After an entrance exam, the choice-filling stage of counselling decides where you study. Candidates who fill it in a hurry often end up with a seat they did not want, or none.
Order is everything
The system offers you the highest choice on your list that is available at your rank. List options in the true order you want them, not in the order you think you can get.
Fill enough choices
A short list is risky. Include options you are confident of getting at your rank, below the ones you hope for.
Use previous cut-offs carefully
Opening and closing ranks from earlier years are a guide. They move with the number of seats and applicants, so treat them as a range.
Check what you are choosing
Confirm the course, the fee, the hostel position and whether the seat is in a government or self-financed category. These details are in the seat matrix.
Lock before the deadline
Unlocked choices are usually locked automatically at the deadline in whatever state they are in. Review and lock them yourself, and save the printout.
After allotment
Read the options carefully: accepting, asking for upgradation in the next round, or withdrawing each has consequences for later rounds.
Counselling schedules are tracked on the admissions page.