IIT Kanpur announces BTech, BS admissions through Olympiads from 2025-26

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has announced admission to its BTech and BS programmes based on performance in international olympiads, starting from the academic year 2025-26. Under this pathway, IITK will offer reserved seats in five departments – biological sciences and bioengineering, computer science and engineering, chemistry, economic sciences, and mathematics and statistics.

Through the initiative, the institute seeks to recognize exceptionally talented students who have excelled in international olympiads in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and informatics.

Bypassing the traditional route of admission through Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, the initiative encourages students who wish to pursue their passion in these areas at one of India’s leading institutions.

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IIT Kanpur will invite applications for admissions through this route in early March 2025. The application window will close by the end of March, and departments will conduct their screenings and exams by May in the respective academic years. Final selection will be conducted in June 2025.

IIT Kanpur admissions: Eligibility, selection process

As per the eligibility criteria, students who have appeared for Class 12 or equivalent exams in the year of admission or the previous year with PCM as compulsory subjects can apply for admissions. They should be of the same age as the JEE Advanced candidates. The eligibility rule requires candidates to have attended the relevant Olympiad training camp in the subject for which they are applying. Those who were previously admitted to IITs via Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) or had an IIT admission cancelled are not eligible.

Under the programme, the selection process at IIT Kanpur involves two stages. Initially, each department will review applicants based on their Olympiad rankings and shortlist candidates accordingly. These candidates will then participate in a mandatory written examination, and an interview, if required.

At the institute level, a selection committee, led by the Dean of Academic Affairs, will consolidate the recommendations from each department to ensure that the admissions process is streamlined, filling all available seats within each department without overlap.

Professor Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur, said, “Our Olympiad-based admissions initiative is designed to provide opportunities for the brightest minds who have excelled in international competitions. We are cultivating a diverse academic environment rich in innovation and critical thinking. Our goal is to enhance our academic community with individuals who bring unique perspectives and exceptional analytical skills. Through this initiative, we aim to support and promote innovation in disciplines that are essential to India's growth and global competitiveness.”