Getting into IIT Madras is a dream for many students across India. It is one of the best IITs and is known for its top rankings, great faculty, and excellent placement records. Every year, lakhs of students prepare for JEE with the hope of joining this prestigious institute. But only a few make it.
So, what does it take to get into IIT Madras? Is JEE Advanced the only way? What is the cutoff, and how can you prepare for it the smart way? This guide answers all these questions in a simple and clear manner.
If you are a student planning to join IIT Madras in 2025, this article is for you. We will take you through the step-by-step admission process, entrance exams, preparation tips, and much more. Read till the end to find out how you can turn your dream of getting into IIT Madras into reality.
Overview of IIT Madras
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is one of the top engineering institutes in India. It was established in 1959 with the help of the Government of West Germany. It was the third IIT to be founded after IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay. Over the decades, IIT Madras has grown into a leading center for education, research, and innovation.
IIT Madras offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields such as engineering, sciences, management, and humanities. It has 16 academic departments and several advanced research centers. Some of the major departments include Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
IIT Madras also promotes entrepreneurship through its incubation cell and the IIT Madras Research Park. These centers help students turn their ideas into startups. Many successful startups have come out of IIT Madras, including Ather Energy, Agnikul Cosmos, and YNOS Venture Engine.
How To Get Into IIT Madras?
IIT Madras is one of the most popular IITs in India. Thousands of students from across the country try to get admission every year. The main way to enter IIT Madras is by clearing the JEE Advanced exam. However, there are other routes too, depending on the course you are interested in.
1) Primary Route: JEE Advanced (For BTech Programs)
If you want to study BTech at IIT Madras, you must appear for JEE Advanced. But before that, you must qualify JEE Main. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main become eligible for JEE Advanced.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced
To appear for JEE Advanced, you must meet the following conditions:
- Age: You should be born on or after October 1, 2000 (for General and OBC). SC, ST, and PwD candidates get a 5-year relaxation.
- Number of Attempts: You can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
- Qualifying Marks in Class 12: You must have scored at least 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD). Alternatively, you must be in the top 20 percentile of your board.
- JEE Main Rank: You must be among the top 2.5 lakh candidates in JEE Main (across all categories).
Once you qualify JEE Advanced, you must participate in JoSAA counselling to select IIT Madras and your preferred branch.
2) Other Admission Routes Without JEE Advanced
Not all programs at IIT Madras need JEE Advanced. If you are not applying for BTech, there are different entrance exams depending on the course.
Postgraduate Programs
- MTech: Admission is through GATE. You must qualify GATE with a good score to get into IIT Madras.
- MSc: Admission is through IIT JAM.
- MBA: IIT Madras offers MBA through the DoMS (Department of Management Studies). You need to appear for CAT.
- MDes (Master of Design): Admission is through CEED.
- MA in Humanities and Social Sciences: Admission is through HSEE, conducted by IIT Madras itself.
- PhD: Selection is based on GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET scores, academic background, and interviews.
IIT Madras Step-by-Step Admission Process (2025)
The admission process for IIT Madras in 2025 follows a well-defined structure. To help you understand it clearly, we have broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. Whether you are aiming for the BTech program or other courses, this step-by-step guide will help you stay on track.
Step 1: Qualify JEE Main
The first step to getting into IIT Madras is qualifying for JEE Main. This is a nationwide exam that assesses your understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Exam Pattern
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Questions
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 300 (100 marks for each subject)
Step 2: Crack JEE Advanced
Once you qualify JEE Main, the next step is to appear for JEE Advanced. This exam is the key to your admission into IIT Madras. Only the top candidates from JEE Main are allowed to sit for JEE Advanced.
Exam Structure
- Papers: Two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), both mandatory
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Question Type: MCQs, Numerical, and Matching Questions
- Negative Marking: There is negative marking for incorrect answers, so be cautious.
Step 3: JoSAA Counselling
Once you qualify JEE Advanced, you will need to participate in JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling.
Registration and Choice Filling
- Visit the official JoSAA website and register for the counselling.
- You must fill out your choices of IITs and branches based on your rank and preference.
Seat Allocation
- Seats are allocated based on your JEE Advanced rank, your choices, and seat availability in IIT Madras.
- JoSAA conducts multiple rounds of seat allocation. In each round, candidates are either allotted a seat or given the option to participate in the next round.
Branch Selection Strategy
When filling out your choices, carefully choose branches based on your interest and the expected cutoff. Popular branches like CSE fill up fast, so make sure to decide early. Other branches like Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering are also good options, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Reporting and Document Verification
After the seat allocation, you must report to IIT Madras for document verification and final admission.
Required Documents
- Class 10 and Class 12 Marksheets
- JEE Advanced Admit Card and Rank Card
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID Proof
- Passport-size Photographs
You will need to go through a basic medical examination. After the verification of documents, you will be allotted a hostel room. IIT Madras has separate hostels for boys and girls.
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off: Year wise
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off (General-All India)
| Course | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 3881 | 3237 | 2815 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 4677 | 4439 | 3972 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 6106 | 6132 | 5688 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 175 | 148 | 159 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 1028 | 964 | 838 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 6305 | 6169 | 4748 |
| B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering | 7966 | 7996 | 7404 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 2786 | 2572 | 2310 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 4819 | 3293 | 2984 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Biological Engineering | 8056 | – / – | – / – |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Engineering Design (Automotive Engineering) | 5374 | 4436 | 3656 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 2090 | 1877 | 1858 |
| B.S. + M.S. in Physics | 4318 | 3171 | 2742 |
| B.S. + M.S in Biological Science | 11452 | – / – | – / – |
| B.Tech. in Biological Engineering | – / – | 7967 | 5755 |
| B.S. in Biological Science | – / – | 11185 | 10682 |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics | – / – | – / – | 419 |
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off (OBC-All India)
| Course | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 1666 | 1615 | 1655 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 2096 | 1943 | 2042 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 2440 | 2587 | 2592 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 88 | 101 | 82 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 547 | 492 | 407 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 2691 | 2652 | 2463 |
| B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering | 3287 | 3240 | 3210 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 1258 | 1251 | 1199 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 1957 | 1685 | 1455 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Biological Engineering | 3502 | – / – | – / – |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Engineering Design (Automotive Engineering) | 2294 | 1883 | 1772 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 1417 | 1385 | 1192 |
| B.S. + M.S. in Physics | 3053 | 2836 | 2369 |
| B.S. + M.S in Biological Science | 4948 | – / – | – / – |
| B.Tech. in Biological Engineering | – / – | 3486 | 3364 |
| B.S. in Biological Science | – / – | 5074 | 4682 |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics | – / – | – / – | 207 |
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off (SC-All India)
| Course | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 1248 | 1309 | 900 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 1329 | 1346 | 1237 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 1252 | 1491 | 1324 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 53 | 54 | 72 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 367 | 316 | 378 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 1554 | 1728 | 1679 |
| B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering | 1796 | 2370 | 2224 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 788 | 976 | 792 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 836 | 207 | 995 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Biological Engineering | 1999 | – / – | – / – |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Engineering Design (Automotive Engineering) | 1653 | 1846 | 1571 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 1274 | 1175 | 1326 |
| B.S. + M.S. in Physics | 1624 | 2736 | 1784 |
| B.S. + M.S in Biological Science | 2722 | – / – | – / – |
| B.Tech. in Biological Engineering | – / – | 2327 | 2266 |
| B.S. in Biological Science | – / – | 3127 | 2778 |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics | – / – | – / – | 198 |
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off (ST-All India)
| Course | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 500 | 571 | 478 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 520 | 582 | 617 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 360 | 488 | 522 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 24 | 15 | 29 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 198 | 146 | 149 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 653 | 812 | 784 |
| B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering | 901 | 992 | 1056 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 426 | 430 | 369 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | – / – | 703 | 503 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Biological Engineering | 1081 | – / – | – / – |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Engineering Design (Automotive Engineering) | 991 | 989 | 1133 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 763 | 847 | 1022 |
| B.S. + M.S. in Physics | 1060 | 1157 | 1149 |
| B.S. + M.S in Biological Science | 1390 | – / – | – / – |
| B.Tech. in Biological Engineering | – / – | 1078 | 1090 |
| B.S. in Biological Science | – / – | 1335 | 1359 |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics | – / – | – / – | 83 |
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off (Economically Weaker Section-All India)
| Course | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 862 | 733 | 837 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 838 | 841 | 784 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 1004 | 1211 | 1111 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 34 | 36 | 42 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 272 | 231 | 178 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 1218 | 1248 | 1263 |
| B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering | 1373 | 1738 | 1568 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 669 | 514 | 577 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 966 | 1070 | 883 |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Biological Engineering | 1773 | – / – | – / – |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Engineering Design (Automotive Engineering) | 1144 | 1020 | 1235 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 773 | 740 | 803 |
| B.S. + M.S. in Physics | 1048 | 694 | 942 |
| B.S. + M.S in Biological Science | 2018 | – / – | – / – |
| B.Tech. in Biological Engineering | – / – | 1527 | 1384 |
| B.S. in Biological Science | – / – | 2018 | 1743 |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics | – / – | – / – | 104 |
IIT Madras JEE Advanced Cut off (PWD-All India)
| Course | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering | 165 | – / – | 86 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 98 | – / – | 170 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 55 | 150 | 94 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 124 | – / – | – / – |
| Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Engineering Design (Automotive Engineering) | – / – | 105 | – / – |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics | – / – | – / – | 43 |
JEE Advanced Preparation Strategy for IIT Madras Admission
JEE Advanced is one of the most challenging exams in India, and it plays a critical role in securing admission to IIT Madras. Preparing for it requires dedication, a solid strategy, and consistency. If you are aiming for IIT Madras, your focus should not only be on clearing JEE Advanced but also on scoring well enough to get into your desired branch. Here’s how you can prepare effectively for JEE Advanced, with a specific focus on the IIT Madras admission process.
1) Understand the JEE Advanced Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The first step in your preparation is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. JEE Advanced tests you on three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Exam Pattern
- Two Papers: JEE Advanced consists of Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both are compulsory.
- Mode: The exam is conducted online (computer-based test).
- Duration: Each paper lasts for 3 hours.
- Type of Questions: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs), numerical-based questions, and matching-type questions.
- Negative Marking: There is negative marking for incorrect answers in some question types, so be cautious while answering.
The syllabus for JEE Advanced is based on the JEE Main syllabus but with a higher level of difficulty. Make sure you focus on topics that have historically carried more weight in the exam, like Mechanics in Physics, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus in Mathematics.
2) Subject-wise Focus
Physics: Physics is a key subject for JEE Advanced. Focus on building strong concepts, as the exam tests in-depth understanding.
- Mechanics: This is one of the most important topics and carries significant weight in both JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Topics like Newton’s Laws, Work and Energy, and Rotational Motion should be well-versed.
- Electromagnetism: This is another high-weightage topic. Pay attention to Electric Fields, Magnetic Fields, and Electrostatics.
- Optics and Modern Physics: Though not as vast, these topics are essential and are regularly asked in JEE Advanced.
Chemistry: Chemistry has three main branches: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. A balanced preparation is needed for all of them.
- Physical Chemistry: Focus on concepts like Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Solutions. Practice numericals to strengthen your problem-solving skills.
- Organic Chemistry: Make sure to cover topics like Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Ethers, and Aromatic Compounds. Focus on reaction mechanisms and nomenclature.
- Inorganic Chemistry: This is more theory-based. Focus on topics like Coordination Compounds, s-Block and p-Block Elements, and periodic trends.
Mathematics: Mathematics is crucial for cracking JEE Advanced and securing a good rank. Focus on mastering key topics.
- Calculus: This is an important topic, and you should practice integrals, derivatives, limits, and continuity.
- Algebra: Topics like Complex Numbers, Matrices, and Determinants frequently appear in JEE Advanced. Make sure to practice these regularly.
- Coordinate Geometry and Vectors: These are important topics with a significant number of questions in the exam.
3) Time Management and Study Plan
Effective time management is key to cracking JEE Advanced. You need to divide your time wisely between learning new concepts, revising old topics, and solving practice problems.
- Create a Realistic Study Plan: Allocate enough time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are strong in Physics but weak in Chemistry, spend more time on Chemistry while revising Physics regularly.
- Daily Schedule: Dedicate a set number of hours to study each day. Aim for 6-8 hours of study, depending on your current schedule.
- Revision: Make sure to allocate time for revision every week. Revising regularly will help reinforce your concepts and improve retention.
4) Practice and Mock Tests
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving past year JEE Advanced papers is one of the best ways to prepare. This will give you a clear understanding of the exam format and the types of questions asked.
- Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will help you get used to the exam’s time constraints. They also help in assessing your preparation, identifying weak points, and building exam-day stamina.
- Time Yourself: While solving problems, always practice under timed conditions to simulate the real exam. This will help improve your speed and accuracy.
5) Stay Consistent and Avoid Burnout
JEE Advanced preparation is a long journey, and consistency is crucial. Avoid long breaks from studying, and stay motivated throughout your preparation.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Take regular breaks to relax your mind. Stay physically active by doing light exercise or walking.
- Get Enough Sleep: Do not compromise on sleep. A well-rested mind works much better in the long run.
- Stay Positive and Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and stay focused on your goal. Always remind yourself why you are working hard – to secure admission to IIT Madras.
6) Study Materials and Resources
Using the right study materials will play a significant role in your preparation. Some recommended resources include:
- Books: Stick to standard books like H.C. Verma for Physics, O.P. Tandon for Chemistry, and I.A. Maron for Mathematics.
- Coaching Institutes: If possible, join a coaching institute where you can get expert guidance and regular practice.
Conclusion
IIT Madras is one of the top engineering colleges in India. Getting admission here is not easy, but it is possible with the right preparation and guidance. If you focus on your goal, follow a proper study plan, and stay consistent, you can secure a seat at IIT Madras.
The main way to enter is through JEE Advanced, but there are also other exams for different courses like MTech, MSc, MBA, and more. It is important to understand the full admission process, prepare well for each stage, and keep all your documents ready.
Remember, lakhs of students apply, but only the well-prepared ones get in. So start early, believe in yourself, and don’t give up. Whether you aim for Computer Science or any other branch, stay focused on your path. With hard work and smart planning, your dream of studying at IIT Madras can become true.
