Hardest IIT: Which IIT is the Most Difficult to Get Into?
When people talk about the hardest IIT, one of India’s most selective and prestigious engineering institutions. Also known as Indian Institute of Technology, it’s not just a school—it’s a gateway to global tech leadership, research, and high-paying careers. The truth? Not all IITs are created equal when it comes to difficulty. While every IIT demands top-tier performance in JEE Advanced, some consistently pull in the highest ranks, making them harder to crack than others.
The IIT Bombay, often ranked as the most competitive for top branches like Computer Science, sees thousands of students with 99.9+ percentile scores fighting for under 300 seats. IIT Delhi, known for its rigorous academics and strong industry ties, isn’t far behind. Even IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur have reputations that scare off even the best-prepared candidates. Why? Because these institutes don’t just look at your score—they look at your rank, branch preference, and how many others want the same thing. It’s not just about being smart. It’s about being among the top 0.1% of a million applicants.
And it’s not just about the exam. The JEE Advanced, the gateway exam that determines IIT admission, changes every year in structure and difficulty. Some years, Math is brutal. Other years, Physics throws curveballs no coaching center predicted. That’s why top scorers like Shreyansh Jain—who nailed 342 out of 360 in JEE Advanced 2025—don’t just study hard. They study smart, focus on weak spots, and treat every mock test like the real thing.
If you’re aiming for the hardest IIT, you need more than a plan—you need a strategy that matches the competition. It’s not about which IIT is the "best" in rankings. It’s about which one has the lowest acceptance rate for your dream branch. And that changes every year based on who applies, what seats open up, and how the exam plays out.
Below, you’ll find real stories from those who made it—how they prepared, what they struggled with, and why some IITs feel like climbing a mountain with no top. Whether you’re wondering if IIT Delhi is tougher than IIT Roorkee, or why CS at IIT Bombay is nearly impossible to get into, the posts here give you the unfiltered truth. No hype. No fluff. Just what actually matters when you’re fighting for a seat.
- By Nolan Blackburn
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- 8 Jun 2025
Hardest IIT to Get Into: Breaking Down Your Odds
People always ask which IIT is the toughest to crack—mostly because the stakes are insanely high. This article goes headfirst into the real numbers, the hidden factors, and why some institutes have cult-like vibes with mind-blowing competition. It even compares how fast seats get snatched for different branches and campuses. Stick around for some solid tips to upgrade your own shot at making the cut. No sugar-coating, just what you need to know before your next battle with the JEE.