Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur will admit students to its BTech and BS programs through Olympiads. This new admission pathway will apply to five departments: Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Economics and Mathematics and Statistics.

For the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, admissions will be made on the basis of performance in the Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics Olympiads. Specifically, one candidate will be selected from the Mathematics Olympiad, while one candidate will be selected from the Biology, Physics or Chemistry Olympiads.

Candidates in Computer Science and Engineering will be selected by choosing three from the Mathematics Olympiads (INMO/IMO) and three from the Computer Science Olympiads (INOI/IOI), with preference given to those with higher ranks in the one or the other Olympiad; if the candidates have the same rank in both, admission will be granted first through the Mathematics Olympiad, followed by the Computer Science Olympiad.

In the Department of Chemistry, 2 seats are available for the Chemistry Olympiad, and candidates from the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO) training camp will be considered.

As per the official announcement, the Department of Economics has 3 places available for the Mathematics Olympiad, and applicants from the Mathematics Olympiad Training Camp (INMO/IMO) will be considered.

The Mathematics & Statistics department has 4 places available for the Mathematics Olympiad. Two candidates will be selected for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Scientific Computing and two for the Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science. Additionally, candidates selected for the International Mathematics Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) will also be considered.

Prof Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur, said, “Our Olympiad-based admission 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 enrich 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 critical to India’s growth and global competitiveness,” he adds.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Candidates must meet the same age limit as those applying for JEE (Advanced) for the corresponding year
• Candidates must have taken the Class 12 or equivalent examination for the first time in the year of admission to IIT Kanpur or the previous year, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
• Candidates must obtain first class marks in their qualifying examination
• Applicants who were admitted to an IIT through JoSAA in the previous year are not eligible, whether they continued the program or accepted a place by appearing online or in person at the assessment center.
• Candidates whose admission to an IIT has been canceled for any reason after joining are not eligible for admission to the Olympiads.

In addition, relevant departments will use the ranking list of the relevant Olympiad to shortlist candidates for the program. Selected candidates will be required to pass a written exam (which is mandatory) and may also participate in an interview (which is optional).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Participating departments will announce the call for applications for admission to the Olympiads during the first week of March for admissions to take place in July of the relevant academic year. The application submission window will close in the fourth week of March.

Participating departments will review applications during the third week of April and conduct the written examination during the first week of May. The selection process, which includes evaluating the written examination and conducting interviews, if applicable, will be completed by the third week of May.

The final opening and closing dates for issuance of admission offers will be announced once the JoSAA counseling date is confirmed.

Through this alternative route, IIT Kanpur reserves places in select departments for young innovators with exceptional analytical skills, making it one of the few institutes in India to directly recruit talent from the prestigious global Olympiad platforms .