IIT-K to consider Olympiad rankings for admission to BTech, BS courses

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) has introduced a new admission pathway for its BTech and BS programmes, allowing top-performing students from international Olympiads to gain entry. This pathway, set to commence in the 2025-26 academic year, provides an alternative to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced for exceptionally talented students who excel in international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and informatics.

Reserved seats will be available across five departments: biological sciences and bioengineering, computer science and engineering, chemistry, economic sciences, and mathematics and statistics.

This initiative is designed for students with a strong foundation in Olympiad subjects and allows them to bypass the conventional JEE route to pursue studies in their areas of expertise at IITK.

To be eligible, candidates must meet the age requirements for JEE (Advanced) candidates, and should have completed their class XII (or equivalent) with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as compulsory subjects. Additionally, they must have attended a relevant Olympiad training camp in the subject they are applying for. Students previously admitted to IITs through JoSAA or those who had an IIT admission cancelled are ineligible for this route.

The selection process includes two stages. In the first, each department will shortlist applicants based on their Olympiad rankings.

Shortlisted candidates will then undergo a mandatory written exam and, if necessary, an interview.

A selection committee, led by the dean of academic affairs, will consolidate recommendations from each department, ensuring efficient and fair placement for all reserved seats without any overlap.

Professor Shalabh, dean of academic affairs at IITK , highlighted the purpose of this new pathway, stating, "Our Olympiad-based admissions initiative is crafted to welcome the brightest minds from international competitions. We aim to foster a diverse academic environment rich in innovation and critical thinking. This program seeks to enhance our academic community with students who bring unique perspectives and exceptional analytical abilities, supporting innovation in disciplines crucial for India's growth and global competitiveness."

Applications for this pathway will open in early March 2025 and close by the end of the month.

Each department will conduct its assessments by May, allowing ample time for screening and final selections.