With the JEE Main 2026 registration approaching, engineering aspirants often wonder if admission to NITs or IIITs is possible without appearing for the exam. While JEE Main remains the primary route, some alternatives exist for select programmes and postgraduate courses.
Admission to NITs and IIITs Without JEE Main
The JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted by NTA in January and April 2026, with admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA counselling based on the ranks obtained. However, alternate admission channels are available for specific programmes.
IIIT Hyderabad: UGEE, LEEE, and SPEC
IIIT Hyderabad conducts its own entrance tests for undergraduate admissions:
- UGEE (Undergraduate Entrance Examination): For dual-degree programmes, leading to B.Tech and M.Sc by Research.
- LEEE (Lateral Entry Entrance Examination): For students entering directly into the second year.
- SPEC: Special programmes with institute-specific criteria.
These scores are not valid for JoSAA counselling and are strictly for admissions at IIIT Hyderabad. Students gain entry through test scores and interviews, rather than JEE Main.
Postgraduate Admissions Without JEE Main
For students seeking admission to M.Tech, MSc, or PhD programmes in NITs or IIITs, JEE Main is not required. Admissions are conducted through:
- GATE for M.Tech programmes
- JAM for MSc programmes
- Institute-specific tests for PhD programmes
These alternate channels allow students to join prestigious institutes even without appearing in JEE Main.
Key Takeaways for Engineering Aspirants
While direct admission to first-year B.Tech seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs without JEE Main is not possible, students have options for:
- Dual-degree programmes at IIIT Hyderabad via UGEE or LEEE
- Postgraduate courses through GATE, JAM, or institute-specific exams
