Bypassing the conventional Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced route, IIT-Kanpur has admitted five students into its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes purely based on their performance in international science Olympiads and training camps. This marks a significant shift in the admission process, offering a new pathway for students excelling in global academic competitions. Other premier institutes have also followed similar initiatives. IIT-Madras has introduced Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) and Science Olympiad Excellence Admissions (SCOPE), while IIT-Gandhinagar recently announced admissions through the Olympiad route. IIT-Bombay has opened entry into its BS Mathematics programme via the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO).
IIT-Kanpur’s Olympiad Admission Pathway to Recognize Global Talent
According to IIT-Kanpur director Prof. Manindra Agrawal, this programme aims to recognize bright students who may not perform well in JEE Advanced due to their intense Olympiad training schedules. He expressed hope that such opportunities will encourage students to pursue Olympiads more seriously and bring international recognition to the country. IIT-Kanpur first launched this admission channel in November last year, targeting exceptional performers in prestigious Olympiads like the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), International Physics Olympiad (IPO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Biology Olympiad (IBO), and International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).
Seats under this scheme are available in select departments, including Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Economic Sciences, and Mathematics & Statistics. The current batch comprises five students—two from West Bengal and one each from Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Of them, two were selected from the International Olympiad in Informatics Training Camp (IOITC), while three came through the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC).
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process for Olympiad-Based Admissions
Eligibility requirements mirror those of JEE Advanced, with candidates needing Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their Class 12 exams and proof of participation in Olympiad training camps. The selection process involves departmental shortlisting based on Olympiad rankings, followed by a mandatory written test and, if necessary, an interview.
Summary:
IIT-Kanpur has admitted five students into BS and BTech programmes through Olympiad achievements, bypassing JEE Advanced. IIT-Madras, IIT-Bombay, and IIT-Gandhinagar have launched similar pathways. The initiative recognizes global academic talent, with eligibility mirroring JEE norms. Selection involves Olympiad rankings, written tests, and interviews for limited departmental seats.
