IIT Kanpur, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions, has announced a transformative change to its admission process, integrating Olympiad exam ranks with JEE Advanced scores for admission to its sought-after B.Tech and B.S programs.
Starting from the academic year 2025-26, this new policy aims to attract exceptionally talented students, especially those who have shown excellence in competitive exams like International Olympiads, National Olympiads, and the Regional Mathematics Olympiad (RMO).
The shift to include Olympiad performance in admission criteria is expected to broaden IIT Kanpur's pool of candidates by recognizing and rewarding students with advanced problem-solving skills and analytical capabilities.
Under the revised admission policy, candidates who have excelled in qualifying Olympiads will be eligible for direct admission, provided they meet specific academic standards. The process will follow a two-stage selection format, wherein students with top ranks in the recognized Olympiads are first shortlisted based on their scores. Shortlisted candidates will then participate in an interview to evaluate their research potential, aptitude, and passion for learning. This interview stage ensures that IIT Kanpur identifies students who excel academically and have a strong inclination toward scientific research and inquiry.
The decision marks a shift in India’s higher education landscape, and many expect other institutions to follow suit by incorporating diverse criteria for admissions. Including Olympiad ranks as a measure of merit could encourage students nationwide to focus on intellectual and problem-solving skills rather than rote learning. IIT Kanpur’s initiative is a step toward creating an inclusive, diverse academic community. It is anticipated to significantly influence the future of India’s education system, fostering a spirit of innovation and excellence among the country’s youth.