE Main is conducted in India (NTA stopped overseas centers)
• JEE Advanced is also conducted only in India

IIT International Campuses – A New Option:

IIT Delhi opened a campus in Abu Dhabi in 2024 offering B.Tech programs in CSE, Chemical Engineering, and Energy Engineering. IIT Madras has a campus in Zanzibar (Tanzania) offering BS and M.Tech programs. These campuses have their own admission processes – through JEE Advanced or their Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET).

If your child is currently studying in an international school curriculum and you’re considering IITs, start JEE preparation early – ideally from Class 9 or 10.

NITs, IIITs & Other Central Institutions: The DASA Scheme

This is where NRI students actually have a dedicated pathway.

DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) is a Government of India scheme that reserves 15% of total seats as supernumerary seats in:

• 31 NITs (National Institutes of Technology)
• 26 IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology)
• SPAs (Schools of Planning and Architecture)
• Other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs)

That’s about 62 participating institutions for the 2025-26 cycle.

How DASA Admission Works

Step 1: Appear for JEE Main

Since 2021, JEE Main rank is the only criterion for DASA admissions. SAT scores are no longer accepted. This is a major change that caught many NRI families off guard.

Your child must register for and appear in JEE Main, which is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency). The exam is held in India, though some international centers may be available (check NTA’s website for the latest).

Step 2: Register on the DASA Portal

Registration typically opens in July each year on dasanit.org. For 2026, applications are expected in July with seat allotment rounds through August-September.

Step 3: Choice Filling and Counselling

Candidates rank their preferred colleges and branches. Seat allotment happens over multiple rounds based on JEE Main rank and preferences.

Step 4: Document Verification and Reporting

Documents are verified before seat allotment. Candidates must report to the allotted institute within the specified timeframe.

DASA Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Education	Must have completed Class 11 and 12 (or equivalent) from a school outside India
Time frame	At least 2 years of education abroad in the last 8 years
Minimum marks	60% aggregate or 6.5 CGPA in qualifying exam
Entrance exam	JEE Main rank (mandatory since 2021)
Age	Born on or after October 1, 2000 (for 2026 admissions, check official brochure)
Categories	NRI, PIO, OCI, Foreign Nationals

DASA Fee Structure

This is where it gets interesting. DASA has two fee categories:

Non-CIWG (Regular DASA):

• Tuition: approximately USD 4,000 per semester (USD 8,000 per year)
• Registration: USD 300-350 separately
• Plus hostel, caution deposit, and other charges

CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries):

• Tuition: approximately INR 1,25,000 per semester (roughly INR 2.5 lakh per year)
• This is at par with what Indian students pay

The fee difference is significant. CIWG students pay roughly one-fourth of what non-CIWG DASA students pay.

What is CIWG?

CIWG stands for Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries. It’s a special sub-quota within DASA that reserves one-third of all DASA seats for children whose parents work in Gulf nations:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain

To qualify for CIWG, you need:

• Parent’s passport (copy)
• Parent’s valid resident visa and work permit
• Certificate from employer confirming Gulf employment
• All documents must be current for the year of application

If you’re an NRI in the UAE or any Gulf country, CIWG is a fantastic opportunity. The fees are dramatically lower and the competition is less intense than the regular DASA category.

For families returning from the UAE, understanding CIWG can make a real difference in education planning.

What JEE Rank Do You Need for DASA?

This varies by college and branch. But as a general guideline:

• Top NITs (Trichy, Surathkal, Warangal) + popular branches (CSE): JEE Main rank under 10,000-15,000
• Good NITs + core branches: Rank 15,000-30,000
• Average NITs + any branch: Rank 30,000-50,000
• Lower-ranked CFTIs: Rank 50,000+

These are approximate. DASA cutoffs can be lower than JoSAA (regular Indian admission) cutoffs because the applicant pool is smaller.

Top NITs Under DASA

Some of the most sought-after institutions under DASA include:

• NIT Trichy
• NIT Surathkal (Karnataka)
• NIT Warangal
• NIT Calicut
• NIT Rourkela
• IIIT Hyderabad
• IIIT Bangalore
• IIIT Allahabad

Medical Colleges: NRI Quota Through NEET

For NRI families with children dreaming of becoming doctors, the pathway is through NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).

Unlike engineering where IITs have no NRI quota, medical colleges do have dedicated NRI seats.

Key Facts About NRI Quota in Medical Colleges

NEET is mandatory. There is no alternative entrance exam for medical admission in India. Every NRI student must qualify NEET-UG.

NEET is conducted only in India. NTA stopped conducting NEET at overseas centers from 2018 onwards. Your child will need to travel to India to take the exam.

15% of seats in deemed universities are reserved for NRI/OCI/PIO candidates.

Some state government medical colleges also have NRI quota seats. The states that offer NRI seats in both government and private medical colleges include:

• Rajasthan
• Haryana
• Punjab
• Himachal Pradesh
• Puducherry/Pondicherry

States like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Gujarat offer NRI seats primarily in private medical colleges.

There is NO NRI quota in AIIMS. All admissions to AIIMS are purely merit-based through NEET.

JIPMER Puducherry has 5 NRI/OCI seats out of 150 MBBS seats under a self-financing scheme with a total fee of USD 75,000.

NRI Medical Admission: Fee Structure

The fees under NRI quota are significantly higher than general category:

College Type	Approximate Annual NRI Fee
Government medical colleges (states with NRI quota)	USD 12,500 – 30,000 per year
Private medical colleges	INR 10-25 lakh per year (varies widely)
Deemed universities	INR 15-30 lakh per year
Top deemed universities (Manipal, Kasturba, SRM)	INR 20-40 lakh per year

Total MBBS cost under NRI quota can range from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore+ depending on the institution.

NRI NEET Cutoff

The good news – NRI quota NEET cutoffs are generally lower than general merit cutoffs.

For NEET 2025, the qualifying cutoff was:

• General category: 144 out of 720
• Reserved categories: 113 out of 720

For NRI quota in private medical colleges, students with scores as low as 150-200 have secured seats. But for better colleges, you’d want 400+ marks.

Approximate 4,000+ NRI MBBS seats are available across India in any given year, mostly in private and deemed medical colleges.

Documents Required for NRI Medical Admission

• Valid passport and visa of candidate and NRI parent/sponsor
• NEET scorecard
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• NRI status proof (parent’s employment letter, bank statements)
• Notarized affidavit from sponsoring NRI (if applying through NRI sponsorship)
• Transfer certificate from last attended school
• Migration certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• NOC from embassy (for foreign nationals)

If your family is considering the Indian education system for your children, understanding these requirements early is key.

IIMs and MBA Programs: Overseas Candidate Route

For NRIs looking at management education, the IIMs have a dedicated pathway – but it’s not called “NRI quota” per se.

How It Works at Top IIMs

IIM Ahmedabad:

• 10% extra seats reserved as “supernumerary quota” for foreign nationals and overseas Indians
• Requires GMAT (minimum 665 for Focus Edition, 700 for previous format)
• Programme fee: USD 50,000 for the 2-year PGP
• Application deadline typically December 31

IIM Calcutta:

• “Overseas candidate” category for Indian citizens living/working/studying outside India
• Requires GMAT score (converted to CAT equivalent using their formula)
• NRI fee: approximately INR 57.2 lakh for the full program
• Interview stage held in India or online

IIM Mumbai:

• 6 supernumerary seats in MBA, 4 in MBA(OSCM)
• Requires GMAT
• Programme fee: USD 45,000 for two years

Other IIMs (Indore, Lucknow, Kozhikode, etc.) also have overseas/NRI categories with varying fees and processes.

Key Takeaways for NRI MBA Aspirants

• GMAT is your gateway, not CAT (since NRIs typically can’t appear for CAT which is India-only)
• Aim for GMAT 700+ for top IIMs
• Work experience of 3-5 years significantly strengthens your application
• The interview round is critical – may be conducted in India or online
• Fees for NRI/overseas candidates are 1.5-2x higher than domestic fees

For NRIs considering an MBA in India after working abroad, the overseas candidate route at IIMs is a legitimate path – but you need strong GMAT scores and a compelling profile.

Private Engineering Colleges: Separate NRI Quota

Many top private engineering colleges in India have their own NRI quota with dedicated admission processes.

VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology)

• NIRF Rank: #11 (top-ranked private engineering college)
• Has a separate NRI admission process
• Accepts VITEEE scores or direct admission for NRI category
• NRI application typically opens alongside regular admissions
• Known for strong placements (average Rs 9 LPA, top packages over Rs 1 crore)

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

• One of India’s largest private universities
• Accepts SRMJEEE or direct NRI admission
• Has dedicated NRI counselling process
• Multiple campuses (Chennai, Delhi NCR, Sonepat, Amaravati)

BITS Pilani

• Among India’s most prestigious private institutions
• Accepts BITSAT scores
• Campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad
• Offers merit scholarships that NRI students can also access
• Known for exceptional placement record

Manipal Institute of Technology

• Established reputation with global alumni network
• Has dedicated NRI quota seats
• Offers scholarships and financial aid to NRI students
• Located in Manipal, Karnataka

Other Notable Institutions

• Thapar Institute, Patiala
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
• COEP (College of Engineering, Pune)
• DTU and NSUT Delhi (state universities with NRI seats at lower fees than private colleges)
• RV College of Engineering, Bangalore

Private College NRI Fees

NRI fees in private engineering colleges typically range from Rs 3-10 lakh per year, which is higher than general category but often more affordable than DASA fees at NITs for non-CIWG candidates.

Some private colleges offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs for NRI students with strong academic records.

Law, Design, and Other Professional Courses

National Law Universities (NLUs)

• Admission through CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
• Most NLUs have NRI/NRI-sponsored seats (typically 2-5 seats per institution)
• NRI fees are significantly higher (often 3-5x general category fees)
• CLAT is conducted in India

National Institute of Design (NID)

• Has foreign/NRI category seats
• Admission through NID’s own entrance exam (DAT)
• NRI fee is higher than domestic

Architecture (SPAs)

• Schools of Planning and Architecture are included under DASA scheme
• NRI students can access seats through the same DASA process described above

The Complete Admission Timeline for NRI Students

Here’s a rough calendar for families planning college admissions in India:

Month	Activity
January-April	JEE Main (Session 1 and 2) conducted by NTA
February-March	NEET-UG registration
March-April	BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE registrations
May	NEET-UG exam
May-June	JEE Main results; JEE Advanced registration
June	JEE Advanced exam
June-July	NEET results; JEE Advanced results
July	JoSAA counselling; DASA registration opens
July-August	DASA choice filling and seat allotment rounds
August	State medical counselling begins
August-September	DASA reporting and spot rounds
September-October	Private college NRI admissions close

Start planning at least 18-24 months before your child’s admission year. For JEE and NEET, preparation typically begins in Class 11 (or earlier for competitive aspirants).

Our return to India checklist includes education planning tasks you should tackle well before your move.

Common Mistakes NRI Parents Make

After years of conversations with thousands of NRI families in our community, I’ve seen these mistakes repeatedly:

1. Assuming IITs have an NRI quota

They don’t. Full stop. Don’t build your child’s entire education plan around a pathway that doesn’t exist.

2. Not knowing SAT is no longer accepted for DASA

This changed in 2021, but I still meet families in 2026 who are making their kids prepare for SAT thinking it will get them into NITs. It won’t. Only JEE Main rank counts for DASA now.

3. Underestimating JEE preparation requirements

If your child is studying IB, A-Levels, or the American curriculum, the JEE syllabus has significant differences. Topics like rotational mechanics, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry reaction mechanisms are tested at a depth that most international curricula don’t cover. Bridge courses or dedicated JEE coaching is usually necessary.

4. Missing DASA registration deadlines

The window is short – typically a few weeks in July. If you miss it, you miss the entire year. Set reminders well in advance.

5. Not understanding the CIWG benefit

If you’re in a Gulf country, CIWG can save you lakhs in fees. Make sure you have all required documents (parent’s valid visa, work permit, employer certificate) ready before the application window opens.

6. Ignoring private college options

Many NRI parents are fixated on IITs and NITs and dismiss private colleges entirely. But institutions like BITS Pilani, VIT, and Manipal offer excellent education, strong placements, and a smoother admission process for NRI students.

7. Not considering the child’s readiness

Moving a teenager from an American or British education system to the Indian competitive exam grind is a massive adjustment. Consider what’s best for your child – not just what sounds prestigious. Our guide on college admissions for NRI/OCI students covers the broader picture.

DASA vs JoSAA: What’s the Difference?

This confuses many NRI families, so let me clarify.

Feature	JoSAA	DASA
For whom	Indian residents	NRI/PIO/OCI/Foreign Nationals
Covers	IITs + NITs + IIITs + CFTIs	NITs + IIITs + CFTIs (NOT IITs)
Entrance exam	JEE Main + JEE Advanced (for IITs)	JEE Main only
Seats	General admission seats	15% supernumerary seats
Fee	Standard Indian student fee	Higher (USD 4,000/semester) or CIWG rate
Eligibility	Class 12 from India or abroad	Must have studied 11th + 12th abroad

Can you apply to both? If your child qualifies for regular JoSAA (studied in India, has JEE scores), they can go through the regular route and pay Indian student fees. This is actually cheaper. DASA is primarily for students who have studied abroad and want to use their NRI status for admission.

If your child has secured admission through JEE Main via the regular JoSAA route, the fee at NITs is the same as for any Indian student. The higher DASA fee only applies when you enter through the DASA scheme specifically.

Preparing Your Child: Practical Steps

If your child is currently in Class 9 or 10 abroad and you’re thinking about Indian college admissions, here’s what I’d recommend:

For Engineering (IIT/NIT/IIIT):

1. Start JEE preparation alongside school curriculum from Class 11
2. Enroll in online JEE coaching (many reputed institutes like Allen, FIITJEE, Unacademy offer online programs for overseas students)
3. Decide early: is the child going for JEE Advanced (IIT route) or JEE Main only (NIT/DASA route)?
4. If in a Gulf country, start collecting CIWG documents
5. Register for JEE Main as soon as registration opens
6. Keep options open – apply to DASA and good private colleges simultaneously

For Medical (MBBS):

1. NEET preparation should begin in Class 11
2. Remember – NEET is conducted only in India, plan travel accordingly
3. Focus on NCERT textbooks for Biology and Chemistry (NEET is heavily NCERT-based)
4. Research which states have NRI quota in government medical colleges
5. Be financially prepared – NRI medical education in India is expensive

For MBA:

1. Take the GMAT after gaining 2-3 years of work experience
2. Aim for 700+ for top IIMs
3. Build a strong profile (leadership, international experience, achievements)
4. Apply to multiple IIMs and top private B-schools

For choosing the right school board before college, our comparison guides on CBSE vs ICSE, CBSE vs IB, and CBSE vs IGCSE can help you make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child get into IIT through NRI quota?

No. IITs have no NRI quota. Admission is only through JEE Advanced, competing on the same merit list as all other candidates.

Is SAT accepted for NIT admission under DASA?

Not anymore. Since 2021, only JEE Main rank is accepted for DASA admissions. SAT, AP, and IB scores are not considered.

Can my child write JEE from outside India?

JEE Main has had limited international centers in the past, but availability varies each year. Check NTA’s official notification. JEE Advanced is conducted only in India.

What if my child studied 11th and 12th in India but I’m an NRI?

Your child would not be eligible for DASA (which requires 11th and 12th from abroad). However, they can appear for JEE Main/Advanced through the regular route and compete in JoSAA counselling like any Indian student. Some private colleges and medical colleges may still consider them for NRI quota based on parent’s NRI status.

Which is cheaper – DASA or regular admission?

Regular admission (through JoSAA) is significantly cheaper. If your child can compete through the regular route, the fees at NITs are the standard Indian student rate (approximately Rs 1.25-1.5 lakh per semester). DASA fees are USD 4,000 per semester for non-CIWG students.

Can OCI cardholders apply under NRI quota?

Yes. OCI cardholders are eligible for DASA, NRI medical quota, and NRI seats in private colleges. Our guide on OCI card benefits and process covers this in detail.

Are there NRI quota seats in IISc Bangalore?

IISc doesn’t have a traditional NRI quota for its BS program. Admission is through KVPY/JEE Main/Advanced. Check IISc’s official website for the latest admission criteria.

What about NRI quota for PhD programs in India?

Many top institutions (IITs, IISc, NITs, IIMs) accept international/NRI students for PhD programs. The admission process typically involves GATE scores, interviews, and research proposals. Some institutions have specific international student seats.

My child is a US citizen with an OCI card. Which route should they take?

If they studied 11th and 12th in the US, they can apply through DASA for NITs/IIITs. For IITs, they’ll need to clear JEE Advanced on merit. For medical colleges, they need to qualify NEET. The OCI card allows them to access NRI quota seats. See our guide on benefits of US-born children for more context.

Do NRI students get placed well from Indian colleges?

Absolutely. Placement processes at NITs, IIITs, and top private colleges don’t differentiate between NRI and non-NRI students. Your child participates in the same placement process as everyone else.

Resources and Official Links

• DASA Official Portal: dasanit.org
• JEE Main (NTA): nta.ac.in or jeemain.nta.ac.in
• JEE Advanced: jeeadv.ac.in
• NEET-UG (NTA): neet.nta.nic.in
• IIM Ahmedabad (Overseas): iima.ac.in/academics/mba/admissions/overseas-indian
• IIM Calcutta (Overseas): iimcal.ac.in (admission procedure for overseas candidates)

My Honest Advice

I’ve been helping NRI families navigate this for years now. Here’s what I tell every parent who asks:

Don’t fixate on one institution.

The IIT brand is powerful, but it’s not the only path to success. A bright student at NIT Trichy, BITS Pilani, or IIIT Hyderabad has career outcomes that rival many IITs. An NRI student who gets into VIT or Manipal through a smoother process can still land excellent jobs.

Start early.

Indian competitive exams are a different beast. If your child has been in an international curriculum, they need time to adapt. Eighteen months of focused preparation is the minimum for JEE or NEET.

Understand the financial commitment.

NRI fees are significantly higher across the board. Budget carefully and understand the total cost including tuition, hostel, living expenses, and coaching.

Talk to your child.

Not every NRI kid wants to study in India. And that’s okay. The best outcomes happen when the student is genuinely motivated, not just following what the parents want.

Our community has parents who’ve navigated every one of these pathways. If you need guidance specific to your situation, come talk to us.

If you’re planning your family’s move back or your child’s education in India, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.

Disclaimer: Admission criteria, fees, and processes change regularly. Always verify current information from official institution websites and admission portals before making decisions. This guide is informational and does not constitute admission consulting advice. Information is current as of early 2026 but should be verified against official sources for the specific admission year.