DOST 2026: 14,975 Students Secure Seats in Special Drive Phase

The Department of Science and Technology’s DOST 2026 initiative has successfully awarded 14,975 seats in its special drive phase, a move aimed at broadening access to higher education for under‑represented groups. The special drive, conducted in the last week of the admission cycle, focused on filling vacancies left after the regular quota. Eligible candidates—primarily from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes—completed the online application and were selected based on merit and category criteria. Officials from the DOST office noted that the allocation reflects the program’s commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence, and they expect the remaining phases to further increase enrollment across the country.