JEE Counselling Logo
JEE Counselling

2026

JoSAA

College Predictor

IITs · NITs · IIITs · GFTIs

JEE Advanced 2026 Preparatory Course – Eligibility, Seats & Stipend

How the one-year IIT Preparatory Course works for SC/ST/PwD candidates, and the path to direct B.Tech admission

What is the IIT Preparatory Course?

The Preparatory Course is a one-year bridge program run by IITs, created to help SC, ST, and PwD candidates who appeared for JEE Advanced but fell short of the regular qualifying marks, yet met a separate, relaxed preparatory-course cutoff. The goal is to strengthen their Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics fundamentals over one academic year.

Candidates who successfully clear the course's internal year-end examination can move directly into the first year of the regular B.Tech program at that IIT — without needing to reappear for JEE Advanced.

Preparatory Course: Key Facts

AspectDetail
Eligible categoriesSC, ST, PwD only
DurationOne academic year (bridge program)
Subjects coveredPhysics, Chemistry, Mathematics (foundational level)
Qualifying routeSeparate, relaxed cutoff notified with JEE Advanced result
ProgressionClear year-end internal exam → direct B.Tech admission
Financial supportFee waiver + stipend as per SC/ST/PwD provisions (verify current amount)

* Seat counts, stipend amounts, and exact cutoffs vary by year and institute — verify on the official JEE Advanced result bulletin and your admitting IIT's website.

Related Reading

For a detailed look at seat numbers and counselling-level specifics, see JoSAA 2026 preparatory course and IIT preparatory course stipend. To understand how this compares with direct regular admission, see preparatory course vs regular admission.

Quick Links

JoSAA 2026 Preparatory CourseIIT Preparatory Course StipendPreparatory Course vs Regular AdmissionCSAB 2026 Preparatory Course SeatsJEE Advanced 2026 EligibilityJEE Advanced 2026 SC Cutoff
JEE Main
JEE Advanced
DASA / NRI

Know which college you can get

Predict IITs, NITs, IIITs & GFTIs · 135+ institutes · JoSAA 2026 data

Predict My College

JEE Advanced 2027: complete guide

Dates, eligibility, pattern, syllabus, result and counselling in one place.

Open guide

Frequently Asked Questions – JEE Advanced Preparatory Course

Common questions about the IIT Preparatory Course for SC/ST/PwD candidates

1
Who is eligible for the IIT Preparatory Course?
The Preparatory Course is meant for SC, ST, and PwD candidates who appeared in JEE Advanced but did not meet the regular qualifying cutoff, while meeting a separate, relaxed 'preparatory course cutoff' notified alongside the main result. It is specifically designed to bridge academic gaps for these reserved categories before they re-attempt JEE Advanced-linked admission the following year.
2
What happens during the one-year Preparatory Course?
Candidates admitted to the Preparatory Course study foundational Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry at an IIT for one academic year, aimed at strengthening concepts. At the end of the year, they must clear an internal qualifying examination to be eligible for direct lateral entry into the first year of the B.Tech program at an IIT, without reappearing for JEE Advanced.
3
Is there a stipend or financial support during the Preparatory Course?
Historically, preparatory course students have been eligible for a monthly stipend and fee concessions, similar to the standard SC/ST/PwD fee waiver benefits applicable to regular IIT students. Exact stipend amounts are revised periodically — verify current figures on your admitting IIT's official preparatory course notification.
4
Does clearing the Preparatory Course guarantee a B.Tech seat?
Clearing the year-end qualifying exam of the Preparatory Course typically allows direct progression into the regular B.Tech program at the same IIT, subject to clearing the internal exam and institute-specific rules notified that year. It is not entirely automatic — academic performance during the preparatory year matters.
5
How many seats are available under the Preparatory Course?
The number of preparatory course seats varies by IIT and year, and is notified separately from the regular JoSAA seat matrix — it is generally a small supplementary intake tied to unfilled SC/ST/PwD seats from the previous cycle. Check the official JEE Advanced result bulletin for exact seat numbers and the qualifying cutoff for your target IIT.
6
Can a General category candidate apply for the Preparatory Course?
No. The Preparatory Course is reserved exclusively for SC, ST, and PwD category candidates who meet the specific preparatory-course qualifying criteria. General, EWS, and OBC-NCL candidates are not eligible for this route under current JEE Advanced rules.

JEE College Predictor 2026

IITs · NITs · IIITs · GFTIs · 135+ colleges

Predict

Important Links

JoSAA Preparatory CoursePreparatory Course StipendJEE Advanced 2026 EligibilityCollege Cutoffs

Disclaimer

Information based on official sources and previous year patterns. Verify exact eligibility, seats, and stipend at jeeadv.ac.in and your admitting IIT's website.