Do Class 11th Marks Matter for IIT Admission?
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are top engineering colleges in India. Students get into IITs by passing the Joint Entrance

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are top engineering colleges in India. Students get into IITs by passing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which has two parts: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Many students wonder if their Class 11th marks affect their chances of getting into an IIT. This article explains the role of Class 11th marks and why its concepts are important.
Do Class 11th Marks Count for IIT?
No, Class 11th marks do not directly affect IIT admission. Admission to IITs depends on:
- JEE Main: You need to pass Class 12th to take JEE Main. Class 11th marks are not considered.
- JEE Advanced: To qualify, you must do well in JEE Main and score at least 75% (65% for SC/ST) in Class 12th board exams. Class 11th marks are not used.
- Final Admission: Your JEE Advanced rank and Class 12th marks decide admission. Class 11th marks play no role.
So, your Class 11th marks don’t matter for IIT admission, but the concepts you learn in Class 11th are very important.
Why Class 11th Concepts Are Important
Even though Class 11th marks don’t count, the topics you study in Class 11th are critical for JEE success. About 40–50% of JEE questions come from Class 11th topics. Here’s why they matter:
1. Core JEE Topics
JEE tests concepts from both Class 11th and 12th. Key Class 11th topics include:
- Physics: Mechanics (motion, forces, energy), Waves, Thermodynamics.
- Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry basics.
- Mathematics: Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Quadratic Equations, Permutations.
These topics are the foundation for many JEE questions. For example, Class 11th Mechanics helps you understand Class 12th Physics topics.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
Class 11th teaches you how to solve tough problems in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These skills are essential for JEE, where questions test deep understanding and application.
3. Strong Foundation
Class 11th gives you time to build a strong base for JEE preparation. If you skip or struggle with Class 11th topics, it’s harder to catch up in Class 12th when the syllabus gets tougher.
4. Competitive Advantage
JEE is very competitive, with many students aiming for few IIT seats. Knowing Class 11th concepts well helps you solve questions faster and score higher.
How to Use Class 11th for IIT Preparation
Here are simple tips to make the most of Class 11th:
- Understand Concepts: Focus on understanding, not memorizing. Use NCERT books, as they cover the JEE syllabus well.
- Practice Problems: Solve questions from past JEE papers and books like HC Verma (Physics), RD Sharma (Maths), and MS Chauhan (Chemistry).
- Manage Time: Study Class 11th topics regularly, even in Class 12th, to stay prepared.
- Get Help: If a topic is hard, ask teachers, join a coaching, or use online resources.
Conclusion
Class 11th marks do not affect IIT admission, as only JEE scores and Class 12th marks are considered. However, Class 11th concepts are very, very important for JEE Main and JEE Advanced. A strong foundation in Class 11th topics like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics will help you excel in JEE and increase your chances of getting into an IIT. Start early, study smart, and practice regularly to succeed!
Share and join our WhatsApp community for the latest updates.

Thanks, and share.
Comments ()