I would like to seek clarification regarding OCI (I) and OCI (F) candidates in the admission process.
Could you please confirm whether the closing ranks for OCI (I) and OCI (F) are the same as the General CRL, or if they follow a separate ranking system? Also, are the cutoffs for these categories similar to the General category or comparatively lower?
Additionally, I would like to know the fee structure applicable for both OCI (I) and OCI (F) categories.
OCI (I) and OCI (F) candidates are both ranked through the Common Rank List (CRL), but the admission process and seat pools are different depending on the OCI status category.
For OCI (I) candidates (mainly those whose OCI was issued before March 4, 2021 and who choose to be treated at par with Indian nationals), you participate in JoSAA exactly like Indian students. Your closing ranks are therefore the same as the Open CRL closing ranks. And, OCI candidates do not receive reservation benefits such as OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, or ST quotas.
For OCI (F) candidates, the process is different. You compete only for supernumerary seats (additional seats, usually a max of 10% per programme). These seats are separate from the regular Indian seat pool. Even though the eligibility benchmark is still linked to the Open CRL, the actual competition is within the Foreign National pool, so the effective cutoff can sometimes be comparatively lower or vary differently from the standard General CRL closing rank.
Regarding fees, OCI (I) candidates who are treated as Indian nationals usually pay the same tuition and hostel fees as Indian students. In contrast, OCI (F) candidates are commonly charged foreign national fee structures, which are higher and are often payable in USD or equivalent international fee slabs depending on the institute. The exact fee structure varies from one IIT or institute to another, so it is best to verify directly from the institute admission brochure for the specific programme.