Amity University Noida-B.Tech Admissions 2026
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Every year, lakhs of students appear for JEE Advanced with one dream to get into an IIT. For most, that’s the ultimate goal. But here’s a twist you may not have expected. Even top JEE Advanced rankers with ranks under 2000 are skipping as many as 9 IITs.
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Yes, you read that right. Getting into an IIT is no longer the only dream. Today’s students are becoming more selective. They don’t just want the IIT tag; they want the best course at the best college.
According to the JEE Advanced 2025 report, IT Bombay and IIT Delhi secured over 1,300 out of the top 5000 rankers. IIT Bombay itself has 73 students from top 100 students and a total of 755 students out of top 2000. Competing closely, IIT Delhi attracted 577 students. The secret to their success? Global exposure, vibrant campus life, and unbeatable placements.
Besides, a surprising trend is revealed while evaluating that top rankers are saying “no” to new IITs. The list includes IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Mandi, IIT Jodhpur, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT Bhilai, IIT Goa, IIT Palakkad, IIT Jammu, and IIT Dharwad.
Other IITs like IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur are also in the race with 478, 448 and 517 students, respectively. These IITs have a legacy of excellence but they attract less students compared to IIT Delhi and Bombay. Alongside, some new IITs are slowly getting visibility because of their focus on innovation, research, and regional influence. Those emerging IITs are listed below
The Emerging IITs:
IIT Hyderabad – 222 students
IIT Guwahati – 305 students
IIT (BHU) Varanasi – 258 students
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IIT | Seats Taken |
IIT Bombay | 414 |
IIT Delhi | 303 |
IIT Madras | 265 |
IIT Kanpur | 234 |
IIT Kharagpur | 225 |
IIT Roorkee | 187 |
IIT Guwahati | 167 |
IIT Hyderabad | 99 |
Other new IITs | Very few/almost none |
Clearly, the top rankers are clustering around a few IITs, while many new ones are left almost empty.
On closing checking the data, the situation becomes even clearer. Out of the top 5000 rankers, only 200 students chose the nine IITs. Here’s is the number of students opted from top 5000 JEE advanced rank holders.
IIT | Students from Top 5000 |
IIT Jodhpur | 63 |
IIT Mandi | 60 |
IIT Bhubaneswar | 43 |
IIT Tirupati | 14 |
IIT Jammu | 4 |
IIT Goa | 3 |
IIT Bhilai | 2 |
IIT Dharwad | 1 |
IIT Palakkad | 1 |
This makes one thing clear that reputation still matters a lot. Students are not ready to compromise, even if it means skipping an IIT altogether.
So why are top rankers rushing towards Bombay, Delhi, Madras, and a few others? Here are the main reasons:
Peer Pressure: For years, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi have been the first choices of top JEE rank holders. This year also the trend follows with 73 out of 100 top ranks opting for IIT Bombay.
Better Placements: IIT Bombay, Delhi, and Madras have proved their worth by continuously placing elite students to big firms not only in India but abroad too. This excites both students and parents.
Experienced Faculty & Labs: The older IITs have strong faculty, advanced labs, and excellent research facilities. This makes them far more appealing than the newer ones.
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Last Date to Apply: 18th May | Ranked #43 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements
Today, the IIT tag alone isn’t enough. Students and parents also compare research opportunities, faculty strength, placement records, campus culture and reputation (perception in the industry) to finalise the best suited college.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Student,
Yes your candidature is valid. The primary eligibility criterion here is that JEE Advanced can be taken in two consecutive years, which is satisfied in your case.
Hello Student,
Can you please tell us which year you passed your 12th class? The reason why I am asking this is that JEE Advanced (If you are interested in pursuing a course from IITs) is allowed for two consecutive years. The year of passing your 12th and the next
Hello Student, due to the two-year consecutive attempt rule, you are not eligible to appear for JEE Advanced . You can appear for JEE Main , State-level entrance exams, and entrance exams for private universities.
Hi Nith, admission to IITs is offered based on the score of JEE Advanced entrance exam through the counselling process. Please refer the link to know in details about the eligibility criteria of JEE Advanced https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-advanced-eligibility-criteria
Hello, to prepare for JEE Advanced 2027, start with a proper study plan, focus on NCERT concepts, practise previous year questions regularly, and revise topics consistently. It is important to build strong concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with regular mock tests and time management practice.
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Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Last Date to Apply: 18th May | Ranked #43 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements
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