Getting admission into an IIT is one of the biggest goals for many students in India. These institutes are known for their top-quality education, excellent faculty, and bright career opportunities. If you want to study at an IIT, you need to know the right path to reach there. The journey can be challenging, but with the right information and preparation, you can make it happen.
Whether you want to join IIT for an engineering degree, a master’s program, or even short-term certification courses, this guide will help you understand every step. From entrance exams like JEE Advanced and GATE to alternative routes like design and management courses, you will learn how to plan your admission journey.
This article is designed to give clear and simple information so you can prepare well and make your dream of joining an IIT come true.
How To Take Admission In IIT?
Getting admission into an IIT is a major goal for many students. IITs are famous for their top-quality education, excellent faculty, and strong placements. They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in science, engineering, management, design, and humanities. The most common route to join an IIT is through the JEE Advanced exam.
However, there are also many alternative paths for students who want to pursue M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, design, and other programs. In this section, you will learn the complete process to take admission in IITs, eligibility rules, exam structure, and tips to prepare well.
JEE Advanced – Primary Route for B.Tech/B.S. Admission
Most students join IITs for undergraduate programs like B.Tech or B.S. These programs are highly competitive, and you need to clear two exams: JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced
Before appearing in JEE Advanced, you must meet the following conditions:
JEE Main Qualification: You must first appear in JEE Main and score among the top 2.5 lakh students (all categories included). Only these students become eligible to appear in JEE Advanced.
Academic Requirements
- For the General and OBC categories, you must score at least 75% in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of your board.
- For SC, ST, and PwD students, the minimum required score is 65% in Class 12.
- Your Class 12 subjects must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Age Limit and Number of Attempts
- As per the latest NTA guidelines, there is no age limit to appear in JEE exams.
- You can attempt JEE Advanced only twice in two consecutive years.
- You must have appeared for the Class 12 exam in the year of JEE or the previous year.
Alternative Routes for IIT Admission (Without JEE Advanced)
Many students believe that JEE Advanced is the only way to enter an IIT. While it is the main route for undergraduate B.Tech programs, IITs offer many other courses that do not require JEE Advanced. If you want to join IITs for postgraduate studies or skill-based certifications, there are many other entrance exams and direct admission options. These include GATE for M.Tech, JAM for M.Sc, CAT for MBA, UCEED and CEED for design programs, and even short-term certification courses.
In this section, we will explain all the possible ways to get into IITs without taking JEE Advanced. This is helpful for students who are interested in further studies after graduation or want to learn new skills through IIT’s online or part-time programs.
1) M.Tech (Master of Technology) via GATE
IITs offer M.Tech programs in various branches of engineering, science, and interdisciplinary areas. To get admission in M.Tech programs, you need to clear the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam.
Eligibility for GATE
- You must have a B.Tech/B.E. degree from a recognized university.
- Final-year students of B.Tech/B.E. are also eligible.
- There is no age limit to appear for GATE.
- You can appear in only one or two papers depending on the chosen combination.
GATE Exam Details
- GATE is conducted by IITs and IISc on a rotational basis.
- The exam is held once a year in February.
- It is a computer-based test with 65 questions (MCQ, MSQ, and NAT).
- Total marks: 100 (15 marks for General Aptitude, 85 marks for the subject).
- Duration: 3 hours
GATE tests your understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. It checks your problem-solving skills and your grasp of core concepts.
GATE Score Validity and Admission Process
- GATE scores are valid for three years.
- You must apply separately to IITs or through the COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal).
- COAP helps you view offers from different IITs and decide which one to accept.
2) M.Sc (Master of Science) via JAM
If you have a B.Sc degree and want to study further in IITs, you can apply for M.Sc programs through the JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) exam.
Eligibility for JAM
- You must hold a B.Sc or equivalent degree with required subjects.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement for JAM 2025 (as per latest notification).
- You can apply in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, etc.
JAM Exam Pattern: JAM is a computer-based test. It has 60 questions, divided into three sections:
- Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Section B: Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Section C: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
- Total marks: 100
- Duration: 3 hours
JAM focuses on the core concepts of your subject. It checks your speed, accuracy, and understanding. After M.Sc, you can also pursue Ph.D. or join industry roles in research, data science, and analytics.
3) MBA via CAT (Common Admission Test)
If you are interested in business and management, IITs also offer MBA programs. To join these, you need to clear the CAT (Common Admission Test).
Eligibility:
- You must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream.
- You need at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
CAT Exam Structure: Sections in CAT:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Total duration: 2 hours
Total questions: Around 66
CAT is highly competitive. A high percentile is needed to get calls from IITs.
Selection Process
- First, you clear the CAT cutoff.
- Then, you attend Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI).
- Some IITs also consider past academics and work experience.
Top IITs Offering MBA
- IIT Delhi – Department of Management Studies (DMS)
- IIT Bombay – Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM)
- IIT Kharagpur – Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSOM)
These IITs offer high placements and internships with top firms in consulting, finance, and marketing.
4) Design Courses via UCEED and CEED
IITs offer undergraduate and postgraduate design courses through UCEED and CEED exams.
B.Des (Bachelor of Design) via UCEED
- UCEED is for students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Design.
- It is open to students who passed Class 12 in any stream.
- No JEE is required.
UCEED Exam Pattern
- Sections: Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Also includes a drawing section to test creativity and visual skills.
- Total marks: 300
- Duration: 3 hours
M.Des (Master of Design) via CEED
- CEED is the exam for Master of Design programs.
- Candidates must have a degree in design, engineering, architecture, or fine arts.
CEED Admission Process
- Written test
- Portfolio review
- Interview
M.Des programs focus on product design, visual communication, interaction design, and user experience.
5) Humanities & Social Sciences via HSEE (IIT Madras)
If you are interested in subjects like economics, English, or sociology, IIT Madras offers a 5-year Integrated M.A. program through HSEE (Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Examination).
Programs Offered
- Integrated M.A. in Development Studies
- Integrated M.A. in English Studies
HSEE Exam Pattern
- Part I: Objective-type questions on English, Quantitative Ability, and General Studies
- Part II: Essay writing
Selection Criteria: Final selection is based on performance in both parts of the exam.
Short-Term Certification & Diploma Courses in IITs (No JEE Required)
If you could not qualify for JEE or want to learn new skills without a full-time degree, you can still study at an IIT. Several IITs offer short-term certification and diploma courses that do not require JEE Advanced. These courses are open to students, working professionals, and recent graduates. They are flexible, often online, and focus on skill development in modern fields like data science, AI, design, and cloud computing.
1) IIT Madras – Online BSc in Data Science and Applications
IIT Madras offers a unique online BSc program in Data Science. It is open to students who have passed Class 12 with basic knowledge of mathematics. You don’t need JEE to join. The program has three stages: Foundation, Diploma, and Degree. To get in, you must register, attend four weeks of online classes, and then pass a qualifying exam. The course teaches programming, statistics, machine learning, and business skills. It is ideal for students who want an IIT degree through a flexible and online format.
2) IIT Kanpur – AI and Machine Learning Certificate (4 Weeks)
This course is a short 4-week online program. It is designed for beginners who have no coding background. The course covers the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students learn tools like Python, Pandas, and TensorFlow. Lectures, quizzes, and assignments help reinforce the topics. This course is perfect for students who want to explore AI and build a strong base for further learning.
3) IIT Roorkee – Certificate in Generative AI and Machine Learning (11 Months)
IIT Roorkee offers an 11-month online course in Generative AI and Machine Learning. It includes detailed modules on deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. The program also offers hands-on projects and industry case studies. There is an optional campus visit for students who wish to interact with faculty in person. Students also receive guidance from industry experts. On successful completion, you receive a certificate from IIT Roorkee.
4) IIT Delhi – UI/UX Design Certification Program (6 Months)
This program is designed for graduates with at least one year of work experience. It focuses on UI/UX design, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. The course is six months long and combines online learning with project work. To get certified, students must attend at least 50% of sessions and score 60% or more. This course is suitable for students from computer science, design, or marketing backgrounds who want to build a career in design.
5) IIT Kanpur – Cloud Computing and DevOps (8 Months)
This is an eight-month course focused on cloud computing and DevOps tools. Students learn about cloud services, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Kubernetes, and automation. The program includes more than 30 hands-on projects. It ends with a capstone project that tests everything you have learned. This course prepares students for jobs in cloud architecture, system administration, and software engineering.
These short-term IIT courses are useful for learning job-ready skills without taking JEE. They offer flexibility, practical knowledge, and the value of an IIT-certified credential.
Tips for Cracking IIT Admissions (UG & PG)
Getting into an IIT is a dream for many students. Whether you are aiming for a B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, or Design program, preparation is the key. IIT admission exams are tough, but with proper planning and the right attitude, you can succeed. Here are some useful tips that can help you prepare better for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) IIT admissions.
1) Focus on Time Management: Time management is very important during your preparation. Create a daily timetable that gives enough time for each subject. For UG aspirants, make sure to balance Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For PG students, divide time based on the GATE, JAM, CAT, or CEED syllabus. Include time for revision and practice. Avoid long study hours without breaks. Instead, take short breaks to refresh your mind.
2) Make a Study Plan and Stick to It: Start your preparation with a clear plan. Set monthly and weekly goals. Break the syllabus into small parts and complete them one by one. For example, UG students can start with NCERT books and then move to advanced books. PG students should start with core concepts from graduation topics. Make sure to complete the entire syllabus well in advance of the exam. Do not leave topics for the last moment.
3) Use the Best Books and Online Resources: Choose the right study materials. For JEE, books like HC Verma for Physics, RD Sharma for Maths, and NCERT for Chemistry are good. PG students can refer to standard textbooks used in their college courses. Use online resources like NPTEL, YouTube lectures by IIT professors, and mock tests from official websites. Joining online classes or test series can also help if you need guidance.
4) Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Mock tests are very important. They help you understand the exam pattern, improve your speed, and manage time during the exam. Take full-length tests regularly. Also, solve previous year papers to know the types of questions asked. Analyze your mistakes and improve your weak areas. For JEE Advanced, solving old papers helps in understanding the difficulty level and question format.
5) Stay Mentally Strong and Manage Stress: IIT entrance exams can be stressful. Stay calm and stay focused. Avoid comparing yourself with others. Believe in your preparation. Practice meditation or simple breathing exercises to stay relaxed. Do not panic if you score low in a few tests. Use mistakes as a learning tool. Talk to teachers, friends, or family if you feel stressed.
6) Revise Regularly and Stay Consistent: Make a habit of revising old topics every week. This keeps all topics fresh in your memory. Do not focus only on new topics. Revision helps in long-term retention and better recall during the exam.
By following these tips and staying consistent, you can increase your chances of getting into IIT. Keep your goal clear and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Conclusion
Getting into an IIT takes effort, planning, and the right mindset. For most students, clearing JEE Advanced is the main path. But IITs also offer many other options through exams like GATE, JAM, CAT, UCEED, CEED, and HSEE. Even if you do not qualify for JEE, you can still learn from IITs through online degree and certification courses. These programs help you build useful skills for the future. Always check the latest eligibility rules, exam dates, and admission steps.
Make a study plan, stay focused, and take help from reliable books and teachers. Practice mock tests and solve previous year papers to improve your performance. Stay calm during exams and believe in yourself. IITs are not just for toppers. They are for students who work hard and stay consistent. With the right approach, you can achieve your goal and become part of the IIT community. Keep moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Can I get into IIT without JEE?
Direct admission to undergraduate courses in IITs without JEE Advanced is not possible. However, you can join postgraduate programs through exams like GATE, JAM, CAT, UCEED, CEED, or HSEE. Also, IITs offer online certification courses that do not require JEE.
2) What if I don’t qualify for JEE Advanced?
If you do not qualify for JEE Advanced, you can still join other engineering colleges through JEE Main counselling for NITs and IIITs. For IIT postgraduate courses, you can prepare for GATE or other entrance exams. You can also explore short-term certification courses by IITs.
3) Are IIT online courses worth it?
Yes, IIT online courses are valuable for skill development and career growth. They are designed by IIT faculty and industry experts. Many courses offer hands-on projects and certifications recognized in the job market. These courses can help you learn new technologies and improve your resume.
