IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University is a private, not-for-profit institution in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It holds UGC recognition in the Distinct category under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. The university developed from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, established in 2008, and was inaugurated on 26 August 2025.

Academic activities currently operate across 4 buildings in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru. A 54-acre residential campus is under development at Kengeri as the university's main campus, with a net-zero carbon design.

The university offers 5 two-year Master's programmes across 5 schools, covering sustainability, climate change, urban economic and infrastructure development, human development and urban studies. Its fully funded PhD in Urban Studies and Practice had 10 seats for 2026-27. Admission uses university-conducted assessments, written submissions and interviews, without requiring a national entrance-examination score.

IIHS University Important Dates

The 2026-27 admission cycle has concluded. Interest registration for 2027 is available, while the official application and selection dates for the next intake have not yet been announced.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

IIHS University Major Courses and Fees

IIHS University has 6 degree programmes: 5 Master's programmes and 1 doctoral programme. Each Master's programme lasts 2 years and has a total fee of INR 15.66 Lakhs. This covers tuition, mandatory hostel accommodation, weekday lunch, intercity exposure visits and field practica. The fully funded PhD has no tuition charge.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

A bachelor's degree in any discipline is accepted for Master's admission. Doctoral applicants need a Master's degree with at least 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade.

IIHS University Admission Process

Selection at IIHS University is merit-based and uses the university's own examinations. A weighted Diversity Points system recognises socio-economic diversity in place of reservation through quotas. Neither Master's nor PhD applicants need a national entrance-test score.

Master's Eligibility and Programme Preferences

Applicants may select up to 2 Master's programmes and must identify their first preference. Eligibility requirements are:

• A bachelor's degree in any subject or discipline.
• Age of no more than 35 years as of 1 August of the admission year.
• Basic ability to read, write and comprehend English.

Master's Application and Selection Stages

1. Complete the online application and specify the chosen programme or programmes, clearly identifying the first preference.
2. Take the university's 180-minute online entrance examination. It contains multiple-choice questions and 2 essays. The General section tests reading comprehension, basic mathematics and logical reasoning, while the Advanced section covers programme-related themes.
3. Meet the minimum MCQ qualifying requirement to proceed to Stage 2.
4. At Stage 2, the essays written during the examination are evaluated. Shortlisted candidates also attend a 30-minute online interview and must meet the combined qualifying requirement for these assessments.
5. Check the First List and Waitlist. Selected applicants confirm admission by paying a refundable deposit of INR 5,000.

The final merit score combines the following 5 components:

Diversity Points account for caste, tribe, gender, household income, schooling outside metropolitan areas, first-generation learner status and disability. Examination results are also compared within disciplinary categories to support a cohort drawn from science, humanities, commerce and engineering. Admitted students who need assistance can receive English writing support.

PhD Eligibility and Selection

Applicants to the PhD in Urban Studies and Practice must hold a Master's degree with at least 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade.

1. Submit the online application with a writing sample, 2 supervisor choices and details of 2 referees.
2. Complete the online doctoral written examination, which includes MCQs, logic, research methods, a research proposal and an intellectual statement.
3. Attend an in-person interview at the Sadashivanagar campus in Bengaluru. Outstation candidates receive INR 5,000 in travel support.

The doctoral written assessment contributes 70% to the final score, and the interview contributes 30%.

IIHS University Admission Qualifying Scores

Applicants must meet the qualifying requirements at the relevant assessment stages. The Master's process uses separate thresholds for the MCQ segment and the combined essay-interview assessment, while doctoral candidates must qualify in both the written assessment and interview.

IIHS University Placements and Career Support

IIHS University supports career preparation through guidance, workshops and compulsory internships. The university states that placement is not guaranteed. Its first Master's cohort graduates in 2027.

IIHS University Campus Life and Infrastructure

The current Sadashivanagar campus consists of 4 buildings in central Bengaluru. Facilities include lecture halls, tutorial rooms, a library with more than 25,000 books, a cafeteria, a rooftop garden and an indoor sports area.

The developing Kengeri campus spans 54 acres and is designed as a net-zero carbon residential campus. Its features include an urban forest, a lake and wetlands, a solar grid and decentralised wastewater treatment. Planned facilities include a 500-person amphitheatre, a sports arena with 350 seats, laboratories and an experimental kitchen.

All Master's programmes require residential participation for the full 2 years, including for students who already live in Bengaluru. Hostel rooms accommodate 2 students, and pooled pick-up and drop services connect the accommodation with the campus. University-provided meals cover weekday lunch only; students pay separately for other meals. Hospitalisation insurance is provided free, and students must bring their own laptops. Doctoral scholars arrange their own accommodation because university housing is not provided to them.

IIHS University Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Financial support at IIHS University is based on need rather than merit scholarships. Assistance is assessed only after an admission offer has been made, so requesting support does not influence selection. Depending on the assessment, aid may cover part or all of tuition, hostel accommodation, food and field-related expenses.

Financial assessment considers parental occupation and earnings, the applicant's previous salary, savings and household income. Assistance does not cover the INR 5,000 admission deposit. Master's students can also seek education loans from major banks.

Doctoral funding may continue into a 5th year with committee approval.

IIHS University, Azim Premji University and TISS Mumbai Comparison

Students considering postgraduate study in urban issues, development and sustainability often compare IIHS University with Azim Premji University and TISS Mumbai. The following table sets out the relevant flagship programme, admission route, fees and financial support at each institution.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

IIHS University emphasises specialised programmes, small cohorts and residential learning with substantial fieldwork. Azim Premji University combines lower fees with an established alumni network in the development sector. TISS Mumbai has the longest track record and the lowest listed cost among the three, with admission dependent on a national entrance examination.