Indian Institute of Technology

When people talk about Indian Institute of Technology, a network of 23 public engineering colleges in India that set the national standard for technical education. Also known as IITs, they’re the most sought-after engineering schools in the country, with admission determined almost entirely by the JEE Advanced exam.

Getting into an IIT isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about understanding the system. In 2025, there are only about 18,000 undergraduate seats across all IITs combined. That’s less than the population of a small town, spread across seven core engineering disciplines. And while every student dreams of IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi, the truth is, the cutoffs vary wildly. IIT Bombay’s Computer Science program often demands a top 100 rank, while other IITs and branches open up for ranks beyond 5,000. Your home state also plays a role—each IIT reserves seats for students from its own state, which can make admission easier or harder depending on where you live.

The pressure isn’t just about the exam. It’s about the long game. Many students spend two or three years preparing, often moving to coaching hubs like Kota or Delhi, where the environment is intense and the competition is relentless. But even if you get in, the real test begins on day one. The workload, the expectations, the pace—it’s not for everyone. And yet, for those who make it, the payoff is real: top salaries, global opportunities, and a credential that opens doors no other degree can match. The IIT admission process doesn’t just select students—it filters out those who can’t handle sustained pressure.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of tips or motivational quotes. It’s raw data and real stories. How many seats are actually available? Which IIT has the toughest cutoff? Does your category affect your chances? What happens if you don’t get into your dream IIT? These aren’t hypothetical questions—they’re the ones every JEE aspirant asks, and the answers are right here, pulled from recent trends, official reports, and student experiences. No guessing. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you sit for the exam.