Chennai, 18 February 2026: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, an Institute of National Importance, has opened application window for PhD/Direct PhD/MS (by Research) Admission for July 2026 Semester. Scholars admitted to PhD and MS programmes under Regular scheme are eligible for the following Half-Time Research Assistantship (HTRA).
Total Vacant Seats: The total number of vacant PhD seats with HTRA are 316 while MSC (by Research) seats are 131 for Jan-May 2026 session.
Fellowships: Scholars admitted to PhD and M.S. programmes under Regular scheme are eligible for the following Half-Time Research Assistantship (HTRA). PhD Candidates will get Rs 37,000 /- Per Month while MS (By Research) candidates will get Rs 12,400 Per Month. They should work for 8 hours per week in the Departments to earn this assistantship.
Key Dates: The last date of Receipt of Online Application is 30 March 2026.
Written Test and Interview: Intimation on “written test and interview” or “interview” indicating the date, time & venue will be communicated by the respective Departments through email to the shortlisted candidates.
The Application fee is as follows:
GN/EWS/OBC-NCL Male candidates – ₹ 1000
GN/EWS/OBC-NCL Transgender candidates – ₹ 1000
GN/EWS/OBC-NCL Female candidates – ₹ 500
OCI candidates – ₹ 1000
SC/ST candidates – ₹ 500
PwD candidates- ₹ 500
List of Departments where PhD Programms available with vacant HTRA Seats
Aerospace Engineering- 13
Applied Mechanics – 22
Biotechnology- 13
Chemical Engineering -12
Chemistry -08
Civil Engineering -21
Computer Science & Engineering -18
Electrical Engineering -39
Engineering Design -05
Humanities and Social Sciences -17
Management Studies- 17
Mathematics -25
Mechanical Engineering -34
Metallurgical & Materials Engineering – 10
Ocean Engineering -06
Interdisciplinary-18
Physics – 22
Medical Science & Technology-05
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence -05
IITM-Deakin Academy -110
Total- 316
For latest update, eligibility criteria, how to apply and other details, candidates should visit the official website of IIT Madras.
