As JEE Main 2026 registration continues, many engineering aspirants are wondering whether it’s possible to secure a seat in NITs or IIITs without appearing for JEE Main. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the JEE Main 2026 in January (January 21 to 30, 2026) and April 2026, and most B. Technical admissions will be conducted through JoSAA counselling based on these scores.
However, a few alternate admission routes exist for those who wish to study at these premier institutes but do not wish to take the JEE Main exam. Here’s a complete look at the possible ways to enter NITs and IIITs without JEE Main 2026.
IIIT Hyderabad Admission Without JEE Main 2026
IIIT Hyderabad is one of the few institutes that allows students to apply through its own entrance channels rather than JEE Main. The institute conducts:
- UGEE (Undergraduate Entrance Examination)
- LEEE (Lateral Entry Entrance Examination)
- SPEC (Special Channel for Exceptional Candidates)
These entrance tests are institute-specific and cannot be used for JoSAA counselling. The UGEE exam is primarily for dual-degree programmes, which combine a B.Tech and Master of Science by Research (MS by Research).
Important details about IIIT Hyderabad alternate admissions:
- UGEE is for students directly after Class 12 who wish to pursue research-oriented dual degrees.
- LEEE is designed for students with prior technical education, such as a diploma or equivalent courses.
- SPEC provides an opportunity for exceptional students with achievements in Olympiads, NTSE, or similar recognitions.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview round before final admission.
In summary, while the JEE Main 2026 remains the standard route for IIIT Hyderabad’s regular B.Tech admissions, students have the freedom to pursue alternative channels based on their profiles and interests.
NIT and IIIT Postgraduate Admission Without JEE Main
For postgraduate (PG) programmes like M.Tech, MSc, or PhD, JEE Main is not required. Instead, admission to these programs happens through GATE (for M.Tech) and JAM (for MSc) or through institute-specific entrance tests.
GATE for M.Tech Admission at NITs and IIITs
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is conducted jointly by IITs and IISc for admission to M.Tech programmes across India. NITs and IIITs accept GATE scores for postgraduate engineering admissions through CCMT (Centralized Counselling for M.Tech).
Key facts:
- GATE 2026 registration window is available, and the exam will be conducted between February 7 to February 15, 2026.
- Candidates with valid GATE scores can apply for M.Tech, M.Arch, and M.Plan at NITs and IIITs.
- Admissions are done via the CCMT portal, based on merit and seat availability.
JAM for MSc Admission at NITs and IIITs
The Joint Admission Test for Masters (IIT JAM) allows students to pursue MSc or MSc-PhD integrated programmes in several NITs and IIITs. Admissions through JAM are processed via the CCMN (Centralized Counselling for MSc/PhD) system.
Highlights:
- IIT JAM 2026 is expected to be held in February 2026.
- Participating institutes include top NITs and IIITs that offer MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and related fields.
- Candidates are selected based on All India Rank (AIR) in JAM followed by CCMN counselling.
Thus, while JEE Main is mandatory for undergraduate engineering seats, postgraduate aspirants can secure seats in these institutes through GATE or JAM instead.
Can You Get a B.Tech Seat Without JEE Main?
For students aiming for a B.Tech programme at NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs, JEE Main remains mandatory. All B.Tech admissions at these institutes are done via JoSAA 2026 counselling using the JEE Main 2026 rank.
However, students can consider these alternate options:
This table clearly shows that no direct B.Tech admission at NITs or IIITs is possible without JEE Main 2026, except for a few institute-specific programmes like those offered by IIIT Hyderabad.
Conclusion
To sum up, JEE Main 2026 is still the primary route for B.Tech admission in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. However, aspirants looking for research-based or postgraduate opportunities can explore alternate routes like IIIT Hyderabad’s UGEE/LEEE/SPEC, GATE, or JAM.
For B.Tech aspirants, skipping JEE Main is not advisable if you aim for NIT or IIIT admission. But if you’re targeting dual-degree or higher education at these institutes, the alternate channels offer excellent opportunities for specialised academic growth.
Stay updated through official sources like jeemain.nta.nic.in, iiit.ac.in, ccmt.admissions.nic.in, and ccmn.admissions.nic.in for accurate schedules and notifications.
