Difference Between DASA and CIWG Scheme

Difference Between DASA and CIWG Scheme: The Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) and Children of Indian Workers in Gulf (CIWG) schemes are special admission programs created by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. These schemes help students get admission into top engineering institutes like NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs). Both schemes are designed for students who completed their schooling outside India.

DASA is open to Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs, while CIWG is only for children of Indian workers living in Gulf countries. The key differences in DASA and CIWG schemes are related to eligibility, fees, seat allocation, and benefits. CIWG students are charged the same fees as the Indian residents, whereas DASA students are charged higher international fees. Both require JEE Main scores and use a centralized counselling process.

Students can find complete details about the key differences between the DASA and CIWG schemes, including application procedures, fee structures, benefits, seat matrices, cut-offs, and more, below.

What is DASA Scheme?

Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme is a centralized process of admission operated by the ministry of education, government of India. It gives the Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs an opportunity to apply to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in best Indian technical institutes such as NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded institutes (except IITs).

Admission is mainly based on JEE Main scores for undergraduate programs and GRE/GMAT scores for postgraduate programs. The admission process is managed through dasanit.org.

Also Know: DASA 2026, Important Dates, Notification, Eligibility, Fees, Cut off

What is CIWG Scheme?

The Children of Indian Workers in Gulf (CIWG) scheme is a special part of the DASA program. It is designed only for children of Indian citizens working in Gulf countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq. 

CIWG candidates get reserved seats (one-third of DASA seats) and pay lower tuition fees, similar to Indian residents, making it a more affordable option for admission into institutes like NITs and IIITs.

Also Know: DASA Admission for NRI Students, Eligibility, Fees, Documents Required

Key Differences Between DASA and CIWG Schemes

The DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) and CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf) schemes are admission routes for students with international academic backgrounds. While CIWG is a sub-category under DASA, it differs in eligibility, fee structure, and seat reservation. Understanding these differences is essential for students planning to apply through either scheme.

Benefits of DASA and CIWIG Scheme

DASA and CIWG schemes offer direct and simplified admission pathways to top technical institutes in India, including NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and CFTIs. The following are the key benefits of DASA and CIWIG Scheme:

1. Access to Top Institutes: Eligible students can get admission to leading Indian institutes without competing through the domestic quota.

2. Reserved Quota: DASA offers 15% supernumerary seats; CIWG has 1/3rd of those seats reserved for Gulf-based students.

3. Lower Fee for CIWG: CIWG candidates pay the same tuition fee as Indian students (₹1.25 lakh/annum), while DASA students pay USD 4000/semester.

4. Flexible Options: CIWG applicants can also opt for general DASA seats if needed.

Also Know: DASA CIWG Application Process 2026

DASA vs CIWG Seat Matrix  

DASA scheme has approximately 15 percent supernumerary seats in the best technical institutes such as NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other CFTIs. In these seats, one-third is reserved to candidates of CIWG, who are children of Indian workers in Gulf countries.

For example, if a branch has 60 total seats, about 9 seats may be offered under DASA, and out of those, around 3 seats may be reserved specifically for CIWG students. The seat matrix can vary depending on the institute and engineering branch.

Also Know: DASA 2026 UG Courses, List, Participating Universities

DASA vs CIWG Cut Offs

CIWG and DASA cut offs depend on JEE Main scores and vary with each year. These cut offs vary according to the institute, branch and the type of the candidate. The expected JEE Main rank ranges in popular institutes and branches are as follows:

Difference Between DASA and CIWG Scheme FAQs

Q: What is the distinction between DASA and CIWG?

Ans: DASA is a generalized admission to Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs and PIOs whereas CIWG is a special sub-category under DASA to children of Indian workers in Gulf countries. CIWG candidates receive reserved seats and reduced (domestic) tuition fees.

Q: Who qualifies for the DASA CIWG exam?

Ans: Students must have attended Class XI and XII (or equivalent) outside India to be eligible, and have a valid JEE Main score. CIWG applicants should also submit evidence of their parent employment in the gulf (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Oman, etc.).

Q: What is the CIWG scheme?

Ans: The CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf) is a scheme that provides 1/3 rd of DASA supernumerary seats to deserving students whose parents are employed in Gulf nations. These students benefit from reduced fees similar to Indian citizens.

Q: Can Indian students apply for DASA?

Ans: Only Indian nationals who studied Class XI and XII abroad are eligible for DASA UG admissions. Students who completed both years of schooling entirely in India are not eligible under the DASA scheme.