In a grand initiative, the IIT Madras has become the pioneer among the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) by introducing a sports quota for undergraduate admissions. The announcement was made by IIT Madras Director, V Kamakoti, highlighting the institution's commitment to recognizing and encouraging sporting talent alongside academic excellence.
Starting from the academic session 2024-25, IIT Madras will assign two seats in all undergraduate courses specifically for talented sportspersons. Unlike conventional quotas, these seats will be surplus, ensuring they do not reduce the existing admissions capacity. The IIT Council, the apex body overseeing the country's exclusive technical institutions, approved the decision.
"IIT Madras will offer two supernumerary seats per undergraduate program for Indian nationals under the Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) program. We are the first IIT to introduce a sports quota, aiming to reward and encourage students who have attained a significant level of excellence in their chosen sports." Director Kamakoti told PTI.
Eligibility for admission through SEA requires candidates to have secured a position in the Common Rank List (CRL) or category-wise rank list in the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced). Additionally, candidates must have won at least one medal in any national or international-level sports competition within the last four years. Meeting the minimum class 12 marks criteria for IIT admissions is also mandatory.
The allocation of these seats will be determined by a Sports Rank List (SRL), assessing candidates based on their performance in a specified list of sports. The SEA will consider scores obtained in sports such as aquatic sports, athletics, chess, cricket, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, squash, table tennis, lawn tennis, volleyball, and weightlifting.
To ensure the availability of facilities, the SEA for the academic year 2024-2025 will consider scores obtained in the specified sports only. Different weightages will be assigned to various national and international games, with the highest recognition for achievements in events like the World Championship and South Asian Games.
In the international category, eligible competitions include the Olympics, Commonwealth Championship, Asian Games, and World University Games. Nationally recognized events encompass the Federation Cup, All India Inter-University, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India School Games, and All India School Games. This progressive step by IIT Madras is expected to open new routes for students excelling both in academics and sports, creating a balanced and holistic approach to education within the institution.
The introduction of a sports quota at IIT Madras has underscored a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Recognizing the importance of overall development, the sports quota provides a unique opportunity for talented athletes to pursue their passion for sports alongside a world-class education. This initiative by IIT Madras sets a benchmark for other educational institutions, highlighting the significance of recognizing and supporting sports talents, ultimately improving the educational landscape, and producing graduates equipped for success.
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