Admission Requirements for IISc and IISERs: JEE Mains vs. JEE Advanced

Applying for admissions into the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and the Indian Institutes of Science (IISc) can be a daunting task. One of the key questions that often arises is whether it is sufficient to appear only for the Joint Entrance Examination-Main (JEE Mains) or if one needs to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination-Advanced (JEE Advanced). This article aims to clarify these requirements and provide detailed insights based on the latest information available.

Can JEE Mains Alone Lead to Admission?

Yes, JEE Mains alone can be sufficient for admission into IISERs, provided you achieve a rank within the specified cutoff. For the 2023 admissions, the Round 1 cutoff for JEE Mains was set at 360. This means that if your rank falls within this mark, you are eligible for applying to IISERs. However, for IISc, JEE Mains alone will not suffice. You must also appear for the JEE Advanced.

Specific Cutoffs and Requirements

For IISERs, an applicant must achieve a rank within the cutoffs set by the respective institutions. In some years, the cutoff has been as low as 220 within the specific category. The exact cutoffs can vary and are usually announced by the respective IISERs.

In contrast, the undergraduate BTech programmes at IISc from 2013 onwards have been admitted based on the All India Rank List prepared by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) based on the Joint Entrance Examination-Main (JEE Main). This marks a significant change from the earlier admission criteria, where IISc would conduct its own entrance exam (ISAT) up to 2012 and use IIT-JEE rank lists from 2007 to 2009.

JEE Advanced: A Mandatory Requirement for IISER and IISc

For IISER admissions, achieving a rank within the JEE Advanced is essential. For example, in previous years, the cut-off for admission through JEE Advanced was AIR 30, whereas through JEE Mains, the cut-off was 290/360. This highlights the importance of the JEE Advanced scores for securing admission into these prestigious institutions.

For IISc admissions, the JEE Advanced scores are the deciding factor. You must appear for JEE Advanced in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. Only the JEE Advanced scores will be considered for admission, not the JEE Mains scores. This underscores the high competition and rigorous standards for admission into IISc.

Other Admission Channels

While JEE Mains and JEE Advanced are the main admission criteria for IISERs and IISc, there are other pathways available. One such channel is the KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana), a fellowship program for students who excel in science and mathematics. Additionally, some students may qualify through Specialty Certificate Courses (SCB).

Conclusion

It is clear that for admission into IISc and IISERs, one must not only take the JEE Mains but also the JEE Advanced. While JEE Mains can be essential for specific institutions, JEE Advanced scores are non-negotiable for securing admission into IISER and IISc. For those aiming for the very top, competing for a ranking under 300 in KVPY is highly recommended.