Special Channel of Admission (SPEC) – 2026
    Important dates
  • Application Portal Opens: 11th February 2026
  • Application Portal Closes: 31st March 2026
  • Entrance Exam: 2nd May 2026
  • Date of Interviews: 22nd & 23rd May 2026 (Online)
    Announcement

About SPEC

The SPEC mode is a Special Channel of Admission for B.Tech programmes. This channel is aimed at identifying talented students with challenging circumstances.
Programme abbreviation

 

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
ECE  Electronics and Communication
Engineering
CSE Computer Science and
Engineering

Am I eligible?

You are eligible if you have passed 12th class or equivalent this year by July 2026 with Maths, Physics and Chemistry and belong to one of the following categories:
a) You are currently enrolled in 4th Semester of an integrated, six-year, 12th + B.Tech programme (after the 10th class).
b) Studied at a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV)  from 6th to 12th class.
Note: Candidates applying through UGEE mode are not eligible to apply through the SPEC mode. Droppers are not eligible to apply through this mode.

Exam

Applicants in this mode need to appear for a computer-based entrance examination conducted by IIIT Hyderabad. The exam will test you on subject proficiency. There will be 25% negative marking.
* SPEC Exam for 60 minutes.
Date of the examination: 2nd May 2026, 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM
The exam will be held in multiple centres across many cities (List of Centers)

Interview

Candidates shortlisted from this exam will have to clear an interview to gain admission. The decision on final offer of admission is solely based on the interview performance and the decision of the interview committee is final.
Date of interviews: 22nd and 23rd May 2026 (Online).

What do I need to do to apply?

You need to register online and fill an application form to appear for the exam by the announced deadline.
Application Fee: INR 600/- (Non-refundable)

Financial Assistance

IIITH strongly believes that financial constraints should not be an impediment to access quality education. Hence, the Institute strives to provide financial assistance to the students who need it. For more details, see the Financial Assistance page.

What can I expect in the exam?

The exam will test you on Subject Proficiency (SPEC Exam). The syllabus is based on 11th and 12th level of Physics, Maths, Chemistry (CBSE and most state syllabi).
Sample questions are available for SPEC.

    Important dates
  • Application Portal Opens: 11th February 2026
  • Application Portal Closes: 31st March 2026
  • Entrance Exam: 2nd May 2026
  • Date of Interviews: 22nd & 23rd May 2026 (Online)
    Announcement
Updated in February 2026