How to Lock Choices in REAP 2026

Choice Locking is a critical step in the REAP 2026 counselling process. After registering and paying the fee, candidates must fill their preferred colleges and branches in order of priority. Locking these choices confirms your final preferences for the seat allotment algorithm.

It is essential to review your choices carefully before locking, as modifications are generally not allowed once the choices are locked.

If a candidate fails to lock their choices manually, the system typically employs an Auto-Lock feature that locks the last saved choices on the deadline.

Step 1: Log in to Portal

Visit the official REAP 2026 website and log in using your Form Number/Challan Number and Password.

Step 2: Fill Choices

Navigate to the "Fill Option Form" or "Choice Filling" section. Select the colleges and branches you are interested in from the available list.

Step 3: Arrange Preferences

Arrange your choices in decreasing order of preference. Put your most desired college/branch at #1, the next best at #2, and so on.

Step 4: Save Choices

Click on the "Save" button frequently while filling choices to ensure you don't lose data due to session timeout.

Step 5: Lock Choices

Once you are finalized with your list, click on the "Lock Choices" button. You may be asked to enter your password or an OTP sent to your registered mobile number to confirm.

Follow these guidelines to maximize your chances of getting a good seat:

• Fill Maximum Choices: There is usually no limit on the number of choices. Fill as many as possible to avoid non-allotment.
• Check Seat Matrix: Refer to the seat matrix to see available seats in your category.
• Prioritize Carefully: The computer checks choices from top to bottom. Ensure your dream college is at the top.
• Save Regularly: Technical glitches can happen. Save your work every few minutes.
• Printout: After locking, take a printout of your filled choices for future reference.

Before locking, keep these critical rules in mind:

1. Irreversible: Once choices are locked, they cannot be unlocked or modified by the candidate.
2. Auto-Lock: If you fail to lock choices by the deadline, the system will automatically lock the saved choices.
3. Deadline: Strictly adhere to the choice filling deadline. No new choices can be added after the time is up.
4. Responsibility: The candidate is solely responsible for the choices filled. The allotment is done purely based on these choices and merit.

Once the choice locking period is over:

1. Data Processing: The REAP authority processes the data based on merit, category, and locked choices.

2. Seat Allotment: The result of the seat allotment is declared on the scheduled date.

3. Reporting: Candidates allotted a seat must report to the institute or pay the fee online as per the instructions.

Q1: Is choice locking mandatory?

It is highly recommended to lock choices manually. However, if you forget, the system usually auto-locks the saved choices on the deadline.

Q2: Can I edit my choices after locking?

No, once you lock your choices, you cannot edit, add, or remove them. Ensure you are 100% sure before locking.

Q3: How many colleges can I select?

You can select as many colleges and branches as available in the list. Filling more choices increases your chances of allotment.

Q4: What is the fee for choice filling?

There is typically no separate fee for choice filling if you have already paid the REAP registration fee.

Q5: Can I change the order of preference?

Yes, you can rearrange the order of your choices (move up or down) as many times as you want before locking them.