The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has announced a new admission route for its BTech and BS (Bachelor of Science) programmes. It will reserve 17 seats for admission to students who excel in international Olympiads, it said.

Starting from the academic year 2025-26, the initiative aims to recognize students who excel in highly competitive international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and computer science, an official said.

Admission through this route will allow a limited number of places per department, especially for students who have undergone rigorous training and training in the relevant Olympiad camps. Under this programme, IIT Kanpur will offer reserved seats in five departments: Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Economic Sciences and Mathematics and Statistics.

Director of the institute, Professor Manindra Agrawal said, “The initiative is aimed at recognizing the brightest minds in the country who excel in the Olympiads. The institute wants to encourage bright students to do well in Olympiads and get direct admission in IITs.”

He added, “There are 1,000 seats in BTech and 300 in BS. IIT Kanpur will admit 17 students to its BTech and BS programs through Olympiads – two each in Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Chemistry, three in Economics, four in Mathematics and Statistics and six in Computer Science and Engineering.

The deadline for this new admission route is scheduled to begin with the call for applications in early March 2025, the institute said, adding that final offers will be extended to June 2025. Departments will conduct their screenings and examinations by May in the respective academic years .

Eligibility for this pathway requires candidates to be of the same age as JEE (Advanced) candidates and to have taken the Class 12 (or equivalent) examinations for the first time either in the year of admission or in the previous year with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Candidates must have attended the relevant training camp of the Olympiad in the subject for which they are applying.

Those who have previously been admitted to IITs through JoSAA or have had an IIT admission canceled are not eligible.

Prof. Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs at IIT Kanpur said, “Our Olympiad-based admissions initiative is designed to provide opportunities to the brightest minds who have excelled in international competitions. We cultivate 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 critical to India’s growth and global competitiveness.”

HTC