Many Indian students dream of studying at top engineering colleges like the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs). As the JEE Main 2026 registration period comes closer, a common question arises: Can students get admission to these institutes without taking the JEE Main exam ?
The clear answer is that for most Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) courses, the JEE Main exam is a must. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this important exam twice a year, usually in January and April . Admission to the first-year B.Tech programs at NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) happens through a process called JoSAA counselling . This counselling uses a student's rank in JEE Main 2026 to offer them seats.
However, there are a few special ways to get into some of these top institutes without a JEE Main score, mainly for specific programs or higher studies.
Alternative Ways to Enter NITs and IIITs
1. IIIT Hyderabad's Special Entrance Exams
The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) is a well-known institution that offers its own unique admission paths. Unlike most other IIITs, IIIT Hyderabad conducts its own entrance tests for undergraduate admissions. These include the Undergraduate Entrance Exam (UGEE) , Lateral Entry Entrance Exam (LEEE), and Special Channel of Admission (SPEC).
- The UGEE mode is specifically for students who want to join dual-degree programs. In a dual-degree program, you study for two degrees at once. Students in this program earn both a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and a Master of Science (M.S. by Research). This means they get deep knowledge in both engineering and research fields.
- Admission through these channels (UGEE, LEEE, SPEC) is based on the candidate's scores in these institute-specific entrance exams, followed by an interview.
- It is very important to remember that scores from IIIT Hyderabad's UGEE , LEEE, or SPEC exams cannot be used for the common JoSAA counselling process . These scores are only valid for admission to IIIT Hyderabad itself.
Students interested in a research-focused engineering education right after class 12, and who are willing to take a separate exam for IIIT Hyderabad, might find these options suitable.
2. Postgraduate Admissions (M.Tech, M.Sc, PhD)
If you are planning to study for higher degrees after your Bachelor's degree, you generally do not need to appear for JEE Main to get into NITs or IIITs. These institutes offer various postgraduate (PG) programs like Master of Technology (M.Tech), Master of Science (M.Sc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Admission to these PG programs is done through different national-level exams or sometimes through the institute's own entrance tests. Here are the main exams required for postgraduate studies:
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering): This is the primary exam for M.Tech admissions at NITs and IIITs. A good GATE score is essential for engineering postgraduate programs.
- JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.): Students aiming for M.Sc. programs in Science subjects at NITs and some IIITs need to take the JAM exam .
- Institute's Own Tests: For some M.Sc. or PhD programs, or for specific courses, NITs and IIITs might conduct their own entrance exams and interviews.
Therefore, if your goal is to pursue higher education in engineering or science at these premier institutes, you can prepare for GATE , JAM , or relevant institute exams after completing your undergraduate degree.
Summary of Admission Routes
Here is a quick look at the main admission routes:
| Program Type | Main Admission Exam | Other Options |
| B.Tech (First Year) | JEE Main (through JoSAA counselling ) | IIIT Hyderabad UGEE/LEEE/SPEC (for specific dual-degree programs at IIIT Hyderabad only) |
| Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.S. by Research) | IIIT Hyderabad UGEE | Not through JEE Main or JoSAA for IIIT Hyderabad |
| M.Tech | GATE | Institute-specific tests (sometimes) |
| M.Sc | JAM | Institute-specific tests (sometimes) |
| PhD | Institute-specific tests / Interviews (often based on GATE or other national exam scores) | None other than mentioned |
In conclusion, while JEE Main is the gateway for most B.Tech admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, it is not the only path to these esteemed institutions. Students can explore special dual-degree programs offered by institutes like IIIT Hyderabad or plan for postgraduate studies, where exams like GATE and JAM open doors. It is important for students to know their career goals and choose the right entrance exam and admission route accordingly.
