How To Get Admission In IIT (2025)

Getting admission into an IIT is the dream of many students in India. These institutes are known for their excellent education, top faculty, and great career opportunities. Every year, lakhs of students compete for a limited number of seats in IITs. It can feel tough and confusing to understand the exact steps to get admission. But with the right information and planning, you can clear the path to IIT. This article will guide you through the entire admission process in simple words. 

You will learn about the exams you need to take, the eligibility criteria, how the counseling works, and other ways to join IITs besides the usual route. Whether you want to join for engineering, science, management, or design, this guide is made just for you. Read on to find out how you can achieve your goal of studying at an IIT.

How To Get Admission In IIT? 

Admission to IITs happens mainly through competitive exams conducted every year. For undergraduate courses, the key exam is JEE Advanced. For postgraduate courses, other exams like GATE, JAM, CAT, UCEED, CEED, and HSEE are important. Let’s start by looking at the primary route for undergraduate admission.

Getting admission into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is a major goal for many students who want to pursue engineering and other technical courses. The process is competitive and follows specific rules. Understanding how to get admission in IIT will help you prepare better and increase your chances of success. This section explains the main route to get admission in IITs, the eligibility requirements, and the important exams you need to clear.

Primary Route: B.Tech/B.S. via JEE Advanced

The most common way to enter an IIT is by enrolling in the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) courses. To get admission to these courses, you must clear two exams in order: JEE Main and then JEE Advanced.

Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced

Before you can appear for JEE Advanced, you need to meet some important eligibility rules.

JEE Main Qualification: First, you must appear for the JEE Main exam. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates in JEE Main are allowed to sit for JEE Advanced. This means you need to do well in JEE Main to qualify for the next step.

Academic Requirements: You must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in your Class 12 or equivalent exams. You also need a minimum percentage in your board exams:

• For General and OBC category students, the minimum required percentage is 75%.
• For SC, ST, and PwD category students, the minimum required percentage is 65%.
  

Age Limit and Number of Attempts

As per the latest guidelines, there is no age limit to appear for JEE Main or JEE Advanced. This means you can attempt the exams regardless of your age. However, there is a limit on the number of attempts you can make in JEE Advanced. You can only attempt JEE Advanced two times in two consecutive years. For example, if you appear in 2024, you can appear again in 2025, but not later.

JEE Main vs. JEE Advanced: What Is the Difference?

Many students get confused between JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Both are important exams but serve different purposes.

• JEE Main is the first-level exam. It is used for admission to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other government-funded technical institutes.
• JEE Advanced is the second-level exam. It is only for students who want admission in the 23 IITs across India.
  

The difficulty level of JEE Advanced is higher than JEE Main. The questions in JEE Advanced require deeper understanding and problem-solving skills. The exam patterns also differ. JEE Main has mostly objective questions, while JEE Advanced has a mix of multiple-choice, numerical, and matching-type questions.

Alternative Routes for IIT Admission (Without JEE Advanced) 

Not everyone who wants to study at an IIT needs to clear JEE Advanced. IITs also offer other programs at the postgraduate and special course levels. These programs have their own entrance exams and eligibility rules. Here are some common alternative routes for admission into IITs without going through JEE Advanced.

1) M.Tech Admission via GATE

If you have completed your Bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.Tech or B.E.), you can apply for M.Tech courses in IITs through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). GATE is an exam that tests your understanding of engineering subjects. The exam has multiple-choice and numerical questions and covers topics relevant to your branch. Your GATE score helps IITs decide who gets admission for M.Tech programs. After the GATE results are announced, candidates can apply through the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) to accept offers from different IITs. This is a popular route for students who want to specialize further in engineering.

2) M.Sc Admission via JAM

If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree in science (such as B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related fields), you can join M.Sc courses at IITs by clearing the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM). JAM is an entrance exam with multiple-choice and numerical answer questions. It tests your knowledge in your chosen subject. Based on your score, you can get admission to M.Sc programs offered by IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur. This route is ideal for students interested in science and research careers instead of engineering.

3) MBA Admission via CAT

For students interested in management, IITs offer MBA courses through their business schools. To get admission, you must take the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is a national-level management entrance exam. CAT tests your quantitative ability, verbal skills, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Usually, IITs require a high CAT percentile (90 or above) for admission. After CAT, candidates attend Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) to finalize selection. Top IITs for MBA include IIT Delhi’s Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), and IIT Kharagpur’s Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSOM).

4) Design Courses Admission via UCEED and CEED

IITs also offer design courses such as Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des). For B.Des admission, you must clear the Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED). This exam covers topics like visualization, creativity, and design aptitude. After UCEED, you can apply to IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, or IIT Hyderabad for B.Des programs.

For M.Des admission, you need to clear the Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED). CEED evaluates your design skills, drawing, and problem-solving abilities. After CEED, you also need to pass portfolio reviews and interviews. Design courses provide an opportunity for creative students to study at IITs without going through JEE Advanced.

5) Humanities and Social Sciences Admission via HSEE

IIT Madras offers unique programs in humanities and social sciences through the Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Examination (HSEE). This exam is for admission to M.A. courses in Economics, English, and Sociology. The selection process includes a written test followed by an interview. This route is for students interested in social sciences and humanities, offering a chance to study at IIT Madras outside of technical fields.

How To Crack IIT In First Attempt: Strategic Study Plan 

Cracking the IIT JEE is a long and challenging journey, but with the right approach, you can navigate this path successfully. A strategic study plan is key to making sure that you cover everything efficiently, remain consistent, and optimize your time. It’s not just about studying harder but studying smarter. A well-planned preparation can significantly boost your chances of success. Let’s break down a strategic study plan that covers different stages of preparation, from long-term goals to the final 30-day strategy before the exam.

Long-Term Preparation (1-2 Years Before Exam)

Your journey towards JEE begins well before the actual exam date. The preparation for JEE is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting early gives you an advantage, allowing you to gradually build your foundation and gradually tackle more difficult concepts.

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Class 11)

In Class 11, you will be introduced to the core concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This phase is about laying a strong foundation for the more advanced concepts that will come in Class 12 and JEE Advanced.

• Focus on NCERT Books: Start by focusing on NCERT textbooks, as they provide a clear understanding of fundamental concepts. Stick to these books in the initial stages and ensure that you are thorough with each topic.
  
• Basic Reference Books: While NCERT is the base, you can start referring to basic reference books after you have understood the concepts. For Physics, books like HC Verma and DC Pandey are good. For Chemistry, you can use M.S. Chouhan (for Organic) and N.C.E.R.T for Inorganic. For Mathematics, RD Sharma and R.S. Agarwal will help you get a grip on the basics.
  
• Study Routine: Plan a study routine where you dedicate 4-6 hours daily to JEE preparation, in addition to schoolwork. It’s important to keep up with school topics, but allocate at least 1-2 hours for each subject (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) daily.
  
• Conceptual Understanding: Focus on understanding the concepts in-depth rather than memorizing formulas. Build a deep understanding of the subjects, as this will help in solving complex problems in the later stages.
  
• Regular Practice: While theory is important, regular practice of problems is equally crucial. Start solving easy-level problems to build your problem-solving skills.
  

Phase 2: Intensive Learning (Class 12)

In Class 12, the intensity of your preparation should increase. At this stage, you will encounter more advanced concepts and a larger syllabus.

• Advanced Concepts: Focus on mastering the advanced concepts introduced in Class 12. For example, in Physics, topics like Electrodynamics and Modern Physics become crucial, while in Mathematics, topics such as Calculus and 3D Geometry are important.
  
• Problem-Solving: Start solving higher-level problems, which will help you prepare for the JEE Advanced paper. Refer to books like Cengage and Arihant for more practice.
  
• Mock Tests: Begin taking mock tests regularly to assess your understanding and speed. These tests will help you get used to the exam pattern and give you an idea of where you stand in terms of preparation.
  
• Time Management: At this stage, time management becomes key. Your study sessions should be more focused, and you should aim to improve your problem-solving speed. Start using a timer while solving problems to get used to the time pressure during the exam.
  
• Coaching and Study Materials: If you are enrolled in a coaching institute, follow their schedule and materials rigorously. Coaching classes are helpful, but they are only effective if you complement them with self-study.
  

Phase 3: Revision & Speed (Last 6 Months)

The final six months leading up to the exam are crucial for revising concepts, solving previous year papers, and sharpening your exam-taking skills.

• Full Syllabus Revision: This is the time to go over everything you have studied over the past 1-2 years. Focus on your weak areas and improve on them. Use revision notes or formula sheets that you have prepared during the earlier phases for quick reference.
  
• Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Take a lot of mock tests and solve previous year JEE papers. This will not only improve your speed but also make you comfortable with the exam pattern.
  
• Review Mistakes: After each mock test, review your mistakes and understand where you went wrong. Maintain an error log where you note down common mistakes, incorrect formulas, and difficult concepts. Go over these logs regularly to avoid repeating errors.
  
• Work on Time Management: Speed is crucial in JEE. In the last six months, focus on working faster without compromising accuracy. Practice solving questions in a timed manner to build confidence in finishing the exam within the allotted time.
  

Daily & Weekly Study Routine

An ideal study routine is key to staying on track. Here’s how you can organize your day and week effectively to maximize productivity.

Example for Daily Schedule

• Morning: Start your day with theory, as your mind is fresh after a good night’s sleep. Begin with subjects that you find difficult, such as Physics or Mathematics. Focus on reading concepts, making notes, and understanding the underlying principles.
  
• Afternoon: In the afternoon, dedicate time to solving problems. Solve problems related to the concepts you’ve learned in the morning. For Chemistry, work on both numerical problems (Physical Chemistry) and conceptual questions (Organic Chemistry).
  
• Evening: Revise your notes, focus on weaker topics, and work on improving your problem-solving speed. This is a great time to go through previous year questions or practice papers.
  
• Night: Use the evening or night for revising formulas, solving easy problems, and reinforcing learning through flashcards or revision sheets.
  

Subject-Wise Allocation

• Physics (Conceptual): Spend 1-2 hours on Physics daily. Focus on understanding the concepts and formulas. Solve a variety of problems to strengthen your application skills. Keep revisiting challenging topics like Mechanics and Electrodynamics.
  
• Chemistry (Memorization + Numerical): Chemistry requires a mix of memorization and problem-solving. For Physical Chemistry, practice numericals. Organic Chemistry requires a lot of understanding and memorization of reaction mechanisms. Inorganic Chemistry relies heavily on memorization, so dedicate time for regular revision.
  
• Mathematics (Practice-heavy): Mathematics should be your focus every day. Start with simpler problems and gradually move to complex ones. Pay special attention to topics like Calculus and Algebra, which are often heavily tested in JEE.
  

Weekly Targets

Set weekly targets to ensure that you stay on track. Allocate specific chapters for each subject and aim to complete them within the week. At the end of the week, assess your progress and adjust your study plan if necessary.

• Topic Completion: By the end of the week, aim to have completed a specific number of topics or chapters. This helps break down the syllabus into smaller, manageable chunks.
  
• Test Analysis: Take at least one mock test per week and analyze it thoroughly. Identify weak areas and focus on improving them in the following week.
  
• Weak Area Improvement: Every week, dedicate some time to revisiting your weak areas. Whether it’s a specific chapter in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics, regular practice and focused revision can help you overcome these difficulties.

Problem-Solving & Mock Tests 

Problem-solving and taking mock tests are two of the most crucial aspects of preparing for the IIT JEE. Simply understanding concepts isn’t enough; you need to apply those concepts efficiently and quickly in exam-like conditions. This is where regular practice and mock tests come into play. They help you develop a deeper understanding of problem-solving techniques, improve speed, and build confidence. Let’s dive deeper into why mock tests are essential and how to make the most out of them.

Why Mock Tests Matter

Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and are an invaluable tool for JEE preparation. Here’s why they are so important:

• Improves Speed and Accuracy: Mock tests help you develop speed and accuracy. Since the JEE exam is time-bound, practising under timed conditions helps you get used to managing your time effectively.

• Identifies Weak Areas: Mock tests give you an opportunity to identify your weaknesses. By reviewing your performance, you can pinpoint areas where you need more practice. 

• Boosts Confidence: Taking mock tests regularly builds your confidence and reduces exam anxiety. When you are used to solving problems under pressure, you’ll feel more comfortable when you face the actual exam.

• Enhances Exam Strategy: Mock tests give you a chance to experiment with different exam strategies. You can test which approach works best for you, whether that’s attempting all the questions in a specific order, leaving tough questions for the end, or focusing on easier sections first. This trial and error approach helps you optimize your exam-taking strategy.

Conclusion 

Getting admission into an IIT requires hard work, focus, and the right knowledge. The main way to join IIT for undergraduate courses is by clearing JEE Advanced after qualifying JEE Main. For postgraduate and other special courses, exams like GATE, JAM, CAT, UCEED, CEED, and HSEE offer different paths. 

Understanding the eligibility rules, exam patterns, and counseling process will help you plan your journey better. Remember, consistent preparation and smart strategies are key to success. 

Whether you want to study engineering, science, management, design, or humanities, IITs offer great opportunities to build your future. Stay determined and follow the steps carefully. Your dream of studying at an IIT is within reach. Keep working hard and believe in yourself.