If you missed a seat in earlier Haryana State Technical Education Society (HSTES) rounds or you are exploring a second chance at a Council of Architecture (CoA) approved B.Arch programme near Delhi NCR DCRUST B.Arch 2026 institute-level physical counselling for vacant seats is an important window. Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal (Sonepat, Haryana), has announced this round specifically to fill leftover seats in its five-year Bachelor of Architecture programme after centralized counselling.
This guide explains who can apply, the exact schedule, how merit is calculated, documents you must carry, fees, and practical tips so you can register confidently on the official portal dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in before the deadline. Whether you are a NATA qualifier, a JEE Main Paper 2 candidate, or a student comparing architecture options with programmes at institutions like the National Museum Institute Of History Of Art Conservation And Museology, this article gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap.
What Is DCRUST B.Arch institute-Level Physical Counselling?
Institute-level counselling is a university-managed admission round conducted after HSTES completes its seat allotment process for B.Tech and B.Arch programmes in Haryana. When seats remain unfilled in a particular institute due to withdrawals, non-reporting, or category-wise vacancies the university opens a fresh registration window and conducts physical (in-person) counselling on its campus.
For DCRUST, the Department of Architecture offers a CoA-approved B.Arch programme with limited intake (typically around 40 seats). After HSTES rounds conclude, any vacant seats are offered through this institute-level process. Unlike purely online allotment in some states, DCRUST requires shortlisted candidates to appear physically at the Murthal campus for document verification and on-spot seat allotment.
Why This Round Matters for Architecture Aspirants
Architecture admission in India is tightly regulated. You need both academic eligibility (PCM in Class 12 or equivalent diploma route) and a valid aptitude score NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 (Paper 2A for B.Arch). Many students who qualify on paper still miss seats in early HSTES rounds because of high cut-offs, category movement, or incomplete registration steps. institute-level counselling gives those candidates another structured opportunity without waiting an entire year.
DCRUST is a state university with strong visibility among Haryana and NCR students. Its Murthal campus is well connected to Sonepat and Delhi, making it a practical choice for students who also explore engineering and design pathways at Delhi-NCR institutions such as the National Institute Of Technology Delhi Nit Delhi or the Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi Iit Delhi for related STEM programmes.
DCRUST B.Arch 2026 Vacant Seat Counselling: Key Dates
Mark these dates immediately. Missing even one deadline can disqualify you from the merit list or physical reporting window.
- Online registration window: August 10 to August 24, 2026 (form filling, document upload, and fee payment on dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in)
- Provisional merit list: August 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM (14:00 IST)
- First round – physical counselling (with reservation): August 27, 2026; reporting and attendance marking from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Second round – physical counselling (open category, no reservation): August 31, 2026; reporting and attendance marking from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
The first round follows Haryana reservation norms with sub-categories merged into broader buckets such as AIC (All India Category), HOGC (Haryana Open General Category), SC, BC, and PH. The second round treats all remaining vacant seats as open category seats, which can benefit general-category candidates who could not secure a seat in the reserved round.
Quick Timeline Table
Use this snapshot while planning travel and document preparation:
- 10–24 Aug 2026: Complete online registration only no campus visit required yet
- 26 Aug 2026 (2 PM): Check provisional merit list on the admission portal
- 27 Aug 2026 (9:30–11:00 AM): Mandatory physical presence for Round 1 counselling at DCRUST Murthal
- 31 Aug 2026 (9:30–11:00 AM): Mandatory physical presence for Round 2 counselling if seats remain
Eligibility Criteria for DCRUST B.Arch Vacant Seat Counselling 2026
Eligibility follows the HSTES prospectus and CoA norms for B.Arch admission. Before paying the registration fee, confirm that you satisfy every condition below.
Academic Qualification
- Class 12 (10+2): Passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects
- Minimum marks: At least 50% aggregate in the qualifying examination (relaxation to 47.5% for SC/PH categories as per applicable rules)
- Alternative route: A three-year diploma with Mathematics, meeting the minimum percentage specified in the HSTES prospectus, may also be accepted where applicable
Entrance Exam Requirement
You must hold a valid NATA 2026 score as declared by the Council of Architecture, or a valid JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (Paper 2A) score conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Scores from previous years or expired sessions are generally not accepted unless explicitly notified.
Who Should Apply for This Round?
- Candidates who participated in HSTES counselling but did not get a DCRUST B.Arch seat
- Candidates who missed earlier HSTES rounds yet meet eligibility and hold valid NATA/JEE scores
- Candidates seeking upgrade or fresh allotment in the institute-level vacant seat pool
- Candidates willing to attend physical counselling in person at Murthal on the scheduled dates
Students comparing architecture with pure engineering tracks often evaluate nearby options such as the Krishna Institute Of Engineering And Technology or Delhi-based institutes like the Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute Of Technology and Delhi Institute Of Technology. Architecture, however, has a separate aptitude test requirement plan your backup list accordingly.
How Merit Is Prepared for Institute-Level Counselling
Understanding merit calculation helps you estimate your realistic chance before travelling to campus. For B.Arch admissions under HSTES norms, inter-se merit is typically prepared using a 50:50 weightage:
- 50% weightage: Normalized score from NATA 2026 or JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A
- 50% weightage: Marks secured in the qualifying examination (Class 12 or diploma, as applicable)
DCRUST displays a provisional merit list on August 26, 2026. Review your rank, category, and any remarks carefully. If there is a data error in your uploaded marks or exam score, contact the admission cell immediately corrections after counselling day may not be possible.
Reservation in Round 1 vs Open Allotment in Round 2
Round 1 follows reservation with sub-categories merged into AIC/HOGC/SC/BC/PH buckets as per the official notification. Round 2 merges all remaining seats into the open category without reservation. This two-step design ensures category-wise vacancies are addressed first, then leftover seats are offered broadly to eligible merit-listed candidates.
Online Registration Process at dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in
Registration is fully online and must be completed between August 10 and August 24, 2026. No offline application form is accepted for this round.
Step-by-Step Registration Overview
- Visit the official Samarth-based admission portal: dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in
- Select the B.Arch Institute-Level Physical Counselling 2026-27 notification link
- Create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number; verify OTP if prompted
- Fill personal details, category, domicile information, and academic records
- Enter your NATA 2026 or JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 application number and score details exactly as on the scorecard
- Upload scanned documents in the prescribed format and file size (typically PDF/JPEG)
- Pay the counselling registration fee online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI
- Submit the form and download or print the registration confirmation for your records
Registration Fee Structure
- General category: ₹1,000
- Reserved categories of Haryana (SC/SC-D/BC-A/BC-B/PH/FF/ESM/Girls, etc.): ₹700
The registration fee is separate from university admission fees payable after seat allotment. Keep payment receipts; they may be required during verification.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading blurry mark sheets or cropped scorecards
- Entering an incorrect NATA/JEE roll number or score
- Selecting the wrong category without valid supporting certificates
- Waiting until the last hour on August 24 portal traffic can cause timeouts
- Using a mobile number or email you cannot access on counselling day
Physical Counselling at DCRUST Murthal Campus
Shortlisted candidates must appear in person at the DCRUST Murthal campus, Sonepat, Haryana. Online registration alone does not guarantee a seat you must report within the attendance window on the counselling date.
Round 1: August 27, 2026
Reporting and attendance marking: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Arrive early with originals and photocopies. Late reporting may result in loss of priority or exclusion from the session. Seat allotment, fee deposit instructions, and document verification happen on campus as per the university schedule published alongside the merit list.
Round 2: August 31, 2026
Reporting window again runs from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. This round is for remaining vacant seats under open category rules. Candidates who did not receive a seat in Round 1 but remain eligible and merit-listed should attend if notified or if seats are available as per the official notice.
What to Expect on Counselling Day
- Identity and document verification at designated counters
- Merit-based seat offering according to rank and category rules for that round
- On-spot acceptance and initial fee payment instructions for allotted candidates
- Issue of allotment or admission-related documents for successful candidates
Bring multiple passport-size photographs, a pen, and photocopies organized in a folder. Parents or guardians are often allowed, but confirm any visitor rules mentioned in the official notice.
Documents Required for Verification
Prepare original documents plus one set of self-attested photocopies. Missing or mismatched documents are a leading cause of seat cancellation.
Core Academic and Exam Documents
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificate (or diploma certificate where applicable)
- NATA 2026 admit card and scorecard, or JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 admit card and scorecard
- Character certificate from the last institution attended
- Gap year affidavit, if applicable
- Medical fitness certificate as per university format
Category, Domicile, and Haryana-Specific Certificates
- Haryana residence certificate, where applicable
- Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) for Haryana candidates where required
- SC, SC-D, BC-A, BC-B certificates and income certificate for backward classes
- Divyang (PH) certificate verified as per notification
- Certificates for freedom fighter wards, ESM/ex-servicemen categories, HARIHAR, or Haryana government school topper benefits only if you claim them
Administrative and Compliance Documents
- Counselling registration printout and fee payment proof
- Seat allotment letter (if issued before reporting in your case)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, or other government ID)
- Anti-ragging undertaking signed by student and parent/guardian
- Any additional forms listed in the official B.Arch vacant seat notification
Organize documents in the same order as the official checklist on the DCRUST admissions page. Cross-check spellings of your name across certificates discrepancies delay verification.
Fees, Seat Intake, and Programme Overview
DCRUST B.Arch is a five-year full-time programme approved by the Council of Architecture. The department focuses on architectural design, building technology, planning fundamentals, and professional practice foundations required for future CoA registration pathways.
Approximate Programme Parameters
- Duration: 5 years
- Seat intake: Around 40 seats (subject to official sanction)
- Selection basis: NATA/JEE Main Paper 2 score plus qualifying exam merit through HSTES-style weightage; institute round for vacancies
- Total programme fee: Refer to the latest official fee notification on the university website for 2026-27 historically in the range of several lakh rupees across five years; confirm before allotment
After seat allotment in institute-level counselling, candidates must pay university admission fees within the stipulated time. SC candidates with income below prescribed thresholds may receive fee concessions as per Haryana government rules carry valid income certificates if you claim this benefit.
Preparation Tips for a Successful Counselling Experience
Institute-level rounds move quickly. A little preparation improves your odds of securing a seat without last-minute stress.
Before August 24: Lock Your Online Application
- Double-check every field against your mark sheets and NATA/JEE scorecard
- Save PDF copies of uploaded documents locally
- Note your registration number and payment transaction ID
- Calculate your expected merit position using the 50:50 formula informally
After Merit List Publication on August 26
- Download or screenshot your merit status
- Plan travel to Murthal with buffer time for NCR traffic
- Arrange originals of every certificate in a waterproof folder
- Keep emergency photocopies at home in case copies are misplaced
On Counselling Day
- Reach campus before 9:30 AM with all documents
- Follow queue instructions and help desk directions
- Ask officials to clarify fee payment deadlines before accepting a seat
- If allotted, complete formalities the same day unless an extension is explicitly granted
If DCRUST is your top choice, treat this as a focused mission not a casual visit. Candidates who also keep backup options at institutions such as the Maharaja Agrasen Institute Of Technology, Malaviya National Institute Of Technology Mnit Jaipur, or other CoA-approved colleges nationwide reduce risk if cut-offs are higher than expected.
How Institute-Level Counselling Differs from HSTES Centralized Counselling
Many students confuse the two processes. Both are legitimate, but they operate at different stages.
- HSTES counselling: State-level centralized seat allotment for Haryana technical institutions using combined merit lists; multiple online rounds and reporting to allotted institutes
- DCRUST institute-level counselling: Conducted by the university for its own vacant B.Arch seats after HSTES rounds; requires fresh registration on dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in and mandatory physical appearance at Murthal
If you already hold a B.Arch seat at another college, upgrading through institute-level counselling may involve withdrawal rules and forfeiture of fees at your current institute. Read HSTES migration and withdrawal guidelines before accepting a new allotment.
Who Should Consider Alternatives While Waiting for Results?
Architecture seats at top public institutions remain limited. While waiting for DCRUST institute-level counselling, maintain realistic backup plans:
- Other CoA-approved private or state architecture colleges accepting NATA/JEE scores
- Related design or planning diplomas only if they align with your long-term CoA pathway verify recognition carefully
- Engineering programmes at NCR institutes if you pivot options like Ajay Kumar Garg Institute Of Technology or Advanced Institute Of Technology serve different career outcomes and should not be treated as direct substitutes for B.Arch without aptitude alignment
Architecture is a licensed profession track in India. Prioritize CoA-approved five-year B.Arch degrees over unapproved shortcuts.
Important Official Sources and Verification
Admission rules can be updated through corrigenda. Always verify details from:
- DCRUST official website admissions section: dcrustm.ac.in
- Online registration portal: dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in
- HSTES prospectus and eligibility norms for B.Arch
- CoA and NATA/JEE official websites for score validity
Do not rely on unofficial social media screenshots for dates or fees. The registration closing date of August 24, 2026 and physical counselling on August 27 and August 31, 2026 are time-sensitive.
Travel and Stay Planning for Outstation Candidates
Candidates travelling from other districts or states should book refundable transport and accommodation early. Murthal lies on the Delhi–Chandigarh corridor near Sonepat, with road connectivity via NH-44. If you are coming from Delhi, plan for morning peak traffic and keep at least one hour buffer before the 9:30 AM reporting window. Carry printed copies of the merit list page, registration receipt, and a charged phone with mobile data to access portal updates on counselling day. Outstation candidates should also note that seat acceptance may require same-day or next-day fee payment keep sufficient bank balance or UPI limits ready to avoid losing an allotted seat.
Conclusion
DCRUST B.Arch 2026 institute-level physical counselling for vacant seats is a valuable second-chance pathway for eligible architecture aspirants with valid NATA 2026 or JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 scores. Complete your online registration on dcrustmadm.samarth.edu.in before August 24, 2026, track the provisional merit list on August 26, and report in person at the Murthal campus on August 27 or August 31, 2026 with complete documents.
Success in this round depends on timely registration, accurate merit data, and disciplined preparation for physical verification. Treat the process with the same seriousness as centralized HSTES counselling, and keep verified backup options until you receive a confirmed allotment letter and complete admission formalities. With the right documents and an early arrival on counselling day, you can turn a vacant seat into your entry into a five-year CoA-approved architecture degree at one of Haryana's established technical universities.
