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Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is India’s premier public research university, established in 1909 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. IISc is an Institute of National Importance and a Deemed University under the UGC Act. It holds a NAAC A+ accreditation and UGC Category-1 status. IISc was founded through a joint initiative by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata and the Government of Mysore.
As per NIRF Rankings 2025, IISc is ranked 1st among Indian Universities, 1st in Research, and 2nd in NIRF Overall rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, IISc holds the 219th position globally.
The campus spreads across 400 acres in Bengaluru’s Malleswaram-Yeshwantpur area, housing over 40 departments and research centres, a national science library, the Tata Memorial Centre, and an on-campus national biodiversity reserve.
- B.Sc (Research): 4-year interdisciplinary undergraduate programme. Admission via JEE Advanced (rank under 1,000 General category) or KVPY scholarship. Total fee: INR 3.58 Lakhs.
- B.Tech: 4-year programmes in Aerospace Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Mechanics and Computing. Admission via JEE Advanced (rank under 856 for General). Total fee: INR 8.38 Lakhs per programme.
- M.Tech (Research mode): 2-year research-oriented programmes across 30+ disciplines. GATE-funded (stipend provided). Fee: INR 56,600 total.
- M.Tech (Industry mode): Self-funded programmes in AI (INR 9.60 Lakhs), Data Science (INR 8.90 Lakhs), and ECE (INR 9.60 Lakhs).
- M.Sc and M.Sc + Ph.D (Integrated): Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences. JAM/JEST admission. Total fee: INR 1.34 to 2.28 Lakhs.
- Master of Management: 2-year management programme for professionals. Fee: INR 5.79 Lakhs total.
- Ph.D: Over 40 disciplines across all IISc departments. GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET/JEST admission. Fee: INR 92,400 total. MHRD doctoral fellowship of INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month for qualifying scholars.
All research-mode M.Tech students receive a stipend of INR 12,400 to 28,000 per month depending on year and funding source. B.Sc (Research) students without KVPY receive INR 4,000 per month from IISc directly.
IISc placements in 2025 recorded a highest package of INR 65 LPA. M.Tech average package was INR 27.05 LPA. Top recruiters included Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Nokia, Dell, and Goldman Sachs.
IISc Admission Dates 2026
IISc admissions run through four parallel tracks: JoSAA centralised counselling for B.Tech and B.Sc (Research), JAM/JEST for M.Sc programmes, GATE for M.Tech (Research mode), and direct IISc screening for Ph.D and industry-mode M.Tech programmes. The 2026 cycle for all tracks is now concluded.
| Track | Event | 2026 Cycle Status |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech and B.Sc (Research) | JEE Advanced 2026 | May 2026 (Concluded) |
| JoSAA Round 1 to 6 counselling | June to July 2026 (Concluded) | |
| Reporting and classes commence | August 2026 | |
| M.Tech (Research mode, GATE) | GATE 2026 exam | February 2026 (Concluded) |
| IISc M.Tech offer release | April to July 2026 (Concluded) | |
| M.Sc and M.Sc + Ph.D (Integrated) | JAM 2026 / JEST 2026 | February 2026 (Concluded) |
| IISc M.Sc admissions | April to July 2026 (Concluded) | |
| Ph.D (August semester) | Ph.D application window | February to April 2026 (Concluded) |
| Interview and offer release | May to July 2026 (Concluded) | |
| Ph.D (January semester) | Application window | September to October 2026 (Tentative) |
The course-wise entrance exams accepted at IISc are listed below.
| Programme | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| B.Sc (Research) | JEE Advanced score (JoSAA counselling) or KVPY scholarship holder |
| B.Tech (all 4 branches) | JEE Advanced score via JoSAA counselling |
| M.Tech (Research mode) | GATE score in the relevant discipline |
| M.Tech (Industry mode: AI, Data Science, ECE) | IISc written test and interview |
| M.Sc and M.Sc + Ph.D | JAM (Science), JEST (Physics/CS), or JEE Advanced |
| Master of Management | IISc written test, group discussion, and interview |
| Ph.D (all disciplines) | GATE, CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, JEST, JAM, or ICAR depending on discipline |
IISc Courses and Fees
IISc offers programmes spanning basic sciences, engineering, management, and design. The research mode M.Tech and Ph.D programmes carry nominal fees because scholars receive fellowships and stipends that fully offset the cost. Industry-mode M.Tech programmes are self-funded at market-rate fees.
| Programme | Duration | Admission Route | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc (Research) | 4 years | JEE Advanced / KVPY (JoSAA) | INR 3.58 Lakhs |
| B.Tech (4 branches) | 4 years | JEE Advanced (JoSAA) | INR 8.38 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Chemical, Life, Physical Sciences) | 2 years | JAM / JEST | INR 1.34 to 2.28 Lakhs |
| M.Sc + Ph.D (Integrated) | 5 to 6 years | JAM / JEST / JEE Advanced | INR 1.34 Lakhs |
| M.Tech (Research mode, 30+ disciplines) | 2 years | GATE score | INR 56,600 |
| M.Tech (AI) | 2 years | IISc test and interview | INR 9.60 Lakhs |
| M.Tech (Data Science) | 2 years | IISc test and interview | INR 8.90 Lakhs |
| M.Tech (ECE) | 2 years | IISc test and interview | INR 9.60 Lakhs |
| M.Des (Product Design) | 2 years | CEED / IISc test | INR 56,600 |
| Master of Management | 2 years | IISc test and interview | INR 5.79 Lakhs |
| Ph.D (40+ disciplines) | 4 to 6 years | GATE / CSIR-NET / UGC-NET / JEST | INR 92,400 |
Research-mode M.Tech and Ph.D scholars receive stipends that fully offset the nominal fee. The B.Tech programme spans four specialised branches: Aerospace Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Mechanics and Computing. These are distinct from the 4-year B.Sc (Research), which is interdisciplinary and allows students to choose a major at the end of Year 1.
IISc Admission Process
IISc admission processes vary by programme level. UG and most PG admissions flow through national centralised systems (JoSAA, GATE, JAM). Research-mode admissions include an academic interview after shortlisting on test scores.
B.Tech and B.Sc (Research) Admission
B.Tech and B.Sc (Research) admissions are through JoSAA counselling, which processes JEE Advanced scores. IISc is offered in JoSAA under the INI category (similar to IITs).
- B.Tech eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths. Valid JEE Advanced score. JEE Advanced General category closing rank in 2025: 856. OBC-NCL: 446.
- B.Sc (Research) eligibility: JEE Advanced score (General category rank eligible via JoSAA) or active KVPY SB/SX fellowship. The programme is interdisciplinary and students select a major (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Materials, Earth Sciences, etc.) at the end of Year 1.
- Process: Register on JoSAA after JEE Advanced result. Fill IISc B.Tech or B.Sc (Research) preference. Receive offer after counselling rounds. Report to campus in August.
M.Tech (Research Mode) Admission
Research-mode M.Tech requires a valid GATE score in the relevant discipline. IISc releases shortlists from GATE scores and invites candidates for an academic interview. Selected candidates are offered stipend-funded seats.
- Eligibility: B.Tech/B.E. or M.Sc in the relevant discipline. Minimum GATE score cutoff varies by department (generally 700+ out of 1,000 for core IISc departments).
- Stipend: INR 12,400 to 28,000 per month depending on scholarship type and year of study.
Ph.D Admission
Ph.D admissions at IISc are conducted twice a year: for the August semester (applications February to April) and the January semester (applications September to October). IISc is the most research-output-dense institution in India, and Ph.D programmes are its core activity.
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in the relevant discipline (or B.Tech for direct Ph.D) with strong research background. Valid GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET/JEST depending on discipline.
- MHRD Doctoral Fellowship: INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month for qualifying scholars.
- PMRF (Prime Minister Research Fellowship): INR 70,000 to 80,000 per month for outstanding candidates entering via IIT/IISc B.Tech direct pathway.
IISc Placements and Career Outcomes
IISc’s primary mission is research, and the majority of its graduates, particularly Ph.D and research-mode M.Tech scholars, go into academia, government research labs (DRDO, ISRO, TIFR, DAE), and R and D divisions of global corporations. IISc also runs a dedicated placement programme for M.Tech, M.Sc, M.Des, and Master of Management graduates who choose industry roles.
IISc placements in 2025 recorded a highest package of INR 65 LPA and an M.Tech average of INR 27.05 LPA. Top campus recruiters included Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Samsung R and D, Nokia, Dell, Goldman Sachs, Intel, and Qualcomm.
| Career Pathway | Typical Destination |
|---|---|
| Research Mode M.Tech | Industry R and D (Samsung, Qualcomm, Intel, IBM), Ph.D continuation, national labs |
| Industry Mode M.Tech (AI, Data Science) | Product companies, analytics firms, AI labs. Average INR 27 LPA range. |
| B.Tech and B.Sc (Research) | Top graduate schools (India and abroad), early industry roles, start-ups. JoSAA-placed students. |
| Ph.D | Post-doctoral research (global), faculty positions (IITs/IIMs/NITs), DRDO, ISRO, TIFR, government R and D labs, global R and D centres |
| Master of Management | Tech-sector management roles, consulting, analytics. Placement Cell active. |
Ph.D graduates from IISc consistently secure positions at premier institutes globally. IISc has the highest research paper output per faculty among all Indian institutions as per NIRF Research metric, which forms the largest single weight in the NIRF ranking.
IISc Rankings
IISc consistently holds the top position in India for research quality and university-category rankings. Its global position has improved year-on-year, with the QS 2026 rank of 219 making it the highest-ranked Indian institution in the QS World University Rankings.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025/2026 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 1 |
| NIRF | Overall | 2 |
| NIRF | Research | 1 |
| QS World University Rankings | Global | 219 (QS 2026) |
| NAAC | Accreditation | A+ |
IISc’s NIRF Research rank of 1 reflects its dominant position in research output, publications per faculty, and citations per paper. Its NIRF Overall rank of 2 (behind IIT Madras at rank 1) is driven by metrics that weight graduation outcomes and placements, where the IITs, with their larger UG cohorts, score slightly higher.
IISc Scholarships and Fellowships
IISc provides financial support to virtually all research students through the MHRD Doctoral Fellowship, GATE stipend, and institutional awards. UG students also receive monthly support from the institute or through national scholarship schemes.
| Fellowship / Scholarship | Programme | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MHRD Doctoral Fellowship | Ph.D (qualifying scholars) | INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month |
| PMRF (Prime Minister Research Fellowship) | Ph.D (outstanding B.Tech/B.Sc direct entrants) | INR 70,000 to 80,000 per month |
| GATE Stipend (Research M.Tech) | M.Tech (Research mode) | INR 12,400 per month (AICTE) or higher IISc rate |
| KVPY Fellowship | B.Sc (Research) KVPY scholars | INR 5,000 per month + INR 20,000 annual grant |
| Inspire Scholarship (DST) | B.Sc (Research) Inspire-qualified students | INR 5,000 per month + INR 20,000 annual grant |
| IISc Institute Scholarship | B.Sc (Research) students without KVPY or Inspire | INR 4,000 per month |
| CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship | Ph.D (science disciplines) | INR 31,000 to 35,000 per month (JRF and SRF rates) |
The financial support structure at IISc means that almost all research students face zero net cost for their education: fellowships and stipends exceed the nominal fees. Industry-mode M.Tech students are self-funded and are not eligible for GATE or MHRD stipends.
IISc Campus and Infrastructure
The IISc Bengaluru campus spans 400 acres in the Malleswaram area of North Bengaluru, adjacent to the GKVK campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences. The campus is a self-contained academic township with all residential, recreational, and research facilities on-site.
Research infrastructure includes over 200 laboratories across 41 departments, high-performance computing centres, an electron microscope facility, a national wind tunnel, synchrotron beamline access, and a dedicated nano-fabrication facility. The J.R.D. Tata Memorial Library holds one of India’s largest scientific collections with access to major international journal databases. The campus also hosts the Society for Innovation and Development (SID), IISc’s technology transfer and incubation centre, which has supported over 100 start-ups since inception.
All programmes are fully residential. Hostels accommodate PhD scholars, M.Tech students, and undergraduates in separate blocks. International student accommodation is also available. On-campus facilities include a shopping centre, hospital, gymnasium, swimming pool, multiple cafeterias, and sports grounds for cricket, football, and athletics.
IISc vs IIT Madras vs IIT Bombay
Aspirants with JEE Advanced ranks in the top 1,000 for General category, and research scholars choosing between India’s premier technical and science institutions, typically compare IISc with IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. All three are Institutes of National Importance with NIRF Overall top-5 positions.
| Parameter | IISc Bengaluru | IIT Madras | IIT Bombay |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF Overall Rank 2025 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| NIRF Research Rank 2025 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| QS World Rank 2026 | 219 | 227 | 118 |
| Campus Area | 400 acres | 620 acres | 550 acres |
| B.Tech Branches | 4 | 16+ | 12+ |
| B.Tech Total Fees | INR 8.38 Lakhs | INR 8 to 9 Lakhs | INR 8 to 9 Lakhs |
| Primary Strength | Research and Ph.D excellence | Engineering and technology across all tiers | Industry placement and alumni network |
IISc leads in research output per faculty and holds the top NIRF Research rank. IIT Bombay has the highest QS World rank among the three (118) driven by international faculty and citation metrics. IIT Madras holds the top NIRF Overall rank, reflecting broader engineering programme coverage. Aspirants choosing between the three typically factor in: research vs industry career intent, programme breadth (IITs offer far more B.Tech branches), and location preference.
IISc FAQs
Ques. What is IISc Bangalore’s NIRF rank in 2025?
Ans. IISc Bangalore holds NIRF University rank 1, NIRF Research rank 1, and NIRF Overall rank 2 for 2025. In QS World University Rankings 2026, IISc is ranked 219th globally, making it the highest-ranked Indian institution in the QS rankings. IISc also holds NAAC A+ accreditation.
Ques. What is the JEE Advanced cutoff for IISc B.Tech 2025?
Ans. The JEE Advanced closing rank for IISc B.Tech General category in 2025 was 856. OBC-NCL closing rank was 446. B.Tech branches at IISc are Aerospace Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Mechanics and Computing. Admission is through JoSAA counselling under the INI (Institute of National Importance) category.
Ques. What is the total fee for B.Tech at IISc Bangalore?
Ans. The total B.Tech fee at IISc for the complete 4-year programme is INR 8.38 Lakhs. The B.Sc (Research) programme total fee is INR 3.58 Lakhs for 4 years. Research-mode M.Tech total fee is INR 56,600 for 2 years, and scholars receive a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 to 28,000 per month from GATE fellowship funding.
Ques. How are placements at IISc Bangalore?
Ans. IISc placements for 2025 recorded a highest package of INR 65 LPA and an M.Tech average of INR 27.05 LPA. Top recruiters included Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, and Goldman Sachs. IISc’s primary output is Ph.D graduates who go into academic positions and government research labs rather than campus placements. For M.Tech, M.Sc Data Science, and Master of Management students, the Placement Cell is active with strong IT and analytics sector participation.
Ques. What fellowships are available for Ph.D students at IISc?
Ans. Ph.D scholars at IISc receive the MHRD Doctoral Fellowship of INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month for qualifying candidates. The Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) provides INR 70,000 to 80,000 per month to exceptional candidates entering through the B.Tech/B.Sc direct pathway. CSIR-NET JRF holders receive INR 31,000 per month as JRF stipend. The Ph.D fee itself is only INR 92,400 total, effectively making the Ph.D cost-free for fellowship holders.
Ques. Is IISc only for Ph.D or does it have undergraduate programmes?
Ans. IISc offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The B.Sc (Research) is a 4-year interdisciplinary UG programme for JEE Advanced or KVPY-qualified students. IISc B.Tech was introduced in 2018 and covers 4 branches: Aerospace Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Mechanics and Computing. At PG level, IISc offers M.Tech (30+ disciplines), M.Sc, M.Des, Master of Management, and Ph.D. Ph.D remains the largest programme by enrolment.
Ques. Is IISc better than IIT Bombay and IIT Madras for research?
Ans. IISc holds NIRF Research rank 1, ahead of IIT Madras (rank 2) and IIT Bombay (rank 3). Its research paper output per faculty is the highest among Indian institutions. For students interested in fundamental science, cross-disciplinary research, and a Ph.D-focused environment, IISc is the preferred choice. IITs offer a broader range of B.Tech branches and stronger undergraduate peer networks for engineering-focused students targeting industry roles.
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Admission to IISc Bangalore is merit-based. Undergraduate (B.Sc. Research) admission is through JEE Advanced, JEE Main, NEET, or KVPY (as applicable). Postgraduate and PhD admissions require GATE/NET/JAM scores, followed by interviews as per program rules.
The IISc Bangalore admission process requires candidates to register online on the admission portal of IISc Bangalore for various UG and PG programs. Given below are the steps to be followed to apply for the IISc Bangalore M.Tech (CSE) program.
No, admission to IISc Bangalore (Indian Institute of Science) is not through IAT (Institutional Admission Test). IISc offers admission through national-level entrance exams, depending on the program: for undergraduate programs like B.Sc. (Research), admissions are through KVPY, JEE Advanced, or NEET; for postgraduate programs like M.Tech, PhD, or M.Mgt, admissions are via GATE, JAM, or institute-specific tests
Yes, students appearing for the 12th standard board examination (or equivalent) are eligible to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science (Research) program at IISc Bangalore. Applicants must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as main subjects in their 12th standard. They need to qualify in one of the national tests: KVPY, IIT-JEE (Main or Advanced), or NEET.
No, there is currently no vacancy for an M.Sc. in Mathematics at IISc Bangalore. The online admissions portal clearly states that admissions for most of the postgraduate (PG) and research programs, including M.Sc., M.Tech., M.Des., and others, are closed at present
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, does not offer a dedicated M.Sc in Biotechnology as such. Instead, IISc offers a 2-year M.Sc. in Life Sciences. At the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, admission to M.Sc-level Biotechnology/Life Sciences requires a valid national exam score, such as IIT JAM or GATE, for shortlisting, followed by an interview; there is no direct entry without these exams.
The fee for the Btech course is mentioned below:
Funding options for a PhD in Neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, include institute fellowships and national scholarships. Most PhD students receive a JRF stipend of about INR 37,000 per month, increasing to INR 42,000 as SRF, along with hostel facilities and research support. Students may also apply for external fellowships, like PMRF or industry-supported fellowships
The cutoff for Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (AIT), affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), is based on KCET ranks for engineering admissions. For popular branches like Computer Science and Electronics, the cutoff ranges between 1,500 and 10,000 for the general category.
Qualification with required GATE paper (in brackets): B.E. / B. Tech. or equivalent degree (with a GATE Paper in AE; CE; CH; EC; EE; ME, XE).
Selection Process: Selection is based on 100% GATE score
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, offers a range of postgraduate programs in the biological sciences. However, it does not provide a standalone Master of Science (M.Sc) in Microbiology.
The fee for the course is mentioned below:
B.Sc
M.Sc
M.Tech
Ph.D
M.Sc + Ph.D.
You can contact the IISc Bangalore at 080-22932210 for the queries.
Non GATE candidates can not apply for admission to M.Tech. at IISC Bangalore. They should have qualified B.E. or B.Tech. degree in the relevant specialisation along with a valid GATE score card as on 1st August 2024. The institue will use the COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) to make the offer for admissions into the M.Tech. Programs.
No, you can not apply for admission to B.Sc. Program via CUET Scores in IISC Bangalore. There are other entrance examinations in which you can appear for taking admission to B.Sc. Program. These entrance examinations are KVPY, JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NEET UG. The Cutoff rank of these entrance examinations are given below:
These cutoffs ranks are for General Category students.
The expected GATE cutoff scores (based on 2023 cutoff scores) required for IISC Bangalore M.Tech. AI Program is listed below:
These are the M.tech. Artificial Intelligence GATE cutoffs of General Category only. For getting cutoff scores of other categories as well, you need to visit the official website of IISC Bangalore or search IISC Bangalore M.Tech. AI Cutoff on your web browser.
No, there is no other registration mode, but only through JEE Advanced/CEED/GATE/JAM followed by counselling only.
The fee for the first year is INR1.21 Lakhs, and for the 2nd year is INR 1.06 Lakhs for the M.Sc in Chemical Sciences
IISc Bangalore registration for PhD/ MTech(Research), MTech, MDes, MMgt, MSc, and Integrated PhD programs are open now. The last date to apply for admission is March 22, 2024.
If you are seeking admission to M.Tech program, then admission is done based on GATE only and for M.Sc it is done based on IIT JAM. And there is no alternative way for the same.