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2026

JoSAA

College Predictor

IITs · NITs · IIITs · GFTIs

New Programs

New Branches Added in JoSAA 2026

AI, Data Science, Semiconductor, Cybersecurity and more — IITs, NITs & IIITs launch future-ready programs

New & Expanding Branch Categories in 2026

Branch / ProgramWhereExpected Demand
AI & Data Science / AI & MLMultiple NITs, newer IITs, IIITsVery High
Semiconductor Technology / VLSIIIT Jodhpur, IIT Hyderabad, select NITsHigh (growing)
Cybersecurity / Information SecurityIIITs, select NITs, newer IITsHigh
Mathematics & Computing (IISc)IISc Bangalore (new to JoSAA)Extremely High
Aerospace Engineering (IISc)IISc Bangalore (new to JoSAA)High
Mechanics & Computing (IISc)IISc Bangalore (new to JoSAA)High
Materials Science & Engineering (IISc)IISc Bangalore (new to JoSAA)Moderate-High
Quantum Computing / Quantum ScienceSelect IITs (exploratory phase)Niche/Emerging

Tips for Choosing a New Branch

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Check curriculum depth

New branches sometimes have thinner course offerings initially. Review the B.Tech curriculum on the institute website before choosing.

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Look for industry tie-ups

Semiconductor and AI programs backed by companies (Intel, NVIDIA, TCS, etc.) have better internship and placement pipelines.

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Faculty quality matters most

A new branch with strong faculty is more valuable than an old branch with weak faculty. Check professor profiles on the institute website.

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No cutoff history is a two-edged sword

You may get into a new branch at a better institute than you expected — but you also have no data to benchmark your chances. Use your overall rank as a guide.

1
Which new branches are being added at IITs in JoSAA 2026?
IITs are adding new branches primarily in AI & Data Science, Semiconductor Technology, Quantum Computing, Bioscience & Bioengineering, and interdisciplinary programs. IISc Bangalore's 4 new BTech programs (Aerospace, Materials Science, Mathematics & Computing, Mechanics & Computing) are also new to JoSAA in 2026.
2
Are new branches at NITs in JoSAA 2026 for AI and Data Science?
Yes. Multiple NITs are launching or expanding B.Tech programs in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Electronics & Semiconductor Technology. These align with India's national missions in AI and semiconductor manufacturing.
3
How do I know if a branch is new or existing at an institute?
The official JoSAA 2026 seat matrix at josaa.nic.in lists all branches for each institute. New branches will have no previous year opening/closing rank data. When using the JoSAA portal for choice filling, new programs appear in the full list — if there's no 2025 cutoff for a branch, it is likely newly introduced.
4
Should I choose a new branch without cutoff history?
It depends on your risk appetite and interest. New branches at top IITs often attract strong students quickly — cutoffs may be competitive from day one. At newer IITs or NITs, new branches may have more accessible cutoffs initially. Research the curriculum, faculty, and placement potential before choosing a new branch.
5
Are Semiconductor Technology programs new in 2026?
Several IITs and NITs launched Semiconductor Technology or VLSI-focused programs in 2024–26, driven by India's Semiconductor Mission and the push to build domestic chip design capability. These are among the most strategically important new programs and are likely to become very competitive quickly.
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Related Pages

New AI & Data Science SeatsSemiconductor & Cybersecurity SeatsIISc Bangalore 4 New ProgramsWhy Seats Increased in 2026
Branch data based on JoSAA 2026 seat matrix at josaa.nic.in. Verify exact program availability per institute on the official portal.