IITs Launch New UG Entry Streams for Sports, Arts, Olympiads

• New entry routes for Olympiad toppers, athletes, and artists.
• The initiative aims to foster diversity and holistic talent in IITs.
• JEE-based admissions will continue alongside the new channels.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have long been perceived as the best engineering schools in India. For years, students could enter into undergraduate certificates at IITs, solely through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced.

From the academic year 2025-26, the IIT Council has decided to expand input into its institutions by introducing additional ways to gain admission to attract students with diverse talents. This measure aims to ensure that IITs are opened up to more merit-based entry for an inclusive and dynamic system, by including students with very strong abilities beyond academics.

For decades, the JEE Advanced was the only way for prospective students to enter IITs. While the JEE Advanced is considered a fair and transparent competition, often being the most challenging academic hurdle with respect to engineering education, it suits strong academics most heavily in physics, chemistry, and math disciplines. Many experts and educationists have pointed out that this system may leave out students who excel in other areas such as sports, arts, or other creative fields.

The new channels for IIT UG admissions will be launched in a pilot beginning in 2025. Admitting students in these categories will be in parallel to the JEE-based admission process, and will not reduce the total number of JEE Advanced-based admissions.

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Olympiad Performers: Students who have represented India or ranked highly at international science or mathematics Olympiads will be eligible to apply. This includes Olympiads in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and informatics.

Sports Achievers: Students who have competed at a national or international level in sports would be eligible to be admitted under the sports quota. The intention is to recognize the discipline, dedication, and leadership instinct of sportspersons, offering them a chance to pursue academics at IITs.

Fine Arts and Performing Arts: Students who have a talent in painting, music, dance, theater, and other forms of performing arts now have a process for applying to the IITs as a reflection of the IIT's efforts to foster and cultivate creative thinking and a cultural aspect on the campuses.

Cultural and Literary Excellence: Students who have a distinction in literature, debating, creative writing, or their equivalents can apply through this channel. The IITs have stated they hope to develop the students' communication skills, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

The IITs have taken a significant step forward in introducing new channels for admission, and are likely to be pioneers in the field as the higher education system evolves. The IITs are privileging Olympiad medalists, deserving athletes and artists, and will likely broaden the opportunity to talented students beyond these parameters.