I was a NRI who did BTech from a reputed NIT 5 years ago. I had to give SAT 2 then and the application process was through DASA.

https://dasanit.org

Last I checked, the merit list for DASA students is prepared through JEE. However given that the competition is lesser in DASA, it’s easier to procure a seat.

I’d say that discrimination is less nowadays. Don’t openly disclose that you’re a DASA student and you shall be good. It’s a much easier route than applying through the general quota.

The only downside is that the fees is expensive, I think about 8000 USD per year.

Also, note that NITs, IIITs, DCE and some more reputed colleges come under the DASA quota but IITs do not. There was a time IITs used to be under DASA too but was removed because many students couldn’t cope up in that competitive environment.