Guide to Gaining Admission into IIT

For countless young people, gaining admission into an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is the ultimate dream. If you are one of those dreamers, then you have come to the right place.

However, it is important to note that even capable students sometimes fail to crack the JEE Advanced exam due to a lack of proper guidance. Luckily, this is not the end of the road.

There are other exams that offer the opportunity to become an IITian, each with their own eligibility criteria and path to follow. In this article, we will detail how to get into IIT by cracking the JEE exams, as well as alternative methods of admission, other exams available, and their corresponding requirements.

What is IIT and why is it so highly regarded?

The Indian Institute of Technology is one of the most prestigious institutions for studying engineering. Attending the best engineering colleges in the country not only provides a plethora of opportunities, but also holds a supreme value in terms of ambiance, faculty, and academic growth. You will experience a wonderful environment with great peer discussions and gain exposure to various opportunities. The IIT tag unlocks gateways to several prestigious opportunities. During your tenure, you will collect a lifetime of memories and valuable knowledge from highly qualified faculty and fellow students.

IITs encourage free discussions between professors and students to help aspirants focus on their individual growth and make modifications as required. IIT is not limited to quality academics, but also ensures the best learning management to help candidates develop supreme social skills.

How to get into IITs through JEE?

Before we explore other methods of getting into IITs, let's first understand how to get in through the JEE!

Step 1: To begin, you must take the JEE Mains examination. The paper contains 90 questions and you must answer a total of 7. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers under the new rules, so give it your best shot! Only candidates with exceptional results are shortlisted for the next step.

For more information on the JEE Mains exam, visit this link.

Step 2: If you successfully clear the JEE Mains exam, you are then eligible to sit for the JEE Advanced exam. Only candidates who meet the cutoff scores as prescribed by the NTA in the JEE Mains are selected for this round. There are two question papers in JEE Advanced and three hours are allotted to complete both.

Step 3: Now comes the crucial part: obtaining an All India Rank (AIR) to be eligible for IIT admission. Only students with a minimum of 10% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and an overall aggregate of at least 35% are considered for the rank. The criteria may differ for different student categories.

For further details regarding the JEE Advanced examination, click this link.

Step 4: The last and most crucial step requires participation in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority common process. Only those with an All India Rank are eligible for this process.

If you do not make it with the JEE exams, there is no need to become disheartened. With supreme willpower and dedication, there are other routes to reach your dream college.

M.Tech/ME in IIT: Eligibility

The Master of Engineering or Master of Technology is a two-year postgraduate course that students can pursue after completing their B.Tech/B.E. in the relevant stream from a recognized university. There are various areas of specialization available for this course and students can apply according to their interests.

In order to gain admittance to the Masters of Engineering or Masters of Technology Program at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), candidates must achieve a satisfactory score on the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Individuals who possess a B.E./B.Tech degree and attain the required GATE score are eligible for the program. However, it is possible to gain entry to an IIT course other than engineering or technology through other exams. This article will carefully examine each of these exams.

Alternative Exams for Entering the IITs

There are many exams that can grant entrants access to specific courses at the Indian Institutes of Technology. However, it is important that candidates comprehend the necessary criteria for each of these exams in detail. The following list provides such details:

• 1: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering evaluates candidates' comprehension of undergraduate engineering and science subjects in order to admit them into the master's program. The GATE exam cutoff scores vary depending on specific courses and institutes. In order to sit for this test, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

- Age Limit: There is no age limit for students to attempt the GATE exam. 

- Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold a science degree relevant to engineering/technology from a recognized university. Candidates who are in the pre-final year of their degree are also eligible. 

- Nationality: All candidates, whether India-based or not, are eligible to appear for the GATE exam. 

Cracking the GATE exam opens up multiple opportunities and secures the path to success. Upon successfully passing the GATE exam, individuals are eligible for IIT admissions for Masters of Engineering (ME), Masters of Technology (Tech), and Doctor of Philosophy programs.

2: Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM)

The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) exam allows candidates to gain entry to various M.Sc and integrated Ph.D. programs at the IITs. However, in order to sit for this test, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

• - Age Limit: There are no restrictions on age for individuals sitting for the Joint Admission Test for Masters. 

- Academic Qualification: General and OBC candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university. In the case of SC/ST candidates, the aggregate must be a minimum of 50% with the equivalent CGPA from a recognized institute.

Gaining entry to an IIT course through competitive examinations such as JAM requires a considerable amount of hard work and concentration.

3: National Eligibility Test (NET)

For individuals who have completed their Masters and are looking for research opportunities at the IITs, the National Eligibility Test (NET) is the exam of choice. One of the most prestigious and demanding exams in the country, passing the NET exam will qualify candidates to apply for research programs at the IITs. Here are the eligibility requirements set forth by the authorities:

- General and OBC candidates must hold a Masters degree in the relevant subject from a UGC-accredited university or institute with a minimum of 55% marks. In the case of SC/ST candidates, the aggregate must be a minimum of 50% with the equivalent CGPA.

- Candidates who are in the final year of their Masters degree or have already appeared and are awaiting results are eligible to apply as well. However, admission is provisional in such cases until they receive their results and have a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA in the relevant subject.

After successfully passing the NET exam or meeting the cutoff criteria, applicants can apply for Junior Research Fellowships programs at the IITs.

4: UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design)

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) is held annually to determine suitable candidates for the Bachelor of Design (BDes) courses offered by IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, and IIT Guwahati. Both Indian and foreign nationals interested in taking the UCEED exam must meet the criteria established by the conducting authority.

To be eligible, candidates must have completed their 10 2 or equivalent from a recognized institute. The age limit for General/OBC/NCL candidates is 25, while for SC/ST candidates, it is 30, with a five-year age relaxation for reserved category candidates. Candidates may take the UCEED exam for two consecutive years, with UCEED grades valid for only one academic year. Students from any stream may sit for the UCEED exam as long as they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Basic tips to achieve good results on the exam include taking UCEED mock test papers, practicing sketching, and having a clear understanding of current events.

5: HSEE (Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Examination)

The Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Examination (HSEE) is a national-level exam conducted by IIT Madras for admission to the humanities and social sciences five-year integrated master's program. Candidates interested in taking the exam must meet eligibility criteria established by the conducting body.

General/OBC candidates must pass the qualifying examination with a minimum of 60% aggregate, while SC/ST candidates must achieve a minimum of 55%. Candidates must submit a supportive certificate specifying their marks during the joining process. Candidates must qualify for any of the following examinations to be eligible: 10 2 or equivalent exam recognized by Indian Association of Universities, Two-pre University examination accredited by the Indian Association of Universities, H.S.C vocal examination, Senior Secondary School Examination authorized by National Institute of Open Schooling, or General Certificate General Examination at the A level.

Wrapping Up

These are the steps for getting into IIT. Success requires hard work and time, but if you are ambitious and confident enough to embrace the challenge, go for it. Before applying for any of these exams, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, or your candidature will be canceled. Good luck!