IIT Kanpur to use olympiad scores for BTech-BS admissions

IIT Kanpur has introduced a new admission pathway for its BTech and BS programmes, selecting students based on their performance in Olympiads. This initiative applies to five departments: Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Economics, and Mathematics and Statistics.

For the Biological Sciences and Bioengineering department, candidates will be chosen from the Olympiads in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. One candidate will be selected from the Mathematical Olympiad, and one from the other science Olympiads. Computer Science and Engineering will select six candidates—three from the Mathematics Olympiad (INMO/IMO) and three from the Informatics Olympiad (INOI/IOI). Preference will be given to candidates with higher ranks in either Olympiad.

The Chemistry department will reserve two seats for candidates who excel in the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO). Meanwhile, the Economics department will select three candidates from the Mathematics Olympiad training camp. In the Mathematics and Statistics department, four seats will be available for the Mathematics Olympiad, with two for Mathematical and Scientific Computing and two for Statistics and Data Science. Candidates selected for the International Mathematics Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) will also be considered.

Professor Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs at IIT Kanpur, emphasized that this initiative aims to attract bright minds who have excelled in international Olympiads. He stated that the goal is to enhance the academic environment by bringing in individuals with exceptional analytical skills and innovative thinking.

The eligibility criteria mirror those for JEE (Advanced) applicants, including age limits, first-class marks in class 12, and specific subject requirements. Candidates who were admitted to an IIT previously or had their admission cancelled are not eligible.

The application process will begin in March, with the written examination taking place in May. The final admission decisions will be made by the third week of May, and IIT Kanpur expects to offer admission by the time JoSAA Counselling begins.

This approach is a significant step toward directly recruiting young talent and fostering innovation, aligning with India’s growing emphasis on global competitiveness and academic excellence.