Students preparing for JEE in the UAE requires an understanding about the JEE NRI Quota UAE. Many Indian-origin students in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the Gulf aim for IITs and NITs, but the admission process for NRIs comes with special rules and quotas.
Through schemes like DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) and CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf countries), students from the UAE can secure seats in top institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. These quotas make it easier for Gulf-based NRIs to study B.Tech in India without competing under the general category.
JEE NRI Quota UAE 2026
JEE NRI Quota UAE gives Indian-origin students living in the UAE an opportunity to study in reputed engineering colleges in India. Admissions happen mainly through two routes:
DASA Quota (Direct Admission of Students Abroad)
- Open to all NRI/OCI/PIO students across the world.
- Admission based on JEE Main scores.
- Tuition Fee: USD $4,000 per year. (Approx)
CIWG Quota: (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries)
- Specially reserved for children of Indian workers in Gulf countries like the UAE.
- Tuition Fee: ₹1.25 – 1.5 lakh per year (same as Indian students).
- Covers 1/3rd of DASA seats, making it highly cost-effective.
By using their JEE Main scores, UAE-based students can apply for seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs under these quotas. However, it’s important to note that IITs do not have a separate NRI quota, entry to IITs is only through JEE Advanced.
Know More: JEE Main 2026 Registration For UAE Students
JEE NRI Quota UAE Eligibility Criteria
To apply through the NRI quota in IIT JEE/ JEE Main, students must meet certain requirements:
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The student must be an NRI/OCI/PIO, or under CIWG quota, a child of Indian workers in the Gulf.
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Must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
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A minimum of 75% in Class 12 or top 20 percentile in respective boards (for JEE Advanced eligibility).
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Valid passport and proof of NRI/OCI/PIO status.
Know More: Minimum Marks in JEE Advanced to Get IIT UAE, Cut Off & Qualifying Marks
NRI Quota in IIT JEE – Is It Available?
One of the most common questions is whether IITs have a separate NRI quota. The answer is ‘No’.
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IITs do not have an NRI quota. Admissions to IITs are strictly based on JEE Advanced ranks.
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However, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs offer seats under DASA/CIWG schemes using JEE Main scores.
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This means UAE-based NRIs can enter top engineering colleges but not IITs through quota.
Know More: What is Percentile in JEE, How to Calculate Percentile Score?
NRI Reservation in JEE Main for Gulf Students
For Gulf-based NRI students, including those in the UAE, the CIWG quota provides a big benefit:
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CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf countries): Reserves 1/3rd of DASA seats for Gulf NRIs.
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Fee structure under CIWG is much lower compared to DASA. This makes it cost-effective.
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Students must qualify JEE Main to apply under this reservation.
This makes JEE Main for Gulf NRI students an essential pathway for securing seats at reduced tuition fees.
Know More: JEE Main 2026 Repeater Strategy
Fee Structure for JEE NRI Quota UAE
Here’s a comparison of the fee structure for NRI candidates applying under DASA and CIWG:
Fee Structure for JEE NRI Quota UAE |
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Category |
Tuition Fees (Approx. per year) |
Eligibility |
DASA Quota |
USD $4,000 |
Open for all NRIs/OCI/PIO worldwide |
CIWG Quota |
₹1.25 – 1.5 lakh (same as Indian students) |
Only for children of Indian workers in Gulf countries (including UAE) |
CIWG is highly beneficial for UAE-based NRI students as it reduces the financial burden significantly.
Documents Required for JEE NRI Quota UAE
Students applying under the JEE NRI Quota UAE must submit specific documents for verification:
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Valid passport of student and parents.
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Resident visa/permit for UAE.
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Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
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NRI/OCI/PIO certificate (if applicable).
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For CIWG: Proof of parent’s employment in Gulf (employment contract, visa, etc.).
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Recent passport-sized photographs.
FAQs
Q: Is there a JEE NRI quota in IITs for UAE students?
Ans: No, IITs do not have an NRI quota. Admissions to IITs are only through JEE Advanced. NRI quota is applicable in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs under DASA and CIWG schemes.
Q: What is the eligibility for JEE NRI Quota UAE?
Ans: Students must be NRI/OCI/PIO or children of Indian workers in the Gulf. They should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12 and appeared for JEE Main.
Q: What is the fee structure for JEE NRI Quota UAE under DASA and CIWG?
Ans: The fee structure for JEE NRI Quota UAE under DASADASA (NRI/OCI/PIO students) is USD $4000 per year (approx.) and under CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf) is same as Indian students, around ₹1.25–1.5 lakh per year.
Q: Do Gulf-based NRI students need JEE Main for admission under NRI quota?
Ans: Yes, JEE Main is compulsory. From 2021 onwards, SAT scores were discontinued, and only JEE Main is valid for NRI quota admissions.
Q: What documents are required for JEE NRI Quota UAE admission?
Ans: Valid passport, visa/residence permit, parent’s employment proof in Gulf, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, and sponsorship affidavit (if applicable).