IIT Kanpur Admits Students Through Olympiad, Skipping JEE Advanced

IIT Kanpur has introduced a novel admission route for its Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Technology programs, allowing five students to enroll based on their Olympiad performance, bypassing the traditional JEE Advanced exam. All admitted students have chosen Computer Science and Engineering. This new pathway aims to recognize exceptional talent while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The selection process includes a written exam and potential interviews, ensuring that Olympiad entrants meet the same qualifications as their JEE counterparts. Discover more about this innovative approach to engineering admissions.

By Ambika Singh Sep 9, 2025, 16:48 IST

IIT Kanpur's Unique Admission Approach

In a departure from the conventional JEE Advanced examination, IIT Kanpur has welcomed five students into its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programs for the academic year 2024-25.

For many aspiring engineers, gaining admission to IIT is a top priority, necessitating high scores in both JEE Mains and Advanced. This year, however, IIT Kanpur has chosen to admit five students into its BTech and BS programs based on their performance in Olympiads, as reported by a leading news outlet. Notably, all five students have selected Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) as their field of study.

The report indicates that two of the admitted students participated in the International Informatics Olympiad Training Camp (IOITC), while the other three were part of the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC). Although the institute has not disclosed their identities or backgrounds, it confirmed that the selection process was influenced by their Olympiad performance, attendance at training camps, and compliance with eligibility standards comparable to those of JEE Advanced.

All Five Students Chose CSE

The Olympiad-based admission pathway was available across five disciplines: Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, Economic Sciences, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, and Chemistry. However, all five students opted for CSE.

Current Admission Limitations

Officials have clarified that no additional academic support will be provided to students admitted through the Olympiad route. They will join the regular curriculum alongside peers who gained admission via JEE Advanced. Presently, this admission method is restricted to select BTech and BS programs.

Selection Process Overview

Candidates are chosen based on their Olympiad achievements. Those shortlisted must then complete a mandatory written examination and may undergo an interview, with final selections made by a departmental committee. This process ensures that students admitted through Olympiads possess academic qualifications on par with those who qualified through JEE.