Choice filling: 8 mistakes that cost students seats

The eight mistakes

• Listing too few choices, so no seat is allotted in a round
• Putting a "safe" choice above a preferred one, so the safe seat is allotted and the better one is never considered
• Ignoring fees, bond or service conditions until after allotment
• Misunderstanding what accept, freeze, float and slide (or upgrade) mean in the current round
• Locking choices late and hitting a portal slowdown near the deadline
• Not checking quota eligibility (domicile, category, gender-based horizontal reservation)
• Following social media rank predictions instead of past official allotment data
• Skipping the reporting step after allotment

A better way to build a list

• Start with your honest top choices, then go down in real preference order
• Include a range of ambitious, realistic and safe options
• Re-check the list against the official information bulletin for the current year
• Take screenshots and save confirmation copies at every step

Remember

Choice filling is irreversible once locked. Take time, ask questions, and never share your login with anyone who is not your authorised counsellor.

By Padhaidekho Editorial Team · 2026-10-01

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Guide reviewed October 2026. Rules, dates and eligibility change every cycle: always confirm on the official notice. This page is general guidance, not legal advice or an admission guarantee.