JEE Scores Matter, But So Do Board Marks and Olympiads

: Engineering admissions in India are evolving! JEE scores matter, but so do board marks, Olympiads, and extracurricular achievements.

Aspiring to get into an engineering college? While JEE scores remain a crucial factor, many institutions are now adopting a more holistic approach to admissions. Apart from JEE, students can explore direct entry options, private university exams, state-level exams, and even admissions based on extracurricular achievements or Olympiad performances.

JEE and Beyond: Understanding the Admission Criteria

Over 12 lakh students appeared for JEE Main 2025, competing for a limited number of seats across IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded institutes. While securing a top rank in JEE is essential for IITs and many premier institutions, students should also be aware of other routes that can enhance their chances of securing admission.

Board Marks Still Matter

According to Dr. Dinesh Bhutada, Program Director at MIT World Peace University Pune, Class 12 board exam scores also play a role in admissions. General and OBC students need a minimum of 75%, while SC/ST students require at least 65% to qualify for admissions in IITs and some NITs.

State-Level Exams and Private Universities

Many state universities conduct their own entrance exams, such as WBJEE (West Bengal), MHT CET (Maharashtra), and UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh). Additionally, private universities like BITS Pilani (BITSAT), SRM (SRMJEEE), VIT (VITEEE), and Manipal (MET) conduct their own exams. Some institutions also accept JEE Main scores while offering merit-based scholarships.

Admissions Based on Extracurricular Activities and Olympiads

Engineering colleges are increasingly considering students who have excelled in national and international Olympiads in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Robotics. Those with achievements in sports, patents, startups, or significant technological innovations can also secure admissions.