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IIT Madras Waitlist Movement 2026
Whether you're on the waitlist or trying to estimate your chances of getting an offer, understanding the actual admission data is crucial. Based on RTI data, we have verified information that can help you make informed decisions. This blog will help you understand all key information on the IIT Madras Waitlist Movement so that candidates can have a good idea about their conversion chances if they are waitlisted in the initial merit list
IIT Madras Expected Waitlist Movement 2026
While it is very difficult to predict the exact waitlist movement for 2026 with certainty, the historical RTI data provides a strong reference point. Based on last year's trends, here is what you can reasonably expect:
Category | Waitlist Movement (Expected) |
General | 70 - 75 |
EWS | 25 - 30 |
OBC-NCL | 90 - 100 |
SC | 50 - 55 |
ST | 0 - 5 |
PwD | 5 - 10 |
Read Also, IIT Madras MBA Cut Off 2026, Expected CAT Cut Off, Past Trends
IIT Madras Last Year's Waitlist Movement 2025
This is the section most applicants are eagerly waiting for. The official data from last year provides information on category-wise waitlist movement till final admission closure at IIT Madras:
Category | Final Selected (Incl. Waitlisted) | Initial Offers | Waitlist Movement |
General | 374 | 286 | +88 |
EWS | 78 | 47 | +31 |
OBC-NCL | 209 | 101 | +108 |
SC | 136 | 72 | +64 |
ST | 10 | 10 | 0 |
PwD | 9 | 4 | +5 |
Total | 816 | 520 | +296 |
IIT Madras RTI Data 2026
RTI helps students get official, verified data directly from institutions including PI shortlist numbers, category-wise admission offers, and waitlist movement figures. This data is otherwise not publicly shared by the institute
Number of Candidates Shortlisted for PI
Category | Shortlisted for PI |
General | 551 |
EWS | 136 |
OBC-NCL | 400 |
SC | 229 |
ST | 16 |
PwD | 13 |
Total | 1,345 |
Number of Candidates Offered Final Admission
Category | Offered Final Admission |
General | 286 |
EWS | 47 |
OBC-NCL | 101 |
SC | 72 |
ST | 10 |
PwD | 4 |
Total | 520 |
Key Factors Affecting IIT Madras Waitlist Movement
Several variables influence how far the waitlist at IIT Madras moves each year:
1. Competing Offers from Other Top B-Schools
The most significant driver of the waitlist movement is how many students who received an IIT Madras offer also hold offers from top IIMs. Students who prefer older IIMs tend to decline IIT Madras offers, pushing the waitlist forward.
2. Category-Wise Seat Availability
Each category operates independently. General Category has significant movement.
3. Timing of Decisions by Offered Candidates
IIT Madras sets deadlines for accepting offers. When candidates do not respond or decline within the deadline, seats are freed for waitlisted candidates. The faster the first-round decisions, the faster the waitlist moves.
Read Also, IIT Madras MBA Selection Criteria 2026, Cut Off, Fees, Eligibility
IIT Madras Waitlist Movement 2026 : Conclusion
If you are on the IIT Madras 2026 waitlist, do not lose hope. Historical data clearly shows that a significant number of candidates - close to 300 across all categories - ultimately receive offers through the waitlist process. Stay updated, respond promptly to any communication from IIT Madras, and keep your documentation ready.
