IISc Bengaluru M.Tech Admission 2026: Eligibility, GATE Cutoff, Fees and Placements

IISc Bengaluru M.Tech Admission 2026: IISc Bengaluru, one of India’s most prestigious research institutions, has opened its admission portal for M.Tech and M.Des programs for the 2026 academic year. Known for academic excellence, strong research culture, and top-tier placements, IISc is a prime destination for high GATE scorers.

IISc Bengaluru M.Tech Program Selection

Choosing an M.Tech specialization is like selecting a branch in B.Tech. Students must pick from various M.Tech courses. Admission depends on the candidate's GATE score and the specific GATE paper they appeared for. Candidates can access multiple course options based on their GATE discipline and should evaluate placement trends and other relevant factors before making their choice. 

General Eligibility for M.Tech/M.Des Programs

Candidates must hold a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025, or 2026, valid as of 1 August 2026. A relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or science is required. Final-year students can also apply if they meet eligibility before admission confirmation.

M.Tech/M.Des Program Details and Selection Criteria

IISc follows two major selection models depending on the program. Some courses admit students purely through GATE scores, while others include interviews or written tests. Understanding the model helps candidates estimate admission chances.

100% GATE Score Based Admission

Selection is done solely on GATE performance, and offers are released via the COAP portal. Programs like Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Materials Engineering follow this model.

70% GATE + 30% Test/Interview

Admission is based on a weighted evaluation of GATE score and IISc-conducted test or interview. Programs such as Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering follow this approach.

Major M.Tech Programs and Intake

IISc offers diverse specializations across engineering and interdisciplinary fields. Each program defines eligible GATE papers and intake capacity. Candidates should check eligibility carefully before applying.

• Aerospace Engineering (AE)

• Intake: 19

• Eligible GATE Papers: AE, CE, CH, EC, EE, ME, XE

• Selection: 100% GATE Score

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Intake: 35

• Eligible GATE Papers: CS, DA, EC, EE

• Selection: 70% GATE Score + 30% Written Test

• Bioengineering

• Intake: 11

• Eligible GATE Papers: Interdisciplinary (multiple papers eligible)

• Selection: 70% GATE Score + 30% Interview

• Civil Engineering (CE)

• Intake: 32

• Eligible GATE Papers: CE (for B.E/B.Tech in Civil or Mechanical)

• Selection: 100% GATE Score

• Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)

• Intake: 62

• Eligible GATE Papers: CS

• Selection: 100% GATE Score

• Computational & Data Science

• Eligible GATE Papers: Interdisciplinary

• Selection: 70% GATE Score + 30% Written Test/Interview

• Mechanical Engineering (ME)

• Intake: 21

• Eligible GATE Papers: ME, AE, PI, XE

• Selection: 70% GATE Score + 30% Interview

• Materials Engineering

• Intake: 32

• Selection: 100% GATE Score

• VLSI Design

• Description: This is an emerging and high-demand field, with placements often comparable to Computer Science.

• Intake: 20

• Eligible GATE Papers: EE, EC, CS, IN

• Quantum Technology

• Eligible GATE Papers: Any GATE discipline is eligible to apply.

Important Dates for IISc Bengaluru M.Tech Admission 2026

The admission timeline is structured around GATE results and evaluation rounds. Candidates must follow official deadlines carefully.

• Online Application Portal Active: February 1, 2026

• Application Submission Deadline: March 23, 2026

• M.Tech Interview/Written Test Schedule: April 13 – April 17, 2026

• Research/Interdisciplinary Courses Schedule: May 8 – May 9, 2026

IISc Bengaluru Fee Structure and Financials

All students admitted to the M.Tech program receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,400. The total tuition fee for the M.Tech program is approximately ₹25,000 - ₹30,000, which is easily manageable with the provided stipend. The fee structure for SC/ST students is lower, and a portion of the fees is a refundable deposit.

GATE Score Cut-offs (Based on Previous Year Data)

Admission cut-offs differ by program, GATE paper, and admission round. Candidates should focus on the lowest score that secured admission to gauge their chances. Admission offers are released in multiple rounds via the COAP portal, and cut-offs typically decrease in subsequent rounds if seats remain vacant.

In Round 2, the AI cut-off for the DA paper dropped to 835. In Round 3, the AI cut-off for the OBC category further dropped to 745, showing that a seat was still available. If a candidate's score is near the previous year's lowest cut-off, they have a reasonable chance and should apply.

Placement Statistics (Based on RTI Data)

Placement data is a critical factor when choosing an M.Tech specialization. The final decision should align with career goals and be informed by placement performance.

IISc Bengaluru Salary Packages (2024-25 Batch)

Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science show the strongest placement rates. Core engineering branches have moderate placement numbers depending on industry demand.

The provided data is based on official information, including RTIs, and indicates program performance. Students should analyze these trends to select the best course for their career aspirations. The list of recruiting companies is available on the IISc website.

Application Strategy for IISc Bengaluru M.Tech 

Applicants should plan submissions strategically instead of applying immediately. Evaluating GATE score predictions and comparing institutes improves outcomes.

1. Wait for Response Sheet: After the GATE exam, use your response sheet and rank predictors to get an estimated score range.
2. Strategic Application: Do not rush to fill out forms. The deadline is March 23rd. Wait for portals of other institutions to open, assess your options, and then apply to multiple institutes strategically.
3. Upload Scorecard: You will need to upload your official GATE scorecard once the results are declared.
4. Stay Informed: Follow official channels and guidance programs to stay updated throughout the admission process, from application to offer acceptance.

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