14 students join IIT Kanpur via Olympiad route, bypass JEE Advanced
IIT Kanpur has selected 14 students for BTech and BS admissions through its Olympiad route without JEE Advanced. The move offers recognised Olympiad performers a direct entry path for the 2026-27 session.
IIT Kanpur has selected 14 students for its undergraduate engineering and science programmes through its special Olympiad quota, removing the requirement of JEE Advanced for these candidates.
A total of 17 students were shortlisted after the application process closed on June 15. These candidates appeared for a computer-based test (CBT) conducted on June 24 at IIT Kanpur. One student was absent, while two were placed on the waiting list based on performance.
The final selection includes students who will now begin their academic journey at one of India’s premier engineering institutes without going through the traditional JEE Advanced pathway.
THREE-HOUR TEST, SIX SUBJECT PATHS
The CBT consisted of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, with 15 questions from each subject, and was conducted over a three-hour duration.
Among the selected students, six have been admitted to Computer Science and Engineering, two to Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, and others to Mathematics, Intelligent Systems, Chemistry, and Data Science-related programmes.
According to IIT Kanpur’s academic structure, admissions under the Olympiad route are offered across five core departments, including Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Economic Sciences, and Mathematics and Statistics.
WHAT IS THE OLYMPIAD SCHEME?
The IIT Olympiad Scheme allows high-performing students from recognised Olympiad competitions to secure direct admission into IIT Kanpur without appearing for JEE Advanced.
The scheme is designed to identify exceptional academic talent in science and mathematics at an early stage and offer them a specialised entry route into engineering and research programmes.
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY RULES?
Candidates must meet the same age criteria as JEE Advanced aspirants and must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12.
Students who have previously taken admission to any IIT through JoSAA or had their admission cancelled are not eligible for this pathway. Officials said the selected candidates will now proceed with admission formalities for the 2026–27 academic session.