PhD and MS (Research) Admissions for January 2027, IIT Madras

Job Description

IIT Madras is accepting applications for PhD admission for January 2027, and for MS (by Research), across its engineering, science, humanities and management departments; applications close on 30 October 2026 at 5:00 pm.

At a glance

• Programmes: PhD (including Direct PhD) and MS by Research
• Where: IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• PhD fellowship: ₹37,000 a month for two years, then ₹42,000 a month for three years, plus HRA (regular HTRA scholars)
• Application fee: ₹1,000; ₹500 for female, SC/ST and PwD candidates
• Apply by: 30 October 2026, 5:00 pm, online

The research admission brochure for January 2027 was updated on 10 September 2026. IIT Madras takes research applications through the year: those received by 30 October 2026 are considered for the January 2027 intake by the respective departments.

How the IIT Madras PhD admission works

• Apply online on the research admission website; there are no downloadable forms and hard copies are not accepted
• Departments shortlist using the minimum qualifications plus their own, often stiffer, criteria
• Shortlisted candidates are emailed about a written test and interview, or an interview only
• A separate application and fee are needed for each department or programme
• Foreign nationals may be considered without a personal interview or test, as set out in the brochure

Why this role matters

IIT Madras runs one of India’s largest research-degree programmes, and its January intake is a genuine option for anyone who missed the start of the academic year. Five years of Institute fellowship plus HRA and a wide choice of departments make this one of the most accessible routes into a funded PhD at a top Indian institute.

Eligibility

• PhD in Sciences: a master’s in science with a good record and a valid GATE, UGC-JRF/NET, CSIR-JRF, NBHM, INSPIRE, JEST or equivalent score; or an ME/MTech, 5-year BS-MS or integrated degree
• PhD in Engineering: a master’s in engineering or technology (or MS by Research, or a 5-year dual degree) with a good record; science master’s graduates of exceptional merit need a valid national test score
• PhD in Data Science and AI: a PG degree in engineering or technology
• Direct PhD: a 4-year BTech/BE or BS (Research) with CGPA of at least 8.0 and, depending on the route, a valid GATE score
• IIT M.Sc. (JAM) graduates with CGPA 8.0 or above are exempt from the national test; full rules are in Clause 5 of the brochure

Candidates whose qualifying degree is more than 10 years old sit a departmental test. Other fellowships (UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, DBT-JRF, NBHM, INSPIRE) are paid at the funding agency’s rates. OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must be dated after 1 April 2026.

Pay and duration

• Regular (HTRA) PhD scholars: Institute fellowship of ₹37,000 a month for the first two years and ₹42,000 a month for the next three, plus HRA as per GoI norms
• HTRA scholars work eight hours a week in their department; renewal each semester depends on progress
• MS by Research (HTRA): ₹12,400 a month for two years, extendable by six months on recommendation

How to apply

Apply online through the IIT Madras research admission website by 30 October 2026, 5:00 pm, and pay the fee for each department you apply to. Keep a printout of your application; shortlisting updates and results appear on department websites.

Key dates

• Brochure updated 10 September 2026
• Online application closes 30 October 2026, 5:00 pm
• Test and interview dates: emailed to shortlisted candidates by departments

Please read the official IIT Madras research admission brochure for January 2027 (PDF) before applying, and browse more PhD positions on ResearchJobs.in.