As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the primary pathway to join the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). However, there are a few alternative ways to join IIT without the IITJEE exam. Here are a few options:
Direct Admission for Foreign Nationals: IITs reserve a certain number of seats for foreign nationals, and they may have separate admission criteria and processes. Foreign nationals can apply directly to IITs through their respective admissions offices.
Direct Admission for Overseas Indian Students: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who meet specific eligibility criteria may be eligible for direct admission to IITs. The admissions process and criteria for overseas Indian students may vary, and they should consult the respective IITs for more information.
DASA Scheme: The Direct Admission for Students Abroad (DASA) scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, which allows foreign nationals and Indian students studying abroad to seek admission to undergraduate engineering programs, including IITs, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other participating institutions. The DASA scheme has its own eligibility criteria and selection process.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE): GATE is an entrance exam primarily conducted for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, and architecture. However, some IITs offer direct admissions to their undergraduate engineering programs based on GATE scores. This option is typically available for students who have completed their bachelor's degrees and wish to pursue a second bachelor's degree in engineering.
IIT-JAM : It stands for the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. It is an entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to various postgraduate programs such as M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.-Ph.D. Dual Degree, and other post-bachelor's degree programs at IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Eligibility Criteria for IIT-JAM:
Nationality: Indian and foreign nationals can apply for IIT-JAM.
Educational Qualification: Candidates should have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (for General/OBC-NCL category) or 50% aggregate marks (for SC/ST/PwD category) in the qualifying degree. The degree should be awarded by a recognized university or institute.
Age Limit: There is no specific age limit for IIT-JAM.
Cut-off for IIT-JAM:
The cut-off marks for IIT-JAM vary each year depending on factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants, and the number of seats available. The cut-off marks are generally released by each participating IIT separately. The cut-off marks are usually declared in terms of the number of candidates who qualify for each subject and category.
It's important to note that the cut-off marks can vary across different subjects and categories. Generally, the cut-off marks for General/OBC-NCL category candidates are higher compared to SC/ST/PwD category candidates.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligibility criteria and cut-off marks for IIT-JAM, it is recommended to visit the official website of IIT-JAM or the respective participating IITs or IISc that offer the desired program. They will provide the latest information regarding eligibility criteria, cut-off marks, and the admission process for IIT-JAM.
It's important to note that admission processes and eligibility criteria may change over time. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the IITs or consult with their admissions offices for any alternative admission options apart from the JEE.