IIT Seat Count Crosses 18,000; 2,228 Seats Added Over 4 Years

According to official JEE Advanced data, the total seat capacity across IITs nationwide has seen a 13.4% increase between 2022 and 2026. Over these four years, the total number of seats in IITs has reached 18,826.

This comes as welcome news for the lakhs of aspirants dreaming of studying at an IIT. Official JEE Advanced data indicates a 13.4% rise in total seat capacity across all IITs in the country between 2022 and 2026. During this four-year period, the total number of IIT seats has grown from 16,598 to 18,826.

Essentially, this means that 2,228 new seats have been added to the IITs over the last four years, driven by the introduction of new academic programs and the stabilization of the 'female supernumerary' seat allocation system.

Year-on-Year Growth in IIT Seats

Data from the Joint Implementation Committee and JoSAA shows a consistent annual increase in admission capacity across the IITs from 2022 to 2026. In 2022, there were 16,598 seats. This figure rose by 787 in 2023, reaching 17,385. Subsequently, an addition of 375 seats in 2024 brought the total to 17,760, followed by an increase of 400 seats in 2025, reaching 18,160. Furthermore, in 2026, a significant jump of 666 seats has brought the total count to 18,826. This expansion in seats has been implemented without affecting the general seats in the gender-neutral pool, thereby increasing opportunities for candidates from all categories.

A Substantial 141% Increase in Female Supernumerary Seats

To improve the participation and gender representation of female students at the IITs, a target of at least 20 percent female enrollment was set in 2018. Under this policy, the number of 'female-only' supernumerary seats has seen a record increase of 141 percent over the last four years. The number of female supernumerary seats rose from 1,567 in 2022 to 3,776 in 2026. These seats are created in addition to the gender-neutral seats, ensuring there is no adverse impact on the seats available to male candidates. Furthermore, since 2024, the system has reached a state of equilibrium, with female supernumerary seats consistently accounting for approximately 20 percent of the total reported capacity.

Marginal Improvement in the Share of Female Students in Total Seat Allocations

While the number of supernumerary seats has increased by 141 percent, there has been only a very marginal change in the percentage of female students within the total seat allocations. In 2022, out of 16,635 allocated seats, 3,310—or 19.9 percent—were held by female students. By 2026, out of a total of 18,861 allocated seats, 3,814—or 20.22 percent—were held by female students. Thus, the data clearly indicates that while the total number of female students gaining admission to the IITs has increased, their share in the total seat allocations remains at approximately one-fifth.

Seat Capacity vs. Allotment

The total number of available seats and the number of seats allocated during the counseling process are distinct metrics. In 2026, the total seat capacity across IITs was 18,826, whereas 18,861 seats were allocated during the final round of JoSAA counseling. This discrepancy reflects additional allocations made under certain 'supernumerary' categories and should not be interpreted as an increase in the sanctioned seat capacity. The latest data indicates both an expansion of opportunities for women and a very marginal shift in their share of IIT admissions. The participation of women in the JEE (Advanced) examination—along with their progress through the engineering admission process—remains a key indicator of their representation.