Top IIT Online Courses You Can Join Without Entrance Exams
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Didn't crack JEE? You can still study at an IIT! Explore top online courses from IITs that require no entrance exam or eligibility filter.
If you dream of studying at an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) but didn't crack the JEE, there's still hope. Several IITs now offer online certification and short-term courses that are open to everyone — no entrance exam, no eligibility filter. These programmes are designed for students, working professionals, and lifelong learners who wish to upskill or explore emerging technologies from India's most prestigious technical institutions.
Here's a curated list of top IIT online courses you can enroll in without giving JEE or any other entrance test:
1. IIT Madras – Online BSc in Data Science and Programming
Type: Degree Programme
Platform: Directly via IIT Madras
Eligibility: Class 12 pass
Highlights: This unique programme allows anyone who has passed Class 12 to earn a BSc or BSc (Hons) from IIT Madras. It's entirely online and covers programming, statistics, machine learning, and data science.
Website: onlinedegree.iitm.ac.in
2. IIT Bombay – Certificate Courses on SWAYAM & edX
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Type: Short-Term Certifications
Subjects: AI, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicles, Business Management, Python Programming
Platform: SWAYAM, edX
Highlights: Courses are self-paced or instructor-led. Some offer certificates endorsed by IIT Bombay upon completion and passing of final assessments.
Example Course: 'Electric Vehicle & Renewable Energy" on SWAYAM
3. IIT Kanpur – eMasters Programmes
Type: Postgraduate-Level (Non-Degree)
Subjects: Data Science, Cybersecurity, Financial Technology, Business Leadership
Eligibility: Graduate in any field, no GATE required
Highlights: These are high-impact, flexible weekend-based online programmes aimed at working professionals. Participants receive IIT Kanpur alumni status and access to campus modules.
Website: emasters.iitk.ac.in
4. IIT Roorkee – Professional Certificate Courses via Coursera
Type: Short-Term Certificate
Subjects: AI, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Python Basics
Platform: Coursera
Highlights: Self-paced online courses with industry focus. You can earn certificates from IIT Roorkee via Coursera without appearing for any competitive exam.
Example Course: 'Data Science for Engineers"
5. IIT Guwahati – E&ICT Academy Online Programmes
Type: Advanced Certification
Subjects: Full Stack Development, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics
Platform: In partnership with edtech platforms like Great Learning
Eligibility: Open to students and working professionals
Highlights: Industry-aligned programmes that offer live classes, mentorship, and career support.
6. NPTEL – National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (By All IITs)
Type: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Subjects: Over 500 courses in Engineering, Science, Management, and Humanities
Platform: SWAYAM
Eligibility: Open to all
Highlights: NPTEL offers free access to course content. Learners can also opt for certification by appearing in an exam conducted at designated centres.
First Published:
May 30, 2025, 10:45 IST
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