IIT Seats: How Many Are Available and How to Get One

When people talk about IIT seats, the limited number of undergraduate engineering seats offered by India’s top technical institutes. Also known as IIT admissions, these seats are among the most competitive in the country, with over 2 million students competing for fewer than 18,000 spots each year. That’s less than 1% of applicants getting in — and it’s not just about scoring high on JEE Advanced. It’s about strategy, timing, and knowing exactly what the system expects.

JEE Main, the first qualifying exam for IIT admission. Also known as Joint Entrance Examination Main, it filters out the majority of candidates before they even reach the IIT-level test. Only the top 2.5 lakh scorers move on to JEE Advanced, the harder, more selective exam that determines who gets an IIT seat. Also known as IIT entrance exam, it’s not just about memorizing formulas — it’s about solving complex, multi-step problems under time pressure. And here’s the thing: chemistry is the most scoring subject in JEE, according to top performers. That means if you’re weak in physics or math, you can still make up ground with strong chemistry skills — especially if you know which NCERT chapters matter most.

Where do these IIT seats actually go? Around 70% are filled through the general merit list, while the rest are reserved for categories like OBC, SC, ST, and PwD. Each IIT has its own cutoff, but the top five — Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, and Kharagpur — take the lion’s share. And no, you can’t skip physical chemistry and expect to win. It’s heavy in JEE Advanced, but also the most predictable if you’ve practiced enough.

There’s more to it than exams. Your board matters. CBSE students dominate the IIT list, not because they’re smarter, but because their syllabus matches JEE closely. ICSE and state board students often need extra coaching to catch up. And while coaching institutes like Aakash or Allen help, the real differentiator is consistent practice — not the brand name on your notebook.

What about seat allocation? It’s not just rank. Your category, preferred branch, and choices in counseling can make or break your chances. Many students miss out because they pick only IITs and ignore NITs or IIITs — which also offer great placements and lower competition.

So if you’re aiming for an IIT seat, here’s the reality: it’s not about being the smartest. It’s about being the most prepared. Know the weightage. Master the high-yield topics. Practice past papers. And don’t underestimate chemistry — it’s your secret weapon.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students and teachers who’ve cracked this system — from how to pick coaching material to why some chapters are easier to master than others. No fluff. Just what works.