IIT Madras PhD: Fees, Admission 2026, Eligibility, Stipend, How To Apply

IIT Madras PhD is a premier research degree program typically lasting 3 to 5 years, offered across all engineering, science, humanities, and management departments. The eligibility criteria for admission to IIT Madras PhD is to possess a Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology or a Master’s degree in Science/Humanities with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks and a valid score in a national test like GATE, UGC-NET, or CSIR-NET. All admitted candidates are typically offered a generous monthly stipend. The annual tuition fee for PhD is nominal, expected to be between ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 for students receiving the stipend. More details about eligibility criteria, fees, admission process, selection criteria, application fees, how to apply, and important dates for IIT Madras PhD admission are given below:

IIT Madras PhD Highlights

The table below lists the key details of IIT Madras PhD, including its duration, admission process, program type, and typical financial support.

IIT Madras PhD Admission Dates 2026

IIT Madras PhD admissions are typically conducted twice a year, for the January and July sessions, allowing greater flexibility for candidates.

IIT Madras PhD Fee Structure 2026

The fee structure for PhD at IIT Madras is heavily subsidized, as the program is research-focused and centrally funded. The actual cost to the student is minimal due to the monthly stipend provided by the MHRD.

IIT Madras PhD Eligibility Criteria

To apply for IIT Madras PhD, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements, often focusing on a strong academic and research background:

• Educational Qualification:

  • M.E./M.Tech./M.S. in Engineering/Technology (or)

  • M.Sc./M.A./MBA with a first-class (60%) degree.

• Minimum Marks Required: Minimum 60% aggregate marks or 6.5 CGPA in the qualifying degree.

• Age Limit: Not Applicable.

• Entrance Exam: Must have a valid GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET score, or other approved national-level fellowship. B.Tech. graduates from IITs with an 8.0+ CGPA are exempted from national entrance tests.

• Other Requirements: Final admission is based strictly on performance in the departmental Written Test and/or Interview.

IIT Madras PhD Admission Process

The admission process for IIT Madras PhD is decentralized to the respective departments, involving a rigorous scrutiny of academic records and research aptitude. Detailed guidelines for application can be found on the IIT Madras Admission portal, which covers all postgraduate research programs.

• Step 1: Identify Research Area & Guide

  • Candidates are advised to identify a potential supervisor and research area within the department before applying.

• Step 2: Online Application

  • Apply online through the PG admissions portal, submitting academic records, national test scores, and a Statement of Purpose (SoP).

• Step 3: Shortlisting

  • Departments shortlist candidates based on academic excellence and national test scores (refer to the IIT Madras Cut Off JEE Advanced page for the general idea of competitive standards, though the specific test is different).

• Step 4: Written Test and Interview

  • Shortlisted candidates undergo a compulsory departmental selection process, typically a research aptitude test and an in-depth Personal Interview.

• Step 5: Final Selection & Offer

  • The final selection is based primarily on the interview performance and a holistic review of the candidate’s profile.

• Step 6: Registration & Stipend Activation

  • Register with the institute, pay the first semester fees, and complete formalities to activate the MHRD stipend.

IIT Madras Entrance PhD Stipend 2026

The IIT Madras PhD selection process does not rely on a traditional cutoff rank but on the research interview performance. The most crucial aspect of the IIT Madras PhD is the stipend, which is provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE) or other project funds.

IIT Madras PhD Placements 

The career outlook for IIT Madras PhD graduates is exceptionally strong, focusing on high-level R&D, academics, and specialized consulting. Placements are often lateral, highly specialized, and not centrally reported like BTech/MTech.

How to Apply for IIT Madras PhD Admission 2026

Aspirants must ensure they meet the minimum eligibility criteria and apply before the respective session deadline. The overall campus and community experience is world-class, making this an attractive research destination.

IIT Madras PhD Application Process

1. Step 1: Visit the official IIT Madras research admissions portal (research.iitm.ac.in).

2. Step 2: Select the department and research program (Full-Time, Part-Time, or External).

3. Step 3: Fill out the detailed online application form, including a Statement of Purpose (SoP) and research interests.

4. Step 4: Upload M.Tech./M.Sc. degree and national test scorecards (GATE/NET/JRF).

5. Step 5: Pay the application fee and submit.

6. Step 6: Attend the compulsory departmental Written Test and Interview.

7. Step 7: Upon receiving the offer, complete registration and enrollment formalities.

Documents Required for IIT Madras PhD Admission

• 10th, 12th, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degree Mark Sheets

• GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET Scorecard/Fellowship Letter

• Transfer/Migration Certificate

• Caste/Category Certificate (If Applicable)

• No Objection Certificate (for sponsored/external candidates)

• Passport-Sized Photographs