IIT Madras PhD, MS Admission 2027 Open: Apply by October 30
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has opened applications for its M.S. by Research, Direct Ph.D. (Direct PhD) and Ph.D. by Research programmes for the January 2027 session. The official IIT Madras research admission portal will accept online forms until October 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm. This is the final application deadline.
The admission is for the 2026-27 academic year and the January-May 2027 semester. Students must apply online with supporting documents. IIT Madras will announce the written test and interview schedule through the concerned departments.
IIT Madras Research Admission 2027: Important dates
| Event | Date or status | What students should know |
|---|---|---|
| Online application opens | April 10, 2026 | Applications are submitted through the research portal |
| Last date to apply | October 30, 2026, 5:00 pm | Late forms will not be accepted on the portal |
| Written test and interview | To be announced | The concerned department will share the schedule |
| Session | January-May 2027 | Admission is for the 2026-27 academic year |
Programmes available at IIT Madras
The portal lists admission to M.S. by Research, Direct Ph.D. and Ph.D. by Research. Applicants can check departments such as Computer Science and Engineering, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Management Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Medical Sciences and Technology, and several other areas.
Each department has its own research areas and may ask for a written test, an interview or both. Read the department details and the January 2027 admission brochure on the official portal before choosing a programme.
Who can apply for Direct Ph.D.?
IIT Madras says a four-year B.Tech., B.S. or B.E. degree can be used for Direct Ph.D. admission in the listed cases. A graduate from a centrally funded technical institute may apply with at least 8.0 CGPA out of 10 or 75% without a valid GATE score. A candidate below that level may apply with a valid GATE score.
A four-year B.Tech., B.E. or B.S. degree from another university normally needs at least 8.0 CGPA or 75% and a valid GATE score. The FAQ also lists special routes for eligible MBBS or BDS candidates with a valid NEET PG score and for some M.Sc. Mathematics or Computer Science candidates with the required GATE score. Department rules still apply, so students should match their degree with the department’s eligibility page.
Financial support for selected scholars
The official portal lists monthly support for scholars who meet the institute’s rules. Ph.D., Direct Ph.D. and candidates upgraded to Ph.D. can receive ₹37,000 per month for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month for the next three years. M.S. scholars can receive ₹12,400 per month for the first two years, with an extension of up to six months subject to the recommendation of the Graduate Transactions Committee.
Support is linked to the category and conditions shown by IIT Madras. Students should read the financial-support terms before selecting a category in the form.
How to apply for IIT Madras PhD and MS programmes
- Open the IIT Madras research application portal and create an account with a working email address.
- Choose the department and research programme after checking the department’s research areas.
- Fill in the profile and qualification details, then upload the required certificates and other files.
- If you apply to more than one department or programme, use the same login but submit a separate form and fee for each application.
- Pay the application fee online, submit the form and save the application number and payment record.
IIT Madras will consider only forms submitted on the portal with the required documents. Hard-copy (hard copy) forms and applications sent by email will not be considered. Reserved-category applicants should upload valid certificates in the prescribed format. Students applying to multiple departments must submit separate applications.
What to Do Next
If you plan to apply, finish these checks today:
- Choose the department and read its research areas and eligibility rules.
- Keep your degree certificates, marksheets, GATE or other score details and category documents ready.
- Create the portal account early and check that your email and phone number work.
- Submit the online form and payment by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
- Save the application number and watch the department page for the test and interview schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for IIT Madras PhD and MS Admission 2027?
The last date to submit the online application is October 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
Which programmes are covered in this admission round?
The round covers M.S. by Research, Direct Ph.D. and Ph.D. by Research for the January-May 2027 session.
When will the written test and interview be held?
The portal says the concerned departments will announce the written test and interview schedule.
Can students apply to more than one department?
Yes. IIT Madras asks students to use the same login, submit separate applications and pay the fee separately for each department or programme.
Are hard-copy forms accepted?
No. Only applications submitted on the official portal with supporting documents will be considered.
