What is a Preparatory Course?

Preparatory courses, also known as foundation programs or pre-engineering courses, are typically designed to help students bridge the gap between their current educational qualifications and the requirements for admission into undergraduate engineering programs at IITs.  These programs are generally intended for students from SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe) and PwD (person with Disability) categories, or those who did not have access to quality education or specialised coaching and, thus, do not meet the minimum passing criteria. 

What is the need for a Preparatory Course?

JEE preparation is a daunting and time-consuming task, and, in several cases, there are systemic and institutional barriers in place, especially for PwD, SC and ST students. To ensure students from these minorities can also avail seats in IIT,  a preparatory course for IITs is organised to improve the intake of reserved category students for B.Tech and Dual Degree programs. The course is to help the students to get admission in IITs in a limited quota. Students who will get shortlisted for this one-year residential training should successfully complete it to get admission in IITs for pursuing a B.Tech course.

How are candidates selected for the Preparatory Course?

From aspirants who could not qualify JEE, 30-40 are chosen on the basis of the rank order.

The decision of admission will be taken by the Joint Admission Committee once the candidates complete this preparatory course. This one-year preparatory course comprises Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English subjects in two semesters. Candidates need to qualify in all these subjects after which the evaluation process will be conducted. Candidates who qualify for both semesters will become eligible to get admission to the vacancies pertaining to SC/ST. Candidates who take admission in this preparatory course are eligible for all the concessions on par with the regular students during admissions to the degree engineering courses.

Who is eligible and how does the course benefit them?

The candidates who come under SC, ST, and PwD categories who failed to qualify for the JEE Advanced are eligible to pursue this course. The preparatory course curriculum typically covers a range of subjects, including but not limited to, Mathematics (calculus, algebra, differential equations), Physics (mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism), Chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical), and English (communication skills, comprehension, vocabulary). The focus is on providing an in-depth understanding of the fundamental concepts and problem-solving techniques required for engineering studies. Regular assessments, tests, and examinations are conducted to evaluate the progress of students and identify areas that need further improvement. Students receive intensive coaching and guidance from experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The teaching methodology may include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and assignments to ensure comprehensive learning.

Many students have reaped the benefits of the preparatory course and testify that the syllabus covered is the same as that of JEE Advanced. Preparatory courses often include counselling and mentoring sessions to address the academic and personal challenges faced by students. The aim is to provide guidance and motivation to help students adapt to the rigorous academic environment of the IITs. They are also provided with additional resources to enhance their learning experience and excel academically.

After taking admission to the preparatory course, the council themselves select students on the basis of their ranks in JEE. At the end of the course, the PASS students will get direct admission to an undergraduate course. They are trained at their host institute and get admitted in parent institutes.