Getting admission into a top IIT is a major goal for many students in India. Every year, more than 12 lakh students appear for the JEE Main exam, while only around 2.5 lakh students qualify for JEE Advanced. For PG courses, GATE receives over 7–8 lakh applications annually, and CAT attracts 3 lakh+ candidates. These numbers show the high demand for IIT education and the value of these exams.
IITs offer world-class teaching, strong placements, and exposure to research. However, every programme — UG, PG, design, science, and management — requires students to clear specific national-level entrance tests. Below is a clear guide to the Top Exams for IITs.
List of Top Exams for IITs Admissions
| Programme Level | Entrance Exam | Courses Covered |
| Undergraduate (Engineering) | JEE Main & JEE Advanced | B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, Dual Degree |
| Undergraduate (Design) | UCEED | B.Des |
| Postgraduate (Engineering/Technology) | GATE | M.Tech, M.E., Ph.D. |
| Postgraduate (Science)** | JAM | M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc.(Tech) |
| Postgraduate (Management) | CAT | MBA, PGDM at IITs |
1. JEE Main
JEE Main is the national-level entrance exam for engineering courses. The National Testing Agency NTA is the conducting body for JEE Main. Students just passed the 12th standard exam and are attempting admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges, as well as for JEE Advanced. The entrance exam includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam is computer-based. Problem-solving and time management skills are required for exam preparation, or effective preparation includes further requirements like practice with mock tests and previous year papers. JEE Main also serves as a screening test for JEE Advanced.
Eligibility
- Class 12 passed or appearing (PCM required).
- Other criteria change each year.
Important Dates (2026)
| Event | Dates |
| Session 1 Registration | 31 Oct – 27 Nov 2025 |
| Session 1 Exam | 21–30 Jan 2026 |
| Session 2 Registration | Feb–Mar 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam | 2–9 Apr 2026 |
| Result | After each session |
Courses
- B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch
- Eligibility for JEE Advanced
2. JEE Advanced
JEE Advanced is the final exam for admission to IITs. Only after qualifying JEE Main are students eligible for this exam. The JEE Advanced exam considers understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Analytical thinking, time management due to lengthy questions, and multi-concept question-handling skills are required for this exam preparation for students. MCQs and numerical questions are both included in the exam structure. JEE Advanced is also known for its challenging and unpredictable patterns. Students should build difficult concepts and practice questions. A good strategy and regular revision help students score well. JEE Advanced is the exam for IIT B.Tech admissions. It is one of the toughest engineering exams in India.
Eligibility
- Must be among the top 2,50,000 of JEE Main.
- Age limit and attempt rules apply.
- First attempt in Class 12 must be in 2024 or 2025 (for 2026 exam cycle).
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Dates |
| Registration | April 2026 |
| Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Result | June 2026 |
Courses
- B.Tech, B.E.
- Dual Degree (B.S./M.S.)
- Other special UG programmes at IITs
3. UCEED
UCEED stands for Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. The UCEED is an entrance exam for students who want to pursue Bachelor of Design (B.Des) courses at IITs, NITs, and other institutes. Through these exams, they test creativity, visual thinking, design awareness, and problem-solving. Strong observation, critical reasoning, and analytical skills question included in the exam. Also, basic knowledge of drawing and design principles. Aspirants should start preparing by practicing sketching, logical reasoning, and daily observation. Objective and descriptive questions are included in the exam.
Eligibility
- Age and attempt limits apply.
- Class 12 from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts).
- First appearance in Class 12 in 2024 or 2025.
Important Dates
| Event | Dates |
| Registration Starts | 1 Oct 2025 |
| Last Date (Regular Fee) | 5 Nov 2025 |
| Late Registration | 10 Nov 2025 |
| Exam | 18 Jan 2026 (9 AM–12 Noon) |
| Result | 6 Mar 2026 |
Courses
- B.Des in participating IITs
4. GATE
GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. The GATE is another step for engineering students who want to pursue postgraduate studies, including M.Tech, M.E., and PhD programs at IITs, NITs, and other institutes. As well as many public sector units (PSUs) also consider GATE scores for the recruitment process. Technical knowledge and problem-solving skills are required to start GATE preparation. The exam is a computer-based test with MCQs and numerical questions. The main components are to be focused on core concepts, formulas, and application-based questions. Regular revision and practice mock tests will help in improving accuracy.
Eligibility
- UG degree in Engineering/Technology OR
- Master’s degree in relevant science subjects
- No age limit
Important Dates
| Event | Dates |
| Registration Start | 28 Aug 2025 |
| Last Date | 13 Oct 2025 |
| Exam Dates | 7, 8, 14 & 15 Feb 2026 |
| Result | 19 Mar 2026 |
Courses
- M.Tech, M.E., Ph.D. programmes
5. JAM
JAM stands for the Joint Admission Test for Master’s. This JAM entrance exams for postgraduate science programs, including M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.–Ph.D., and M.Sc.(Tech) at IITs, NITs, and other universities. It offers admission to MSc, MSc Tech, and other related courses. The exam tests undergraduates in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biotechnology, and other subjects. The exam is a computer-based test with MCQs, SQs, and numerical questions. The main components are to be focused on core concepts, theory, and application-based problems. Regular revision and practice mock tests will help in improving accuracy and speed. JAM also opens up opportunities for research and academic careers.
Eligibility
- UG degree completed or appearing.
- Subject-wise requirements differ
Important Dates
| Event | Dates |
| Registration Start | 5 Sep 2025 |
| Last Date | 25 Oct 2025 |
| Exam Date | 15 Feb 2026 |
| Result | Mar 2026 |
Courses
- M.Sc.
- Joint M.Sc.–Ph.D.
- M.Sc.(Tech)
6. CAT (for IIT MBA)
CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is an entrance exam for MBA/PGDM programmes admissions at IITs and IIMs. Quantitative ability, verbal ability, reading comprehension, and data interpretation skills are required for the CAT exam. The exam is a computer-based test with timed, divided sections. Regular revision and practice mock tests will help in improving accuracy and speed. The CAT exam tests your decision-making skills under pressure. A high percentile increases your chances of getting admission in IIMs, IITs, and other top B-schools.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree with required marks
- Final-year students may apply.
Important Dates
| Event | Dates |
| Registration Start | 1 Aug 2025 |
| Registration End | 13 Sep 2025 |
| Exam Date | 30 Nov 2025 |
| Result | Jan 2026 |
Courses
- MBA, PGDM, and management programmes at IITs
Also Read: IIIT Colleges in India: Courses Offered, Entrance Exams, and Other Details
Conclusion
Students who wish to join IITs must select the right top exams for IITs based on their career goals. Choose JEE Main & Advanced for engineering, select UCEED for design, choose GATE for M.Tech, take JAM for M.Sc. programmes, and select CAT for management degrees. All these exams require consistent practice, proper planning, strong conceptual clarity, and mock test practice to improve accuracy and speed.
