JoSAA Counselling 2025: Round 1 Query Response Deadline Tomorrow

The deadline to respond to queries for JoSAA Counselling 2025 Round 1 is set for tomorrow, June 25, 2025. This critical step impacts Engineering Admissions to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Aspirants should be prepared for significant Seat Allotment shifts in JoSAA Round 2. Understand the process for JEE Main Counselling and JEE Advanced Counselling at josaa.nic.in.

A crucial juncture has arrived for thousands of engineering aspirants participating in JoSAA Counselling 2025. The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) has set tomorrow, June 24, 2025, by 5:00 PM IST, as the absolute final deadline for candidates to respond to any queries raised during the online document verification process for Round 1. This critical window, following the declaration of the JoSAA Round 1 Seat Allotment results on June 20, 2025, is paramount for candidates to secure their provisional seats. Failure to address these queries within the stipulated time will lead to the cancellation of their Round 1 allotment, effectively removing them from the JoSAA counselling process for this year.

The JoSAA platform, which facilitates joint seat allocation for admissions to 118 premier engineering and architecture institutes across India, including 23 IITs, 32 NITs, 26 IIITs, and 37 GFTIs, plays a pivotal role in Engineering Admissions. As candidates complete their responses for Round 1, anticipation is building for JoSAA Round 2 Seat Allotment, which is widely expected to witness significant shifts. These shifts occur as candidates from Round 1 exercise their "Float" or "Slide" options, or withdraw from the system, opening up opportunities for others in subsequent rounds. Both JEE Main Counselling and JEE Advanced Counselling aspirants are advised to remain vigilant and proactive.

Responding to Queries: A Critical Step in JoSAA Round 1

For candidates who have been provisionally allotted a seat in JoSAA Round 1, receiving a "query" indicates a discrepancy or missing document that needs immediate rectification.

• Understanding Queries: Queries are raised by the verifying officers when there's an issue with the documents uploaded by the candidate, or if information provided in the application does not match the uploaded proofs. Common queries relate to category certificates (OBC-NCL, EWS validity), PwD certificates, proof of birth, 12th class marks, or state of eligibility.
• How to Respond:
  • Candidates must log in to their JoSAA portal at josaa.nic.in.
  • Access the "Respond to Query" section.
  • Carefully read the query raised by the verifier.
  • Upload the corrected/missing document or provide a clear explanation as requested. It is crucial to respond with the exact document or clarification asked for.
  • Ensure the uploaded document is clear, legible, and in the correct format.
• Deadline Urgency: The deadline of June 24, 2025 (5:00 PM IST) is final. No extensions are typically granted. Failure to respond or an inadequate response will lead to the cancellation of the Round 1 allotted seat, and the candidate will not be considered for subsequent rounds of JoSAA Counselling 2025.

Candidates must treat any query response with utmost seriousness, as it is a direct gatekeeper for their provisional seat in Engineering Admissions.

Understanding Options: Freeze, Float, Slide after JoSAA Round 1

After the JoSAA Round 1 Seat Allotment, candidates who have successfully responded to queries (if any) and are satisfied with their provisional seat must choose one of three options:

• Freeze: This option indicates that the candidate is completely satisfied with the allotted seat and does not wish to participate in further rounds of JoSAA Counselling. Upon choosing "Freeze," candidates must complete the seat acceptance fee payment and download the provisional admission letter.
• Float: This option allows the candidate to accept the current allotted seat but also indicates their willingness to be considered for a higher preferred program/institute in subsequent rounds. If a better option becomes available, the candidate will be automatically upgraded. If not, they retain their current allotted seat. This is a very common choice for candidates aiming for an upgrade in JEE Main Counselling or JEE Advanced Counselling.
• Slide: This option means the candidate accepts the current allotted seat but is willing to be considered for a higher preferred program within the same institute in subsequent rounds. If a better option within the same institute becomes available, they are upgraded; otherwise, they retain their current seat. This is less common than 'Float' but useful for those with strong preference for a particular institute.

Candidates who do not select any option by the deadline will have their provisional allotment cancelled. The choice made here directly impacts their Seat Allotment possibilities in JoSAA Round 2 and beyond.

Anticipating Major Seat Shifts in JoSAA Round 2 and Beyond

The declaration of JoSAA Round 2 Seat Allotment results on June 25, 2025, is highly anticipated due to the expectation of significant seat shifts.

• Reasons for Shifts:
  • Float/Slide Options: Many candidates in Round 1 would have opted for "Float" or "Slide," creating movement as they get upgraded to their higher preferences.
  • Withdrawals: Some candidates might withdraw from the JoSAA process after Round 1, either because they secured admission elsewhere (e.g., through state counselling that concluded earlier) or decided not to pursue engineering this year.
  • Non-Response to Queries: Candidates who failed to respond to queries in Round 1 are removed, making their seats available.
  • Unfilled Seats: Some less popular branches or institutes might still have vacant seats, which get filled in subsequent rounds by candidates whose ranks improve relative to available seats.
• Opportunity for Aspirants: These shifts present a major opportunity for candidates who might not have received their top preferences in JoSAA Round 1 or were on the cusp of getting an allotment. Round 2 often sees the cutoffs dropping slightly for many popular branches, making them accessible to a wider range of candidates.
• Strategic Choice Filling: The importance of comprehensive and realistic choice filling during the initial registration phase of JoSAA Counselling 2025 cannot be overstated. A well-thought-out list of preferred institutes and branches, ranging from dream options to realistic ones, significantly increases the chances of securing a good Seat Allotment in subsequent rounds.

All aspirants for Engineering Admissions are strongly advised to regularly visit the official JoSAA portal, josaa.nic.in, for the latest notifications, detailed schedules, and guidelines for JEE Main Counselling and JEE Advanced Counselling. Preparing for the eventual document verification (if not already done) and understanding the process fully will ensure a smooth admission journey. For broader information on various Engineering Entrance Exam schedules and admission procedures, students can also refer to comprehensive educational resources like Only Education's Exams List for Engineering.