DASA vs. CIWG Scheme 2026: How Gulf Students Can Save ₹10 Lakhs on Fees
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Introduction
If you are an Indian student studying in Dubai, Muscat, or Riyadh, you are likely planning your study abroad journey back to India. But did you know you have a massive financial advantage over an NRI living in the USA or UK?
It is called the CIWG Scheme.
While most international students pay "Dollar Fees" to secure UG admission at top institutes like NITs and IIITs, children of Gulf workers can study at the exact same fee as a resident Indian student.
For the 2026 Intake, understanding the nuances between DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) and its sub-category CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in the Gulf) is critical. It is the difference between paying ₹26 Lakhs and paying ₹5 Lakhs for the same B.Tech degree.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the eligibility, fee structures, and document requirements for both UG admission and PG admission under these schemes.
Highlights: DASA vs. CIWG at a Glance
Feature | DASA (Non-SAARC) | CIWG (Gulf Quota) |
Target Audience | Global NRIs (US, UK, etc.) | NRIs in 8 Gulf Countries |
Tuition Fee (UG) | $4,000 USD / Semester | ~₹62,500 INR / Semester |
Admission Basis | JEE Main Rank (UG) | JEE Main Rank (UG) |
PG Admission Basis | GRE / GMAT Scores | GRE / GMAT Scores |
Seat Quota | ~10% of Total Seats | 1/3rd of DASA Quota |
Competition | Moderate | High (Due to low fees) |
Application Fee | $300 USD | $300 USD |
1. What is the CIWG Scheme? (The "Gulf" Discount)
CIWG stands for Children of Indian Workers in the Gulf. The Government of India introduced this scheme to assist low-to-mid-income Indian workers in the Middle East in providing quality UG admission for their children.
The "Supernumerary" Rule:
Both DASA and CIWG seats are "Supernumerary." This means they are extra seats created specifically for NRIs. You are NOT competing with the 10 Lakh resident Indian students. You are only competing with other NRIs.
The 8 Eligible Gulf Countries
To apply under the CIWG category, at least one parent must be working in:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain
Iran
Iraq
Note: Countries like Jordan and Yemen are NOT part of the Gulf status. Students from these nations must apply under the standard DASA category.
2. The Fee Structure: Where You Save Money
This is the primary reason parents prefer CIWG. Let’s calculate the cost of a 4-Year B.Tech degree for UG admission.
Scenario A: Standard DASA Student
Fee per Sem: $4,000 USD (Approx ₹3.3 Lakhs)
Total for 8 Sems: $32,000 USD
Total Cost: ~₹26 Lakhs
Scenario B: CIWG Student
Fee per Sem: ₹62,500 INR (Fixed by Govt)
Total for 8 Sems: ₹5 Lakhs
Total Cost: ~₹5 Lakhs
The Net Saving: You save roughly ₹21 Lakhs over 4 years simply by selecting the correct category during registration.
3. Eligibility Criteria for 2026 (UG & PG)
For UG Admission (B.Tech/B.Arch)
Residency: The student must have completed Class 11 and Class 12 outside India.
Academics: Minimum 75% aggregate (or 7.5 CGPA) in Class 12 Board Exams.
Entrance Exam: A valid JEE Main 2026 Rank is mandatory.
Myth Buster: SAT scores are NO LONGER accepted for NITs/IIITs. SAT is only useful for private universities like IIIT-Hyderabad.
For PG Admission (M.Tech/MBA)
The DASA scheme also covers PG admission for NRIs.
Residency: You must have an undergraduate degree from a foreign university OR be an Indian national who completed UG abroad.
Entrance Exam:
M.Tech: Valid GRE Score (General Test).
MBA: Valid GMAT Score.
Fees: The CIWG fee waiver usually applies to UG courses only. PG applicants often pay the standard DASA fees, though specific institutes may offer scholarships.
4. Documents Required for CIWG Status
To claim the subsidized fee, you must prove your parent's "Gulf Worker" status. Missing a single document here will downgrade your application to the expensive DASA category.
You must upload:
Parent’s Passport: Copy of the passport with valid visa pages.
Parent's Visa: Valid Work Visa / Iqama / Residence Permit.
Crucial: The visa must be valid during the admission counseling period (July 2026).
Parent's Work Permit: Official Labour Card or Work Permit.
Company Letter: A certificate from the employer on company letterhead stating:
"Mr./Ms. X is currently working with us in [Country] since [Date]."
Student’s Passport: Proof of Indian Nationality.
5. The Admission Process: Step-by-Step
Register for JEE Main: Ensure you register as an "NRI" or "Indian National" studying abroad.
DASA Registration: A separate portal (dasanit.org) opens in June 2026.
Choice Filling: You can choose "Both" categories (CIWG & Non-CIWG).
Strategy: Put CIWG seats as your top priority (e.g., "NIT Trichy - CIWG"). Put Non-CIWG seats as lower priority (e.g., "NIT Trichy - DASA").
Seat Allotment: Based on your JEE Rank. If you miss the CIWG cutoff, the system checks if your rank is good enough for the paid DASA seat.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for both DASA and CIWG categories?
Ans: Yes. You can opt to be considered for both. If you don't get a CIWG seat (which has higher cutoffs due to low fees), you can still get a DASA seat if you are willing to pay the higher fee.
Q2. Does the CIWG scheme apply to IITs?
Ans: No. UG admission to IITs is strictly through JEE Advanced. There is no DASA or CIWG quota in IITs.
Q3. Can I avail CIWG benefits for PG admission?
Ans: Generally, the CIWG fee structure is specific to UG admission (B.Tech). For PG admission, check the specific institute's brochure, as most require standard international fees.
Q4. What if my parent's visa expires before admission?
Ans: You must renew it. The document verification officer will reject your CIWG status if the visa is expired at the time of reporting.
Q5. Is the competition for CIWG higher?
Ans: Yes. Since the fees are ₹21 Lakhs cheaper, everyone wants a CIWG seat. For top branches like CS at NIT Warangal, the CIWG cutoff is very close to the General category cutoff.
Q6. Can I use SAT scores for DASA?
Ans: No. DASA admissions are based exclusively on JEE Main ranks. SAT scores are only useful for private study abroad options or specific institutes like IIIT-Hyderabad (separate mode).
Q7. Which "Study Abroad" countries are non-Gulf?
Ans: Any country not in the list of 8 (e.g., USA, UK, Singapore, Australia) falls under "DASA Non-SAARC" and must pay the full $4,000 semester fee.
Q8. Can I change my category from DASA to CIWG after allotment?
Ans: No. Category selection is final during the registration phase.
Q9. Are OCI cardholders eligible for CIWG?
Ans: No. CIWG is specifically for Indian Nationals (Indian Passport holders) whose parents work in the Gulf. OCIs must apply under the General DASA category.
Q10. What is the refund policy if I withdraw?
Ans: DASA has a strict refund policy. Usually, if you withdraw after the Special Round, you lose the entire tuition fee paid.
Conclusion
For Gulf families, the CIWG scheme is the "Golden Ticket" of UG admission in India. It offers an elite education at a fraction of the cost. However, because the stakes are high, the documentation must be flawless.
Don't wait until June. Ensure your parent's documents are valid today.
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