Missed IIT? Here's what to do next after JEE Advanced 2025
JEE Advanced is one of the most challenging entrance exams in the country. After clearing JEE Main, the journey continues — and the pressure builds. It's one more step, but a big one. For some students, things work out. For others, the result is not what they were hoping for. Maybe the paper was tougher than expected. Maybe the competition was more intense. Or maybe it just wasn't your best day. If you're in that second group — take a breath.advertisementYou're not alone. This doesn't mean JEE Advanced 2025: JEE Advanced Didn't Go as Planned? What next? You've failed. It just means things didn't go as planned. And that's okay.WHAT MATTERS NOW IS: WHAT'S NEXT?In 2024, around 2.5 lakh students qualify for JEE Advanced. Out of those, only about 16,000 made it to the IITs. That's less than 7%. Does that mean the other 93% don't have what it takes to succeed? Not at all. It just shows how selective the process is. And more importantly — that your future isn't limited by this one outcome.
The IITs are prestigious, no doubt. But they aren't the only institutions where you can build a strong foundation in tech and engineering. Colleges like BITS Pilani, Scaler School of Technology, VIT, and SRM are producing graduates who land top-tier tech roles, go abroad for higher studies, or start companies of their own.advertisementSo, if JEE Advanced didn't go the way you expected, it's not the end of the road. There are still plenty of solid next steps you can take. Here are a few to consider:1. Consider other high-quality engineering entrance examsYou've already prepared a lot. Use that momentum. Many top institutions conduct their own entrance exams, and several of them are still open. These exams offer a chance to get into respected universities with great placement records and strong academic programmes.Here are some to look at:1. BITS Pilani – BITSATSession 1: May 26 – May 30, 2025Session 2: June 22 – June 26, 2025Why apply?- Top-tier private engineering institutes in India, often ranked just below IITs- No reservation system – purely merit-based- Strong entrepreneurial culture – alumni have founded companies2. Scaler NSETJune Intake 1: June 15, 2025June Intake 2: June 29, 2025Why apply?-Industry-oriented curriculum tailored for top tech careers in CS and AI, and entrepreneurship built and delivered by 100+ leaders for Google, Amazon, Microsoft and more-Placement support from +1200 career partners with strong mentorship.Modern Fully residential Campus in India's Silicon Valley - Bangalore3. AP EAMCET – Andhra Pradesh State Engineering CollegesadvertisementMay 21 – May 27, 2025Why apply?Gateway to top state engineering colleges like JNTU and Andhra University.Affordable tuition and wide seat availability.Good ROI for students looking to study in the Andhra Pradesh region.4. VITEEE – Vellore Institute of TechnologyApril 20 & 27, 2025Counselling Begins: May 2025Why apply?Ranked amongst the top private engineering universities in IndiaKnown for international placements and MoUs with foreign universitiesModern campus with strong R&D and innovation support.5. WBJEE – West Bengal Joint Entrance ExamApril 27, 2025Why apply?Entry to prestigious state colleges like Jadavpur University and IIEST ShibpurHigh academic reputation at low cost6. SRMJEEE – SRM Institute of Science and TechnologyPhase 2: June 12 – June 17, 2025Phase 3: July 4 & 5, 2025Why apply?- Large campus with cutting-edge infrastructure and global exposure.- Offers interdisciplinary electives and research opportunities.- Strong industry connections and international exchange programmes.Most of these still have open applications — check their official websites for updates. A good performance in these could lead to excellent opportunities, even if it's outside the IIT route.advertisement2. Evaluate other top colleges beyond IITsMissing out on an IIT seat doesn't mean missing out on a good education or a successful career. Focus on identifying colleges that have strong outcomes. Look into:Past placement recordsFaculty qualityReturn on investmentInfrastructureStudent support and mentorshipA college that fits your learning style and goals can give you the foundation you need to succeed in tech or engineering.3. Look at non-traditional tech education pathsA career in technology doesn't have to start with an IIT degree—there are numerous alternative routes that can lead to success in this field. Many non-JEE paths offer strong technical training, excellent career prospects, and the chance to build in-demand skills.An interesting option to explore is a modern institution like Scaler School of Technology, which offers innovative programmes in CS and AI tailored to today's tech landscape. Companies today are not just looking for degrees—they're looking for skills.SST focuses on building real-world skills that help students launch successful careers in tech. Whether you're aiming for a top tech job or looking to build your own startup, they provide the mentorship, industry exposure, and hands-on learning needed to succeed.4. Reattempt next year (if it aligns with your goals)advertisementIf you feel that your preparation wasn't complete or that you could do much better with another year of focused effort, you can consider reattempting. This is a big decision, so think it through carefully.If you decide to go for it:Build a disciplined study planEvaluate what didn't work this yearConsider structured coaching or mentorshipStay consistent and avoid burnoutA second attempt works best when approached with a fresh mindset and clear goals.No single exam result defines your career. Whether or not you make it into an IIT, there are plenty of paths to build a fulfilling career in tech or engineering. Some of the most successful tech professionals today didn't go to IITs — they built their success step by step, with consistent learning and determination.So don't lose confidence. Explore your options. Stay committed to your goals. And remember — this is just one chapter in a much bigger story.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
JEE(Adv) topper from IIT-Guwahati zone wants to get CSE dual degree
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Getting two degrees in five years is going to be something special for me. Then my target is to venture into the corporate world," Kanishka said. He expressed interest in joining the stock market or trading companies, noting his fascination with these sectors due to their mathematical complexity and knowledge requirements. Regarding his examination preparation, Kanishka detailed his approach: "Firstly, I focused on NCERT textbooks by thoroughly reading each and every chapter. After giving many mock tests, I used to analyse each and every paper and subject thoroughly. Then I analysed my weaknesses and strengths very carefully, which helped me in developing a strong understanding of which topics I am weak in. I focused on those weaknesses and built my confidence in all three subjects. " Succeeding in his very first attempt at JEE Advanced, Kanishka attributed his success to two years of dedicated studies. Though Kanishka said he could not indulge in recreational activities throughout the day, he never missed doing yoga at home daily. Despite his rigorous study schedule, he maintained a daily 45-minute yoga practice, even during exams. "Every day, for 45 minutes I do yoga, even during exams I did the same." Kanishka started preparing for JEE Advanced from Class XI, and this year he passed his class XII board examination. "I was confident that I would clear JEE Mains and will definitely attempt JEE Advanced," he added. His father serves in the railways, and his family originates from Uttarpara in Hoogly completing his matriculation from Kolkata, Kanishka enrolled in a senior secondary school in Guwahati. Guwahati: Kanishka Chakraborty, who relocated to Guwahati from Kolkata after his father's transfer two years ago, secured the top position in JEE Advanced from the IIT-Guwahati zone, encompassing the northeast, north Bengal, and parts of Bihar. He is originally from the Hoogly district of West Bengal. From the IIT Guwahati zone, 2,743 candidates successfully passed the prestigious entrance examination, based on which students get admission in IITs. The JEE Advanced results was declared on Monday morning. Securing rank 161 in the Common Rank List (CRL), Kanishka stands as the sole candidate from the IIT-Guwahati zone within the top 400 qualifiers of JEE Advanced in the country. The zone has three successful candidates in the top 500. Speaking to TOI, Kanishka expressed satisfaction with his rank, believing it to be sufficient for securing a dual degree in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at IIT Delhi. "I am satisfied. Getting two degrees in five years is going to be something special for me. Then my target is to venture into the corporate world," Kanishka said. He expressed interest in joining the stock market or trading companies, noting his fascination with these sectors due to their mathematical complexity and knowledge requirements. Regarding his examination preparation, Kanishka detailed his approach: "Firstly, I focused on NCERT textbooks by thoroughly reading each and every chapter. After giving many mock tests, I used to analyse each and every paper and subject thoroughly. Then I analysed my weaknesses and strengths very carefully, which helped me in developing a strong understanding of which topics I am weak in. I focused on those weaknesses and built my confidence in all three subjects. " Succeeding in his very first attempt at JEE Advanced, Kanishka attributed his success to two years of dedicated studies. Though Kanishka said he could not indulge in recreational activities throughout the day, he never missed doing yoga at home daily. Despite his rigorous study schedule, he maintained a daily 45-minute yoga practice, even during exams. "Every day, for 45 minutes I do yoga, even during exams I did the same." Kanishka started preparing for JEE Advanced from Class XI, and this year he passed his class XII board examination. "I was confident that I would clear JEE Mains and will definitely attempt JEE Advanced," he added. His father serves in the railways, and his family originates from Uttarpara in Hoogly completing his matriculation from Kolkata, Kanishka enrolled in a senior secondary school in Guwahati.
Time of India
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Burhanpur boy Majid secures AIR 3 in JEE Advanced, breaks myths around big city coaching
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Time of India
7 hours ago
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Meditation, Doraemon and success at JEE Advanced
New Delhi: Meditation, daily chats with parents and the occasional episode of Doraemon—Ujjawal Kesari's formula to crack JEE Advanced may sound unconventional, but it helped him secure an All India Rank (AIR) 5 in his very first attempt. Born and brought up in Delhi, with roots in Bihar, Ujjawal studied at Birla Vidya Niketan. His father works in placement services, and his mother is a homemaker. His elder sister is a history researcher at a think tank. "I have seen my parents struggle to provide me with the best. That kept me going—I wanted to get into a good college and make them proud," he said. Starting his preparation in Class XI, Ujjawal stuck to a disciplined routine of 10–12 hours of daily study, giving equal time to all three subjects. He relied on a combination of coaching and self-study, with NCERT as his go-to resource for JEE Main. Despite the high-pressure environment, he consciously avoided getting overwhelmed. "I never took pressure from competition. I spoke to my parents every night about whatever I was going through," he said. "Meditation helped me stay calm, and I would watch Doraemon when I needed a break." On his approach to tough topics, Ujjawal was relentless. "I'd keep trying until I understood it," he said. His message to future aspirants: "Stay focused and don't get distracted by phones or the internet. These years won't come back."
