Known secrets of DASA quota for NRI students

Introduction:

DASA UG stands for Direct Admission of Students Abroad (Undergraduate Courses). DASA is a scheme where NRI/ PIO/ OCI/ Foreign national students are allowed admissions under 15% reserved quota in NITs, IIITs and other technical institutes. DASA UG admissions are on the basis of JEE Main ranks. DASA is not an exam but a scheme started by the Government of India and MHRD for Direct Admission of Students Abroad in premier institutes of India. Admissions in DASA take place on the basis of JEE Main rank.

DASA scheme admissions will be coordinated by one of the NITs, India for the year 2024-25.
The Direct Admission of Student Abroad (DASA) program became widely used for this reason. “Provide quality education to the children of overseas Indians in the field of engineering and technology” is the main objective of this program.The DASA program has experienced a number of upgrades and revisions since it was first introduced in order to improve its accessibility and inclusivity for international students. Due to the availability of seats at participating institutions, the number of seats offered through the DASA plan may change from year to year.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, made 4283 seats available for admission to NITs, Centrally Funded Technical Institutions, and other Premier Technical Institutions (apart from IITs) through General DASA Seats plus CIWG DASA Seats for the academic year.
According to DASA 2023 seat matrix, the total number of seats in DASA are 3459. Out of 3459 DASA seats, 1147 are reserved for CIWG candidates and 2312 for other DASA applicants.

1/3rd of the 15% seats in DASA are reserved for CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries). CIWG will have to pay the same fee as Indian citizens. There has to be proof of either parent working in a gulf country. CIWG Seats in NITs and IIIT. CIWG means Children of IndianWorkers in Gulf Countries. CIWG is a category under DASA scheme for the children of Indian expatriates(NRIs/OCIs/PIOs) in Gulf countries who want to study in top engineering
colleges like NITs and IIITs.

The key distinction is that this part of the scheme offers additional benefits to NRI
students in Middle Eastern nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates,
Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Students in the CIWG category can enrol in any of the various streams, such as Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Computer Engineering (CE), Mechanical Engineering (MEC), Information Technology, Software Engineering, and so on. DASA seat allotment is strictly based on JEE Main ranks and the choices given by the applicant in the order of their merit and priority taken together.

From 2021 onwards, DASA/CIWG admissions are on the basis of JEE Main Ranks. SAT subject scores are no longer valid for the DASA scheme. Candidates from DASA may take JEE Main once or twice. To raise their JEE Main scores, DASA applicants should show up for both JEE Main sessions. During DASA seat allotment, DASA cut-offs (JEE Main opening and closing ranks) will be announced based on JEE Main score. To be admitted to the top NIT or IIIT, an applicant should strive to receive the highest ranking possible in JEE Main.

The fee applicable for DASA category in NITs and IIEST Shibpur shall pay tuition fee

of Rs. 1,25,000 per annum either in INR or equivalent USD. The students taking admissions in Institutions other than NITs and IIEST Shibpur under CIWG category, shall pay tuition fee at the same level as the Indian resident students at the respective Institutes either in INR or equivalent USD. NRI candidates who are eligible for CIWG Category will have the option to be considered for other seats of DASA as well. In order to avail this option candidates

have to deposit the same initial fee as applicable to DASA (Non-SAARC) category

candidates.

Given below is the eligibility criteria for DASA 2024 :

  • Applicants born on or after October 01, 1999 are eligible for DASA Admissions 2024.
  • Applicants should have a valid JEE Main 2024 rank.
  • Applicants must have secured a minimum of at least 60% aggregate marks (average of all subjects of qualifying examination taken together) or 6.0 CGPA (on a 10 point scale) or equivalent in the qualifying examination. In case, CGPA on a different scale is awarded OR if only grades are awarded, percentage/CGPA equivalence provided by the principal examination authorities will only be considered.
  • Applicants appearing for the qualifying examination in the academic year 2023-24 and expecting their final results latest by December 31, 2024 may also apply.
  • Applicants should have completed successfully Mathematics, Physics and one of the subjects from (Chemistry, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Biology) in 11th AND/OR 12th, as applicable in the respective boards.

Those seeking admission under DASA scheme have to register online, fill out an online application form and make the fee payment through SWIFT/ E- Payment/ NEFT/ RTGS transfer on or before the deadline mentioned in the schedule on DASA website. Further, online applications and documents should be uploaded to DASA website through the portal only.

Admission Category Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) (1) Tuition Fee (For First Semester only) (2)
CIWG
US $ 300/-
INR ₹ 62,500/- (or Equivalent amount in US Dollars)
DASA (Non- SAARC)
US $ 300/-
US $ 4000/-
DASA (SAARC)
US $ 300/-
US $ 2000/-

Documents Required for Applying in DASA Scheme

  • Applicant’s Passport (Nationals of Nepal who do not have a passport, copy of Authenticated Citizenship Card has to be submitted).
  • Proof for date of birth (Secondary Education Board/ University Certificate [Class X or equivalent] or any certificate issued by the Government authorities).
  • Mark Sheet of 10th, 11th and 12th (or) Equivalent examination(s).
  • Certificate from School authorities (in the format given in DASA Bulletin on letter head of the school) as proof of completion of 11th and 12th Standard or equivalent. In case, 12th standard or equivalent is not completed yet, the candidate has to give an undertaking in the online application.
  • Percentage/ CGPA equivalence provided by the principal examination authorities, in case CGPA on a different scale than that specified is awarded OR if only grades are awarded.
  • Proof of 2 years of education (11th and 12th or equivalent ) in foreign country in case of NRI (School leaving certificate/ Mark sheets/ Study Certificate as in DASA Bulletin).
  • JEE Main 2024 final score card showing rank.

The student applying under the CIWG quota has to produce all the following documents in addition to the above-mentioned documents:

  • Copy of the passport of the parent working in the Gulf.
  • Copy of Parent’s visa with validity on any date in the year 2024.
  • Copy of Parent’s Work Permit with validity on any date in the year 2024.
  • Certificate from the company/organisation as proof that parent is working in Gulf country

Benefits of DASA scheme

● Opportunities around the world: Students can study at prestigious international colleges worldwide through the DASA Scheme. They gain knowledge of and exposure to various cultures and viewpoints.
● High-quality education: Candidates can enrol in top-notch courses and programs at well-known universities through this program. Additionally, it assists in ensuring a student’s future has a top career scope.
● Financial Support: The program also helps by giving students financial aid. They must, however, meet the requirements for the scheme’s eligibility. Additionally, it offers scholarships, increasing the affordability and accessibility of education for students worldwide.
● Simplified Admissions Process: This plan aids in streamlining the country’s various course admissions procedures. It offers a single platform for multiple institutions’ admission, saving students much time and effort.

In conclusion, non-resident Indians and international nationals have an excellent opportunity to get admitted to India’s best technical institutes through the DASA plan. The Government of India seeks to promote cultural diversity and the internationalisation of Indian technical education by luring exceptional students from across the globe. Participating in the DASA plan gives students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in India’s dynamic and diverse culture in addition to receiving excellent technical education. Students can benefit from a variety of teaching approaches, research opportunities, and cross-cultural interactions. Because of this, the DASA program provides an excellent avenue for international students to achieve their academic and career objectives and contribute to the global community of technology professionals.