IIIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University is a private, not-for-profit university in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is recognised by the UGC under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, in the Distinct category. The university grew out of the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, set up in 2008, and was inaugurated on 26 August 2025.
Teaching currently runs from a network of four buildings in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru. A 54-acre net-zero carbon residential campus is being developed at Kengeri as the main campus.
- IIHS University offers five two-year Master's programs across five schools:
- M.Sc in Sustainability Science and Practice
- M.Sc in Climate Change Science and Practice
- M.Sc in Urban Economic and Infrastructure Development
- MA in Human Development Policy and Practice
- MA in Urban Studies and Practice
- A fully funded Doctoral Program (PhD) in Urban Studies and Practice, with 10 seats for 2026-27.
- The total fees for every Master's program is INR 15.66 Lakhs for the entire duration, including hostel and lunch. The PhD charges no tuition.
- Need-based financial assistance can cover tuition, hostel, food and field visits in part or in full. PhD scholars receive a stipend of INR 75,000 per month.
- Admission is through the university's own online entrance exam, essays and an interview. No national exam score is required.
IIHS University Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2027-28 will began from January, 2027. The candidates can check the tentative schedule based on previous admission cycle:
| Event | Date (tentative) |
|---|---|
| Online application window | 12 January - 20 March 2027 |
| Entrance examination | 4 April 2027 |
| Shortlist declared | 9 April 2027 |
| Online interviews | 13 - 25 April 2027 |
| First list and waitlist | 4 May 2027 |
| Second list | 26 May 2027 |
| Orientation | 24 - 29 August 2027 |
| Academic session began | 31 August 2027 |
Both program families use the university's own tests rather than a national exam. The exam format for each is summarised below:
| Course | Exam Accepted | Format | Next Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's (M.Sc / MA) | IIHS University Entrance Exam | 180-minute online test, MCQs plus two essays | 30-minute online interview |
| PhD | IIHS University Doctoral Written Exam | Online test with MCQs, research proposal and intellectual statement | In-person interview in Bengaluru |
IIHS University Courses and Fees 2027
IIHS University offers six degree programs, five Master's and one PhD. All Master's programs carry the same total fee of INR 15.66 Lakhs, while the PhD is fully funded. The table below repesents IIHS University Courses and Fees:
| Course | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc | Bachelor's degree in any discipline | INR 15.66 Lakhs |
| MA | ||
| PhD in Urban Studies and Practice | Master's degree with 55% aggregate | No tuition fee |
IIHS University Admission Process
IIHS University admission is merit-based and runs entirely on the university's own tests. There is no reservation-by-quota system. Instead, a weighted Diversity Points system rewards socio-economic diversity.
IIHS University Master's Admission
Aspirants can apply for up to two Master's programs, marking a first priority.
- Bachelor's degree in any subject or discipline
- Age not above 35 years as of 1 August of the admission year
- Basic proficiency in reading, writing and comprehending English
Selection happens in two stages.
- Stage 1: Online entrance exam with a General section (reading comprehension, basic maths, logical reasoning) and an Advanced section on program themes. A minimum of 40% in the MCQ part is needed to move ahead.
- Stage 2: The two essays written during the exam are graded, followed by a 30-minute online interview. Candidates need at least 40% in essays and interview combined.
- Final list: A First List and a Waitlist are released, and selected candidates confirm with a refundable deposit of INR 5,000.
The final merit score is weighted across five components.
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Entrance Exam - General Section | 25% |
| Entrance Exam - Advanced Section | 25% |
| Interview | 20% |
| Diversity Points | 15% |
| Essays | 15% |
Diversity Points consider caste, tribe, gender, household income, non-metro schooling, first-generation learner status and disability. Exam scores are also compared within disciplinary categories, so the cohort mixes science, humanities, commerce and engineering graduates. The university also offers English writing support to admitted students who need it.
IIHS University PhD Admission
The PhD requires a Master's degree with at least 55% aggregate or an equivalent grade.
- Online application with a writing sample, two supervisor choices and two referees
- Online written exam covering logic, research methods, a research proposal and an intellectual statement
- In-person interview at the Sadashivanagar campus, with INR 5,000 travel support for outstation candidates
The written stage carries 70% weightage and the interview 30%. A minimum of 40% in each is required.
IIHS University Scholarships
IIHS University does not run merit scholarships. Support is need-based and decided only after an admission offer is made, so applying for aid has no impact on selection.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Financial Assistance | Stage 2 shortlisted applicants who submit the Financial Assistance Form and income documents | Partial or full tuition, hostel, food, exposure and practica costs |
| Living Cost Stipend | Master's students with documented need | Additional stipend, quantum decided case by case |
| PhD Stipend | All admitted PhD scholars | INR 75,000 per month for 4 years, zero tuition |
Assessment looks at parental occupation and earnings, previous salary, savings and household income. Aid does not cover the INR 5,000 admission deposit. Master's programs are also eligible for education loans from major banks.
IIHS University Campus and Infrastructure
Classes are currently held at the Sadashivanagar campus, a network of four buildings in central Bengaluru. It has lecture halls, tutorial rooms, a library of over 25,000 books, a cafeteria, a rooftop garden and an indoor sports area.
The 54-acre Kengeri campus is being built as a net-zero carbon residential campus. It includes an urban forest, a lake and wetlands, a solar grid and decentralised wastewater treatment. Facilities already planned include a 500-person amphitheatre, a sports arena with 350 seats, labs and an experimental kitchen.
- Master's programs are fully residential, and hostel stay is mandatory even for Bengaluru residents.
- Rooms are on a double-sharing basis for the full two years, with pooled pick-up and drop to campus.
- University-provided food covers only weekday lunch. Other meals are paid separately.
- Hospitalisation insurance is provided free, and students must bring their own laptops.
- PhD scholars do not get university housing and arrange their own accommodation.
IIHS University vs Azim Premji University vs TISS Mumbai
Aspirants looking at urban, development and sustainability Master's degrees usually weigh IIHS University against Azim Premji University and TISS Mumbai. The table compares the flagship relevant program at each.
| Parameter | IIHS University | Azim Premji University | TISS Mumbai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparable Program | MA Urban Studies and Practice | MA Development | MA / M.Sc Urban Policy and Governance |
| Location | Bengaluru | Bengaluru, Ranchi | Mumbai |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years (22 months) | 2 years |
| Intake | 35 | Not disclosed | 25 |
| Selection | Own entrance exam, essays, interview | Own selection process | CUET PG score (100% weightage) |
| Total Fees | INR 15.66 Lakhs (incl. hostel and lunch) | INR 2.89 Lakhs tuition + INR 1.60 Lakhs hostel | Approx. INR 1.42 Lakhs |
| Financial Aid | Need-based, up to full cost | Need-based, family income below INR 8 Lakhs | Government scholarships and fee exemptions |
IIHS University leads on program specialisation, small batches and a residential, field-heavy model. Azim Premji University offers a much lower fee and an established development-sector alumni base. TISS Mumbai has the longest track record and the lowest cost, but admission hinges on a national exam.
IIHS University FAQs
Ques. Is IIHS University recognised by the UGC?
Ans. Yes. IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University is recognised by the UGC under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Its degrees follow the UGC-approved nomenclature under Section 22 of the Act.
Ques. Is IIHS University worth INR 15.66 Lakhs?
Ans. The fee covers tuition, mandatory hostel, weekday lunch, intercity exposure visits and field practica. Value depends on whether you want a career in urban, climate or development practice. Need-based aid can reduce the cost substantially for eligible students.
Ques. Do I need CUET PG or GATE for IIHS University admission?
Ans. No. IIHS University conducts its own online entrance exam for Master's and PhD admission. No national entrance exam score is required.
Ques. Can a B.Tech or B.Com graduate apply for the M.Sc programs?
Ans. Yes. All five Master's programs accept a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. The age limit is 35 years as of 1 August of the admission year.
Ques. Is hostel compulsory at IIHS University?
Ans. Yes, for Master's students. Residential stay on a double-sharing basis is mandatory for the full two years, including for students from Bengaluru.
Ques. Does IIHS University offer placements?
Ans. The university offers career guidance, workshops and compulsory internships. It states that placements are not guaranteed, and the first Master's batch graduates in 2027.
Ques. Is the IIHS University PhD paid?
Ans. Yes. The PhD charges no tuition and every admitted scholar receives INR 75,000 per month for four years. It can be extended to a fifth year with committee approval.
Ques. When will IIHS University admission 2027 open?
Ans. Official dates are yet to be announced. Going by the previous cycle, Master's applications are likely to open in January 2027, with the entrance exam in early April.
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