How To Get Admission In IIT After 12th? (2025)

Getting into an IIT is one of the biggest dreams for students who love science and maths. Every year, lakhs of students aim for a seat at one of these top engineering colleges in India. IITs offer world-class education, expert professors, advanced labs, and the best placement opportunities. However, with tough exams and limited seats, the journey to IIT is not easy. Many students start preparing as early as Class 9 or 10. 

If you’re in Class 11 or 12 and want to know how to get into IIT after school, this guide is for you. It covers every step of the admission process in simple words. You’ll also learn about alternative ways to get in, like Olympiads, and tips on how to prepare smartly. Whether you’re just starting or already preparing, this article will help you plan your path to IIT with confidence and clarity. Let’s get started.

IIT Admission Process

The main way to get into IITs is through the JEE. This exam happens in two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced.

JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech)

Particulars	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-based examination
JEE Main exam duration	3 hours
Language of Examination	English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odisha, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Type of Questions	Multiple choice questions (MCQs)Questions with numerical values as answers
No. of Sections	There are three sections:MathematicsPhysicsChemistry
JEE Main Total questions	Mathematics: 25 (20+5) –  5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Physics: 25 (20+5) –  5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Chemistry: 25 (20+5) –  5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Total: 75 Questions (25 questions each)
How many marks in JEE Main	300 Marks (100 marks for each section)
JEE Mains negative marking	MCQs: Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of one mark on each wrong answer.Questions with numerical value answers: Candidates will be given four marks for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.

JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern Paper 2

Particulars	Details
Mode of Exam	Computer-based examination except for Drawing section in B.Arch (Pen & Paper based mode)
Language	English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Exam Duration	Three hours
No. of Sections	B.Arch (Paper 2A):Part 1 – MathematicsPart 2 – Aptitude testPart 3 – Drawing testB.Plan (Paper 2B):MathematicsAptitude testPlanning tests (MCQs)
Type of Questions	B.Arch -Mathematics: MCQs and questions with numerical value as answersAptitude: Multiple-choice questionsDrawing: Drawing aptitudeB.Planning-Mathematics: MCQs, and questions with numerical value as answersAptitude: MCQs (Multiple choice questions)Planning: MCQs (Multiple choice questions)
JEE Mains total questions	B.Arch: 75+2 (Drawing test) QuestionsB.Plan: 100 Questions
Total Marks in JEE Mains 2025 paper 2A	400 Marks
JEE Mains Marking Scheme	MCQs: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each wrong answer.Questions with numerical value answers: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer.Drawing Test: Two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks.

JEE Mains Question Types: JEE Main consists of two types of questions:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions provide four options, out of which only one is correct. Each correct answer awards 4 marks, while a wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
• Numerical Value Questions (NVQs): In this type of question, students have to enter a numerical value as the answer. There is no negative marking for NVQs.
  

JEE Mains Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for JEE Main is based on both educational qualifications and age. Here are the key requirements for students to appear for the exam:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in their Class 12 exams (or equivalent) from any recognized board. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class 12.
  
• Minimum Marks: To be eligible for JEE Main, candidates must have scored at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST candidates), or they must be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
  
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Main, applicable from 2024 onwards.

• Attempts: Candidates are allowed to appear for JEE Main a maximum of three times in consecutive years.

What is JEE Advanced?

JEE Advanced is an entrance exam conducted annually for admission to the undergraduate engineering programs offered by the IITs and IISc. The exam tests a candidate’s understanding of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at a much deeper level than JEE Main. The exam is designed to evaluate not only the knowledge of the candidates but also their problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.

To appear for JEE Advanced, students must first qualify in JEE Main. The top 2.5 lakh rank holders in JEE Main are eligible to register for JEE Advanced. The exam is organized by one of the IITs on a rotating basis. The exam is generally held a few weeks after the JEE Main results are announced, typically in May or June. The score obtained in JEE Advanced is used for admissions to various IITs, IISc, and other top engineering institutes.

Features	Details
Mode of the examination	Computer-based examination
Medium of the examination	English and Hindi
Number of Papers	Two compulsory papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2
Total time duration	3 hours for each paper (4 hours for PwD candidates)
Number of sections	Both papers include 3 sections-Paper 1-PhysicsChemistryMathematics Paper 2-PhysicsChemistryMathematics
Total questions in JEE Advanced	54 (18 questions in each subject)
Marking Scheme	The exam has a concept of full, partial and zero marks.

JEE Advanced Exam Structure and Pattern

The exam pattern of JEE Advanced is different from that of JEE Main. It consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, and both are compulsory for all candidates. These papers are designed to assess the knowledge and problem-solving skills of students across the three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Mode of Exam: JEE Advanced is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted online, and candidates are required to answer the questions on a computer.

Papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both of equal weightage and are timed separately. Each paper lasts for three hours. Both papers include questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

The total marks for JEE Advanced typically range from 360 marks (though it may vary each year based on the paper’s design). The questions in both papers include a variety of formats, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, Matrix Match questions, and Paragraph-based questions. 

Some questions may have partial marking, where candidates are awarded marks for partially correct answers. However, there are strict rules on negative marking.

JEE Advanced Question Types

JEE Advanced features a variety of question types to assess the depth of understanding and analytical skills of candidates. These include:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions have four options, and only one of them is correct. There may be negative marking for incorrect answers.
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: Candidates have to enter a numerical answer. There is no negative marking for NAT questions.
• Matrix Match Questions: Candidates are given a set of questions and corresponding options in a matrix format, and they need to match the correct answers.
• Paragraph-Based Questions: These questions are based on a passage of text or data, followed by one or more questions that test the candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze the information.

Alternative Routes to IITs 

Some students get direct admission into IITs through special achievements. One such route is through Olympiads. If you have won a medal in international Olympiads (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, or Informatics), you may get direct admission to certain programs in IITs. Each IIT has its own rules for this.

Another route was the KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana). However, KVPY has merged into INSPIRE-SHE from 2022. Still, earlier KVPY scholars in science streams had opportunities in research-based programs at IISc and some IITs. Make sure to check individual IIT websites for Olympiad-based admissions each year.

Step-by-Step Guide to IIT Admission After 12th

Here is a step-by-step guide that every student can follow to get into IIT after Class 12.

Step 1: Choose the Right Stream in Class 11 and 12

To be eligible for IIT admission, you must choose the Science stream in Class 11 and 12. You should take:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology is optional but not required for engineering.

Step 2: Excel in Class 11 and 12 Academics

You need a good percentage in your board exams to be eligible for IIT admission.

Minimum requirement:

• General and OBC: At least 75% in Class 12.
• SC, ST, and PwD: At least 65% in Class 12.

If you are in the top 20 percentile of your board, you may also be eligible, even if your percentage is slightly lower.

Step 3: Register for JEE Main

When you reach Class 12, register for JEE Main on the official NTA website. Fill out the application form carefully. Upload your photo, signature, and documents. Pay the application fee online and download the confirmation page.

Step 4: Qualify JEE Main and Appear for JEE Advanced

You must score well in JEE Main to become eligible for JEE Advanced. Once you qualify, register separately for JEE Advanced. Prepare well and give your best in both papers of JEE Advanced.

Step 5: Participate in JoSAA Counselling

After the JEE Advanced results, you must register for JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). JoSAA manages the admission process for IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Key steps:

• Register online at the JoSAA portal.
• Fill your choices of IITs and branches in order of preference.
• JoSAA will release seat allotment results in several rounds.
• Accept the seat and upload documents for verification.

Reservation Policies in JoSAA:

• OBC-NCL: 27% seats reserved.
• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• EWS: 10%
• PwD: 5% within each category

Make sure your documents match the required format to claim any reservation.

Step 6: Accept the Seat and Complete Admission Formalities

Once you get a seat, pay the admission fee to confirm it. Go through a medical fitness check-up as per IIT norms. Finally, report to the allotted IIT with all documents and start your journey.

How To Prepare For IIT After 12th: Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy

Preparing for IIT requires smart planning, hard work, and consistency. You don’t need to study all day, but you must study every day with a clear goal. Here is a step-by-step strategy that students in Class 11, Class 12, and drop-year students can follow to crack JEE.

1) Starting Early (Class 11 & 12 Students)

Starting your preparation early gives you an edge. It helps you understand concepts better and gives you more time for practice.

• Why starting early is crucial: JEE includes topics from both Class 11 and 12. Starting early helps you cover the syllabus slowly and thoroughly without stress.
• Balancing school and JEE prep: Follow your school syllabus but study it deeply. Focus on concepts rather than rote learning. Make time daily for JEE practice.
• Build strong fundamentals: Don’t rush. Learn every topic step by step. Focus on understanding rather than memorizing. The basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Math must be very clear.
  

2) Study Plan for 1-Year & 2-Year Preparation

Your preparation plan depends on how much time you have before the exam. Here are two detailed strategies.

1-Year Plan (for droppers or Class 12 students)

• Phase 1: Concept Building (Months 1–4)
  Focus on understanding all topics from Class 11 and 12. Use NCERT and basic reference books. Attend coaching or online classes regularly. Make short notes.
• Phase 2: Problem Solving & Speed (Months 5–8)
  Start solving more questions. Practice daily from question banks and previous year papers. Work on speed and accuracy. Begin taking chapter-wise and subject-wise tests.
• Phase 3: Full-Length Mocks & Revision (Months 9–12)
  Revise all important topics. Take full-length mock tests weekly. Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas. Focus on time management.
  

2-Year Plan (for Class 11 students)

• Year 1: Strong Foundation + NCERT Focus
  Cover Class 11 syllabus completely. Focus on understanding and solving basic problems. Stick to NCERT and simple question banks. Do not ignore school studies.
• Year 2: Advanced Problem Solving + Test Series
  Cover Class 12 topics and revise Class 11. Practice high-level questions. Join a test series and take regular mock tests. Start solving JEE Advanced-level problems.
  

3) Daily & Weekly Study Routine

A consistent daily routine is key to success.

• Ideal daily study hours: Aim for 6–8 focused hours a day. Some students may need more, depending on their pace.
• Subject-wise time allocation: Study all three subjects daily or at least two. Rotate subjects to avoid boredom.
• Importance of breaks: Take small breaks between study sessions. Avoid studying for more than 2 hours at a stretch. Short breaks help your brain stay fresh.
• Weekly planning: At the start of the week, set small goals. At the end of the week, review your progress and plan the next steps.
  

4) Choosing the Right Study Material

The right books and resources make a big difference in your preparation.

Recommended Books for JEE Mains Physics

Name of the Book	Author/Publication	Why the Books are the Best for JEE Mains Physics
NCERT Textbook	NCERT	It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice.
Concepts of physics (Vol. 1 and 2)	HC Verma	They provide the best exercises along with the basic concepts.
Fundamentals of Physics	Halliday, Resnick, & walker	Helps in clearing all the concepts of Physics important for JEE Mains.
Understanding PhysicsIt’s a set of the following books:Electricity & Magnetism Mechanics (Vol. 1 & 2) Optics & Modern Physics Waves & Thermodynamics	D C Pandey – Arihant Publications	This set of books is very popular among the students and one of the best books for JEE Mains. This explains the concepts, derives the formula, and provides a number of solved examples and exercises to solve.
Understanding Physics	Freedman and Young	Explains all the concepts in detail and provides exercises for practice.
Problems in Physics	SS Krotov	This book is popular for its exercise questions.
Physics Vol-1 and Vol-2 by for Theory and Non-Trivial Problems	Resnick Halliday	For understanding concepts and practising questions.
Problems on General Physics	I E Irodov	A lot of questions are provided for practising.

Recommended Books for JEE Mains Chemistry

Name of the Book	Author/Publication	Why the Book is the Best for JEE Mains Chemistry
NCERT Textbook	NCERT	It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice.
Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations	R C Mukherjee	Physical Chemistry Numericals are the best in this book.
Organic Chemistry	O P Tandon	Each and every topic is well explained in this book.
Concise Inorganic Chemistry	J. D. Lee	This is the best book for the concepts of Inorganic Chemistry.
Concept of Physical Chemistry	P Bahadur	Along with the concepts, there are many exercises to solve.
Physical Chemistry	P.W. Atkins	This book is best for extra exercises.
Organic Chemistry	Morrison & Boyd	This book is best for extra exercises.
Numerical Chemistry 22/e	P Bahadur	This is one of the best books for JEE Mains recommended by toppers.

Recommended Books for JEE Mains Mathematics

Name of the Book	Author/Publication	Why the Book is the Best Maths Book for JEE Mains
NCERT Textbook	NCERT	It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice.
Objective Mathematics	RD Sharma	This book explains the concepts very well. They also have a lot of exercise questions.
Plane Trigonometry	S L Loney	This book is best for Trigonometry.
Algebra	Dr S K Goyal – Arihant Publications	This book is best for Algebra.
Differential Calculus	Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications	This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus.
Integral Calculus	Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications	This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus.
The Elements of Coordinate Geometry	S L Loney	This book is best for understanding the concepts of Coordinate Geometry and practising questions on Coordinate Geometry.
Play with Graphs	Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications	This book is best for practising graphs.
Complete Mathematics for JEE Main	Tata McGraw Hill	This is the best book for overall preparation.
New Pattern Mathematics for JEE Main	Arihant Publications	You will get a lot of exercises.

Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers for IIT Preparation

Mock tests and previous year question papers play a very important role in your JEE preparation. Studying theory and solving questions are not enough. You must test yourself under real exam conditions. This helps you find your weak areas, improve your speed, and build confidence.

Why Mock Tests Are Non-Negotiable

Mock tests are just like the real exam. They follow the same pattern, time limit, and difficulty level. You should take mock tests regularly once you complete a decent portion of the syllabus.

• Builds exam temperament: You get used to sitting for 3 hours with full focus. This is important for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
• Improves time management: You learn how to divide your time between Physics, Chemistry, and Math. This helps avoid panic on the actual exam day.
• Identifies weak areas: After each test, you can see which topics need more revision. Work on these areas and take another test to check your improvement.
• Boosts accuracy and speed: With practice, you make fewer silly mistakes and solve problems faster.
  

Start giving full-length mock tests 4–6 months before the exam. Give at least one mock test per week. In the final 2 months, try to take 2–3 mock tests every week.

Choose a good mock test series like the Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series or your coaching institute’s series. Make sure the tests are based on the latest pattern.

How to Analyze Your Mock Test Performance

Just giving tests is not enough. You must review each test properly. Spend at least 2–3 hours analyzing every mock test.

• Check wrong answers: Understand why you made a mistake. Was it a silly error or a concept problem?
• Note down weak topics: Make a list of chapters where you lost marks. Revise those chapters again.
• Time check: Did you spend too much time on one subject? Try to balance time better next time.
• Attempt strategy: Decide the best order to attempt sections. Some students prefer starting with Chemistry, others with Math. Find what suits you.
  

Keep a notebook to track your mock test scores and errors. Try to improve your score with every test.

Conclusion

Getting into an IIT is not just about cracking an exam. It’s about staying focused, managing your time well, and staying motivated through ups and downs. The journey may seem long and tough, but thousands of students achieve it every year with hard work and the right strategy. Whether you aim to enter through JEE or through Olympiads, planning each step matters. Start early, choose the right books, practice regularly, and avoid common mistakes. 

Remember, it’s okay to get help from teachers, coaching, or online resources. Even if you don’t make it on your first try, don’t give up. You always have another chance. What matters most is your effort and your will to improve. With the right mindset and preparation, you can reach your goal. IIT is not just a college – it’s a chance to build a strong future. Stay focused, and give it your best shot.