IITs Introduce Olympiad-Based Admissions – JEE Alternative for IIT Admission

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have unveiled a historic alternative to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) through the introduction of Olympiad-based admissions to undergraduate programs. Commencing from the 2025-26 academic year, this option plans to offer direct admission to students performing well in International Science and Mathematics Olympiads. IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras are piloting the initiative by introducing new avenues for admission through Olympiad performance.

This step is likely to bring in students with outstanding subject proficiency and curb the exclusive reliance on the JEE Advanced. It also puts IITs in line with foreign universities that appreciate Olympiad performances for admissions.

IIT Kanpur’s Olympiad-Based Admissions Initiative

IIT Kanpur has introduced direct admission for Olympiad achievers across five departments:

• Biological Sciences and Bioengineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Chemistry
• Economic Sciences and Mathematics
• Statistics

This step brings IIT Kanpur in line with institutions such as IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Bombay, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), which have also instituted Olympiad-based admission routes.

Eligibility Criteria for IIT Kanpur’s Olympiad Admissions

Candidates applying through this route must meet the following criteria:

• Be of the same age as JEE (Advanced) aspirants.
• Have appeared for their Class XII (or equivalent) examinations for the first time either in the year of joining or the year preceding admission.
• Make Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics mandatory subjects at Class XII.
• Have attended the relevant Olympiad training camp for the subject to which they are applying.
• Should not have already been admitted to an IIT via JoSAA or had the admission to an IIT cancelled.

Selection Process for IIT Kanpur Olympiad Admissions

The admission process follows two stages:

1. Initial Screening – Applications will be reviewed based on Olympiad rankings, and shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage.
2. Written Examination & Interview – Shortlisted candidates will take a mandatory written exam, followed by an interview if required.

A selection committee, led by the Dean of Academic Affairs, will oversee the final selection process to ensure a fair and efficient admission procedure.

IIT Madras Launches ScOpE Admission Pathway

IIT Madras has introduced the Science Olympiad Excellence (ScOpE) scheme, providing direct admission to high performers in the Olympiads. In contrast to the JEE Advanced-based admissions, this route provides two supernumerary seats in each undergraduate program, one of which is for a female candidate.

Eligibility Criteria for ScOpE Admissions at IIT Madras

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Indian national or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO) holding an OCI/PIO card acquired prior to March 4, 2021.
• Have participated in a recognized Olympiad training camp run by organizations such as the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) or the Indian Association for Research in Computer Science (IARCS) during the past four years.
• Have cleared Class 12 (or an equivalent exam) or appearing for it in the year of admission.

Admission Process and Rank List

Candidates will not apply on the JoSAA portal, as is the case with general IIT admissions. IIT Madras has instead created a separate portal for ScOpE admissions. Shortlisting will be on the basis of Olympiad performance, and admission will be made on the basis of the ScOpE Rank List (SRL).

Programs Offered Under ScOpE at IIT Madras

IIT Madras offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs through ScOpE, including:

Olympiad-Based Admissions for JEE Alternative – Growing Trend in IIT Admissions

The introduction of Olympiad-based admissions by IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras signals a growing trend among India’s top institutions to recognise and reward talent beyond JEE rankings. Similar initiatives have already been adopted by IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar, IISc, and IISERs, along with select private universities.

It is important to note that these new admission routes do not reduce JEE-based seats. Instead, Olympiad-based admissions are offered through supernumerary seats or alternate pathways.

With these changes, IITs aim to attract top-tier talent, enrich India’s scientific and engineering landscape, and promote research-oriented education.

For further details, interested candidates can visit the official websites of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras.

The move by IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras to adopt Olympiad-based admissions marks a broadening trend among India’s premier institutions to value and reward merit beyond JEE ranks. Such measures have already been implemented by IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar, IISc, and IISERs, and select private universities.

It is worth mentioning that these new entry channels do not cut into JEE-based seats. Rather, Olympiad-based admissions are made available by supernumerary seats or alternative routes.

With these reforms, IITs seek to draw best brains, add to India’s scientific and engineering pool, and foster research-based education.

For more information, the prospective applicants can see the official webpages of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are JEE seats being reduced due to Olympiad-based admissions?

No, the Olympiad-based admissions use supernumerary seats, meaning the total JEE-based seats remain unchanged.

2. Can international students apply through the Olympiad-based pathway?

Yes, students classified as OCI/PIO (before March 4, 2021) are eligible for the ScOpE admissions at IIT Madras.

3. Which Olympiads are considered for admission?

Olympiads recognised by HBCSE, IARCS, and other official training camps are eligible.

4. Do all IITs offer Olympiad-based admissions?

Currently, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar, IISc, and IISERs offer such pathways.

5. How can I apply for Olympiad-based admissions at IITs?

Candidates must apply through IIT Kanpur’s and IIT Madras’ official portals. Applications are reviewed based on Olympiad performance, followed by written tests and interviews.

This initiative marks a pivotal shift in IIT admissions, offering an alternative pathway for gifted students while maintaining JEE as the primary route.