IIT Bombay MA: Admission 2026, Eligibility, Fees, Application Process & How to Apply?

IIT Bombay MA is a 2-year program that costs INR 1,13,000 in total fees for students seeking admission in 2026. Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree with at least 55% marks for reserved categories or 60% for general, plus qualifying GATE XH or HSEE scores. Cutoffs typically range from 600-800 in GATE for the general category, depending on specialisation. Offered through the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, it includes specialisations like Economics, Philosophy, and Sociology, focusing on research-driven humanities studies. IITB admissions involve an entrance exam followed by interviews, with strong placement outcomes in policy, research, and consulting roles.

IIT Bombay MA Highlights 2026

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay MA program delivers a research-oriented curriculum in humanities, blending theory with practical applications for policy and academic careers, supported by expert faculty and modern facilities.

IIT Bombay MA Admission Dates 2026

Track these key events for IIT Bombay MA 2026 admissions to ensure timely preparation and submission, covering registration, exams, and results for a smooth process.

IIT Bombay MA Fees Structure 2026

IIT Bombay MA fees total INR 1,13,000 for the full 2-year program. This covers core academic charges across four semesters. SC/ST/PwD students receive a full tuition waiver, reducing their payable amount to nominal fees only. Hostel and mess charges apply separately if opting for on-campus accommodation. Below is the IIT Bombay semester-wise MA fees breakdown based on the standard PG 2-year structure.

Additional Costs (Annual, Optional):

• Hostel Fee: INR 4,000 (seat rent) + INR 28,000 (mess advance, adjustable).
• Medical Insurance: INR 500 (mandatory).
• Gymkhana Fee: INR 2,500 (sports and cultural activities).
• No hidden charges; refunds apply for withdrawals before semester start.

This structure ensures affordability while funding research facilities in the humanities. For comparison with other PG programs, refer to IIT Bombay fees. Total outlay remains under INR 1,20,000, excluding living expenses for most students.

IIT Bombay MA Eligibility Criteria 2026

Meet these specific requirements to qualify for IIT Bombay MA admissions, ensuring your academic background aligns with the program's focus on humanities research.

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognised university.
• Valid GATE score in XH (Humanities) paper or HSEE qualification.
• Final-year students can apply provisionally, subject to degree completion with the required marks.
• No age limit, but proficiency in English is essential for interviews.

IIT Bombay MA Admission Process 2026

IIT Bombay MA admissions prioritize candidates with strong analytical skills through a multi-stage process emphasising entrance scores and interviews. This ensures the selection of motivated scholars for humanities studies. The process starts with qualifying an entrance exam, followed by centralised counselling and institute-level evaluation. Here are the detailed steps:

• Step 1: Qualify Entrance Exam. Appear for GATE XH (covers reasoning, comprehension, and humanities basics) or HSEE (tests English, analytical skills, and general knowledge). Aim for scores above 600 for the general category to secure shortlisting.
• Step 2: Register on COAP Portal. Use your GATE roll number to apply via the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) after results. For HSEE qualifiers, submit directly on the HSS department site. Pay the non-refundable fee and upload basic documents like marksheets.
• Step 3: Seat Allotment. COAP releases multiple rounds of offers based on your rank and preferences. Accept or freeze seats promptly to avoid forfeiture.
• Step 4: Interview Round. Shortlisted candidates attend a 20-30 minute virtual or in-person interview assessing research aptitude, subject knowledge, and motivation. Prepare a statement of purpose highlighting your interest in specialisations like Economics.
• Step 5: Document Verification and Fee Payment. Submit originals for verification at IIT Bombay campus or online. Pay admission fees within the deadline to confirm enrollment.
• Step 6: Orientation and Registration. Join the mandatory orientation for course briefing, followed by academic registration.

For detailed steps on IIT Bombay admission across programs, explore further options.

How to Apply for IIT Bombay MA Admission 2026?

Applying for IIT Bombay MA involves a straightforward online process via official portals, designed for accessibility. Start early to avoid rushes and ensure all details match your qualifications. Follow these steps to complete the application accurately:

• Step 1: Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents. Verify your bachelor's marks and entrance score. Gather scanned copies of degree certificates, ID proof, category certificate (if applicable), and passport photos.
• Step 2: Access the Application Portal. For GATE-based, log into COAP using credentials from gate.iit.ac.in. HSEE applicants visit hsee.iitb.ac.in and select 'New Registration'.
• Step 3: Fill Personal and Academic Details. Enter name, email, date of birth, and educational history accurately. Choose specialisations like Sociology if preferred.
• Step 4: Upload Documents and Photo. Ensure files are under 2MB in JPG/PDF format. Double-check for clarity to prevent rejection.
• Step 5: Pay Application Fee. Use net banking, card, or UPI for INR 1,600 (general) or reduced for reserved categories. Save the receipt.
• Step 6: Review and Submit. Preview the form for errors, then submit. Note the application ID for tracking.
• Step 7: Monitor Status. Check email and portal for admit card or shortlist updates. Respond to interview invites immediately.

Documents Required for IIT Bombay MA Admission

Submit these essential documents during IIT Bombay MA verification to confirm your admission without delays. Keep originals and two photocopies ready.

• Class 10 and 12 marksheets and certificates.
• Bachelor's degree provisional or final marksheet.
• GATE XH or HSEE scorecard.
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS) if claiming reservation.
• ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport).
• Recent passport-size photographs (4 nos.).
• Migration/Transfer certificate from previous institution.
• Statement of Purpose (500 words) for interview.

IIT Bombay MA Entrance Exam 2026

IIT Bombay MA entrance relies on GATE XH or HSEE, testing critical thinking and subject basics for humanities aspirants. Both exams last 3 hours with objective questions, held online.  Key details in pointers:

• Exam Pattern: GATE XH has three sections—Reasoning & Comprehension (15%), Economics (optional, 35%), and chosen humanities (50%). HSEE includes Part 1 (English & GK, 60 marks) and Part 2 (Analytical, 60 marks).
• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct MCQs, -0.33 for wrong in GATE; no negative in HSEE Part 1, -1 in Part 2 for incorrect.
• Timing: GATE XH: 3 hours, afternoon slot; HSEE: 3 hours, morning to afternoon.
• Question Type: Multiple-choice and numerical in GATE; MCQs and short answers in HSEE.
• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree completers; no attempt limit for GATE, one per year for HSEE.

IIT Bombay MA Cutoff 2026

IIT Bombay MA cutoffs vary by specialization and category, based on GATE XH scores. General category expects slight rises due to competition.

Check the previous year IIT Bombay cutoff trends for all programs.

IIT Bombay MA Specialisations 2026

IIT Bombay MA program through the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences offers focused specialisations that integrate social sciences with engineering perspectives, preparing students for roles in policy, research, and academia. Each track requires 16 core credits and electives tailored to career interests.

• Economics: Covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and development economics; emphasises quantitative modelling for policy analysis and consulting; ideal for RBI or World Bank careers.
• Philosophy: Explores ethics, logic, epistemology, and philosophy of science; includes interdisciplinary links to AI ethics and technology policy; suits academia or tech ethics roles.
• Sociology: Focuses on social theory, inequality, urban studies, and sociology of science; incorporates fieldwork methods for research in NGOs or government think tanks.
• English: Delves into literary theory, postcolonial literature, and cultural studies; stresses critical writing and communication skills for media, publishing, or higher education pursuits.

IIT Bombay MA Syllabus 2026

IIT Bombay MA syllabus integrates core and elective courses across semesters, promoting interdisciplinary learning.

• Year 1 covers foundations like Microeconomics, Sociological Theories, Philosophical Methods, and Literary Criticism.
• Year 2 includes Research Methodology, Advanced Electives (e.g., Development Economics, Gender Studies), and a dissertation.
• Total credits: 72, with 50% theory and 50% research.

Download full PDF from the HSS site for a semester-wise breakdown.

IIT Bombay MA Scholarships 2026

IIT Bombay provides targeted scholarships for MA students to ease financial burdens, prioritising merit and need. Over 30% recipients from humanities programs benefit annually.

• Apply via academic section post-admission.
• Renew based on CGPA >7.0.

Complete details of all available financial aid options are listed in the IIT Bombay scholarships.

IIT Bombay MA Ranking 2026

IIT Bombay holds top spots in national rankings, boosting MA program's credibility for global opportunities. NIRF 2025 places it 3rd in Engineering and Overall. QS World University Rankings 2026 ranks it 129th globally, highlighting its humanities strengths.

The latest national and global rankings can be checked on the  IIT Bombay ranking.

IIT Bombay MA Placements 2025

IIT Bombay MA placements achieve 66.1% rate for PG 2-year programs, with 663 students placed from 1,003 graduates. Median package reaches INR 17.30 LPA, highest at INR 2.2 CPA. IIT Mumbai recruiters target roles in policy analysis, consulting, and NGOs.

Top recruiters: McKinsey (consulting), Goldman Sachs (finance), Tata Group (research). Total placed: 2,892 students, 2,081 internships. Explore IIT Bombay Placements for sector-wise data.