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Can You Give JEE Advanced After Taking Admission in NIT?

By Jeevan MNNovember 12, 2025
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Eligibility to Attempt JEE Advanced While Studying at NIT


Many students wonder, “can I give JEE Advanced after taking admission in NIT?” As engineering aspirants strive for the best options and keep IIT as their top dream, knowing your eligibility options is crucial. This blog discusses the criteria, rules, and practicalities for attempting JEE Advanced if you are currently in an NIT, addressing the most common queries from hopeful candidates.


Can I Give JEE Advanced After Taking Admission in NIT?


If you have secured a seat at an NIT but still aspire for IIT, it is natural to ask—can I give JEE Advanced after taking admission in NIT? The answer is yes, provided you meet all official eligibility conditions. This includes qualifying JEE Main again and fulfilling age and attempt criteria. Remember, NIT admission does not hinder reappearing for JEE Advanced.


  • You must attempt the JEE Main again and rank among the top 2,50,000 candidates.
  • Your previous year’s NIT admission does not block JEE Advanced eligibility.
  • Carefully track your remaining attempts and age requirements for JEE Advanced.

Understanding JEE Advanced and Eligibility


JEE Advanced is the entrance exam for admission into India’s prestigious IITs. It’s only open to candidates who qualify JEE Main and clear additional criteria. Attempting JEE Advanced requires thorough awareness of attempts, age limits, and educational background, especially for those who have already started at an NIT.


  • Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced up to two times in two consecutive years.
  • Your first attempt counts from your initial Class 12 exam year.
  • Not holding or having held an IIT seat is crucial for eligibility.

For deeper insight on how many attempts you have, see this detailed guide on JEE exam attempts.


Requirements for Taking JEE Advanced from NIT


Switching from NIT to IIT via JEE Advanced is permitted, but the process requires dedication. You must handle your NIT coursework while preparing for JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Success depends on balancing both academics and preparation without exhausting your eligibility.


  • Qualify JEE Main again while in NIT.
  • Stay within the two-attempt, two-year window allowed for JEE Advanced.
  • Meet the prescribed age and Class 12 appearance year limits.

For study planning, you can refer to expert JEE study time-table strategies from Vedantu.


NIT vs IIT: Key Eligibility Differences


It’s essential to remember: joining NIT keeps your eligibility for JEE Advanced open, but the rules are much stricter for IITs. Accepting any seat at an IIT, even if you later withdraw, will make you ineligible for future JEE Advanced attempts—while NIT students retain their eligibility if other rules are met.


  • NIT or IIIT students can still attempt JEE Advanced under eligibility norms.
  • Joining an IIT at any point blocks all future JEE Advanced attempts.

See more about differences in JEE Main vs. JEE Advanced to clarify exam processes and eligibility.


Steps to Attempt JEE Advanced After Joining NIT


If you wish to appear for JEE Advanced from NIT, here’s a practical roadmap. Each step must be carefully planned alongside your first-year college responsibilities, as the balance can be challenging for most students.


  1. Register and appear for JEE Main in the academic year you wish to attempt.
  2. Earn a spot among the top 2,50,000 JEE Main rankers.
  3. Register for JEE Advanced separately after qualifying via JEE Main.
  4. Keep up with NIT attendance and course requirements during your preparation.

Review essential JEE Main preparation tips to boost your chances while balancing NIT studies.


Alternatives and Smart Strategies


If switching from NIT to IIT doesn’t seem feasible, consider other academic options. Branch change within NIT is possible after your first year if your grades are among the best. Alternatively, pursuing M.Tech or research via GATE after your B.Tech is a viable IIT pathway.


  • Apply for a branch shift at NIT if you excel in your coursework.
  • Target GATE exam post-B.Tech for a shot at IIT M.Tech programs.

For more alternatives, read about admissions via JEE Advanced scores and what to consider beyond just the exam.


JEE Advanced vs NIT Admission: At a Glance


FactorNIT AdmissionIIT/JEE Advanced
After JEE MainYes, with qualifying scoreRequired to be among top 2,50,000
Eligibility with Previous AdmissionCan attempt JEE AdvancedNot allowed if previous IIT seat accepted
Maximum AttemptsUnlimited for NIT through JEE Main2 attempts in 2 consecutive years
Seat Change RulesAllowed to withdraw NIT seatCannot revert after accepting IIT seat

This table helps clarify when you are allowed further exam attempts and the status of your eligibility for both NIT and IIT admissions via JEE exams.


Conclusion


You can give JEE Advanced after joining NIT, but the journey demands clear planning and disciplined preparation. Make sure you do not exceed the allowed attempts and carefully consider the demands of both NIT academics and your exam goal. Analyze your options, prepare strategically, and choose the most suitable path forward for your engineering aspirations.


In summary, students can sit for JEE Advanced after joining an NIT, as long as they strictly meet eligibility rules. Success requires strong academic balance, time management, and commitment. Evaluate all options, including internal NIT opportunities and postgraduate pathways, before deciding your future course. Proper planning and perseverance are key to realizing your IIT dreams after NIT admission.

FAQs on Can You Give JEE Advanced After Taking Admission in NIT?

1. Can I give JEE Advanced after taking admission in NIT?

Yes, you can appear for JEE Advanced even after taking admission in an NIT. You must meet all eligibility criteria, including qualifying in JEE Main that year and being among the top 2,50,000 candidates. Admission to an NIT does not affect your eligibility for JEE Advanced.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced if I’m already at an NIT?

The standard JEE Advanced eligibility rules apply:
- You must be among the top 2,50,000 scorers in JEE Main of the same year.
- You can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
- You should have completed your Class 12 (or equivalent) in the previous year or the same year you are applying.
- You must not have ever accepted admission at any IIT previously.

3. Do I have to withdraw from NIT to appear for JEE Advanced?

No, you do not need to withdraw from NIT to appear for JEE Advanced. You can continue your studies at NIT while preparing and appearing for the exam. Withdrawal is only necessary if you accept a seat in an IIT after clearing JEE Advanced.

4. What happens to my NIT seat if I join an IIT through JEE Advanced?

If you secure admission to an IIT after clearing JEE Advanced and accept the seat, you must officially withdraw from your NIT course. You cannot hold seats in both institutes. Follow the NIT withdrawal process for fee refunds and to release the seat as per NIT norms.

5. Can I attempt JEE Advanced after joining an IIT?

No, once you have accepted an IIT seat through any means (including reporting or accepting seat in JoSAA counselling), you become ineligible for future JEE Advanced attempts, regardless of whether you withdraw later.

6. How many times can I appear for JEE Advanced after Class 12?

You can sit for JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years immediately following your qualifying Class 12 exam.

7. What are the challenges of preparing for JEE Advanced while attending an NIT?

Balancing NIT coursework and JEE Advanced preparation is demanding. Challenges include:
- Managing college syllabus and assignments alongside JEE prep.
- Time constraints and increased pressure.
- High competition and increased paper difficulty each year.
Strong time management and dedication are essential.

8. What is the step-by-step process for retaking JEE Advanced while at an NIT?

Follow these steps:
1. Register and appear for the JEE Main exam in the current year.
2. Secure a rank in the top 2,50,000 to qualify for JEE Advanced.
3. Register separately for JEE Advanced.
4. Prepare while fulfilling NIT academic requirements.
5. Attend JEE Advanced and counselling if qualified.

9. Is there an age limit for JEE Advanced attempts?

Yes, candidates must be born on or after October 1, 1999 (for General category; age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories). Always check the latest official notification, as criteria can change slightly yearly.

10. Can I improve my branch within the same NIT if I do not qualify for IIT?

Yes, most NITs allow branch change after the first year, based on your first-year CGPA and subject to seat availability and institute policies. This provides an opportunity to switch to a preferred branch if you perform exceptionally well in your first-year studies.

11. Are there alternative pathways to enter IIT after NIT apart from JEE Advanced?

You cannot join an IIT for undergraduate studies without clearing JEE Advanced. However, after completing your B.Tech from NIT, you can pursue M.Tech at IIT by qualifying the GATE exam. Some IITs also offer research or dual degree programs at the postgraduate level.

12. What documents are required during JEE Advanced counselling if currently enrolled in an NIT?

During JEE Advanced counselling, you must provide:
- Original Class 12 marksheet
- JEE Main and Advanced admit cards
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Provisional seat acceptance letter
- Proof of current NIT enrollment and formal withdrawal (if moving to IIT after accepting IIT seat)


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