Every fourth IIT aspirant in 2025 prepared in Kota: How the hub dominates JEE toppers while Delhi leads in IIT conversions
Kota, the coaching hub of Rajasthan, continues to shape India’s elite engineers. According to a report by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), one out of every four students who secured admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in 2025 had prepared in this small city known for its intense JEE Advanced coaching culture.The numbers highlight Kota’s remarkable impact on the country’s most competitive engineering entrance exam. The report showed that the city has powered the Delhi zone with the highest percentage of students to qualify for JEE Advanced and the best conversion rate from qualifiers to IIT admissions.
Delhi zone shines in conversion
The IIT Kanpur report revealed that a total of 1,87,113 students across all seven zones registered for JEE Advanced 2025. Of these, 45,622 were from the Hyderabad zone, 37,002 from the Bombay zone, and 34,069 from the Delhi zone.Among registrants, 12,946 students from Hyderabad (28.37%), 11,226 from Bombay (30.33%), and 11,370 from Delhi (33.37%) qualified for the JEE Advanced exam. What sets the Delhi zone apart is its conversion: 4,182 students, or 36.78% of Delhi qualifiers, secured admission into IITs, the highest rate among all zones.In comparison, Hyderabad had the largest number of admissions in absolute terms with 4,363 students (33.7%). Bombay sent 3,825 students to IITs, while Roorkee had 1,729, Kanpur 1,622, Kharagpur 1,655, and Guwahati 812.
Kota dominates the top ranks
Beyond sheer numbers, Kota’s influence is striking among toppers. The report highlighted that every second student in the top-100 ranks of JEE Advanced 2025 had prepared in Kota. This reinforces the city’s reputation not only as a coaching hub but also as a launchpad for India’s brightest engineering minds.Experts attribute this dominance to the city’s highly focused coaching culture, disciplined schedules, and peer-driven competitive environment. While students from Hyderabad and Bombay make up significant portions of admissions, Kota-trained candidates continue to set the benchmark for top ranks and competitive excellence.
The roadmap for aspirants
For students and parents, the IIT Kanpur data offers both insight and strategy. High-volume zones like Hyderabad may produce larger numbers, but Delhi’s conversion rates indicate the critical role of focused preparation. Meanwhile, Kota’s coaching ecosystem demonstrates how specialized mentoring can propel aspirants into the top ranks.As IIT admissions become increasingly competitive, the Kota phenomenon illustrates a broader trend: In India’s high-stakes engineering education, strategic preparation, consistent guidance, and a rigorous study environment can outweigh sheer volume of aspirants. For many students, Kota is no longer just a city; it’s a formula for success.(with PTI inputs) TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
