IIT Madras Scholarships 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Application & Types

IIT Madras offers a comprehensive array of scholarships and financial assistance to support meritorious and financially needy students in its undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These include institute-offered scholarships based on criteria such as merit, means, parental income, and academic performance, as well as external scholarships from government ministries, corporations, trusts, and international bodies that are accepted and administered through the institute. The IIT Madras scholarships aim to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs, ensuring accessibility to quality education. Details are sourced from official institute resources and are subject to periodic updates based on guidelines.

IIT Madras Scholarships: Institute-Offered

The institute directly provides these scholarships to support students, primarily B.Tech/Dual Degree, focusing on merit, income criteria, and specific categories. Check the IIT Madras scholarships offered by the institute itself from the table below:

IIT Madras Scholarships: External Accepted

These scholarships from government ministries, corporations, alumni networks, and other entities are accepted and often processed through IIT Madras, covering various student categories and programs. The table below enlists the IIT Madras scholarships:

IIT Madras Scholarships: International

These are primarily for international/inbound students at IIT Madras, often fully or substantially funded. Tabulated below are the IIT Madras scholarships for international students:

IIT Madras Scholarships: Application Process

The application process for IIT Madras scholarships varies depending on the type of scholarship—whether it is institute-offered (e.g., Merit-cum-Means, Free Studentship, SC/ST scholarships, or named/endowed scholarships), external/government (e.g., from ministries, state governments, or corporate sponsors), or international student scholarships.

Institute-Offered Scholarships (Primarily for Indian Students in B.Tech/Dual Degree Programs)

These include Merit-cum-Means (MCM), Free Studentship, SC/ST scholarships, Notional Prize, and various named/endowed scholarships (e.g., Girish Ready, Dr K Vasanth Rau). Many are automatically considered or processed internally based on admission data and income declarations.

• General Process: Most IIT Madras scholarships (especially fee waivers like 67% tuition exemption under MCM/Free Studentship for parental income ≤ ₹4.5 lakhs) are processed through the Academic Section during or shortly after admission/registration. Students submit income certificates and other documents via the institute's student portal or during fee payment/registration. Renewal requires maintaining minimum GPA (e.g., 5.0) and re-submission of income proof annually.
• Specific Named/Endowed Scholarships: These often require separate applications through the Office of Alumni & Corporate Relations (ACR). For example, Merit-cum-Means enhancements or unique scholarships involve applying via online links provided on the ACR portal (https://acr.iitm.ac.in/merit-cum-means-scholarship or similar pages). Students update bank details in the IITM Workflow for disbursal after approval.
• How to Apply: Check eligibility on the official scholarships page; submit required documents (income certificate, academic proofs) as notified during admission or via email/circulars from the Academic Section or ACR. Contact: Academic Section or Scholarship Team at ACR (Ph: 044 2257 8359, Email: scholarship@acr.iitm.ac.in).

External Scholarships Accepted (Government, Corporate, Alumni-Funded)

These are facilitated through IIT Madras but often require applications to the sponsoring body, with the institute handling verification/disburasal.

• Government Scholarships (e.g., Central Sector for SC/ST from Ministry of Social Justice/Tribal Affairs, Merit-cum-Means for Minorities from Ministry of Minority Affairs, Inspire for Dual Degree from DST, Pratibha from Andhra Pradesh Govt.): Apply directly through the respective government portals (e.g., National Scholarship Portal for many GoI schemes) or state government portals. IIT Madras verifies and forwards/recommends as needed. Renewal based on passing exams and income proof.
• Corporate/Private Scholarships (e.g., Aditya Birla, OPJEMS, Nissan, ST Engineering): Selection often based on JEE rank/CGPA; students apply via the sponsor's portal or as notified by the institute/ACR. IIT Madras may shortlist or administer.
• Process: Monitor institute circulars/emails for announcements; apply online to the external body; submit institute-specific forms if required (e.g., for bank details or verification). Disbursal through institute accounts after approval.

International Student Scholarships

For inbound international students (UG, PG, PhD).

• IIT Madras GE Scholarship / RV Chakrapani Fellowship: Competitive selection; apply via the dedicated portal at https://admissions.ge.iitm.ac.in/.
• ICCR Scholarship: Apply through the ICCR portal; nominations forwarded via Indian Embassies/High Commissions.
• Study In India (SII): Apply via https://studyinindia.gov.in/; merit-based with institute coordination.
• AARDO / Others: Specific portals or direct applications as listed on the OGE website.
• Process: Create an account on the respective portal, submit required documents (academic records, SOP, references), and follow program-specific guidelines.

IIT Madras Scholarships FAQs

Q1. What scholarships does IIT Madras offer for B.Tech students?

IIT Madras provides institute scholarships like Merit-cum-Means (67% tuition fee exemption for parental income ≤ ₹4.5 lakhs), Free Studentship (similar exemption), SC/ST scholarships (free messing + ₹250/month + full tuition waiver), and named ones such as Girish Ready Scholarship (₹25,000/year) and Dr K Vasanth Rau Scholarship (₹25,000/year). External options include Aditya Birla (₹60,000/year), OPJEMS (₹65,000/year), and government schemes like Central Sector for SC/ST. Many cover tuition gaps (e.g., ₹66,667 for income ₹1-5 lakhs via alumni/CSR support) to ensure full fee coverage for eligible students.

Q2. What is the eligibility for IIT Madras Merit-cum-Means Scholarship?

For the Institute Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, parental annual income must not exceed ₹4,50,000, and it covers up to 25% of admitted students (primarily B.Tech/Dual Degree). Alumni-supported enhancements extend support for income ₹1-5 lakhs (full tuition coverage combining government 2/3rd waiver + ₹66,667 top-up) and sometimes ₹5-8 lakhs. Renewal of IIT Madras scholarships requires maintaining a minimum GPA of 5.0 per semester. Students must not receive conflicting scholarships in some cases.

Q3. How much tuition fee exemption is available under IIT Madras scholarships?

Institute Merit-cum-Means and Free Studentship provide 67% tuition fee exemption (approximately ₹1.33 lakhs on ₹2 lakhs annual fee). For income ≤ ₹1 lakh, full waiver applies (government). Alumni/CSR funds often cover the remaining ₹66,667 for income ₹1-5 lakhs, making tuition effectively free for eligible meritorious students. SC/ST students get full tuition exemption regardless of income, plus additional allowances.

Q4. What is the renewal process for IIT Madras scholarships?

Most scholarships renew semester/yearly based on academic performance—e.g., minimum GPA 5.0 for institute MCM/Free Studentship/SC/ST, 8.0 for Girish Ready, or passing exams for government schemes. Re-submit income proof annually for means-based ones. Renewal is not automatic if criteria aren't met; check ACR or Academic Section notifications.