IIT Madras, also referred to as IITM, provides various programmes through regular and full-time formats. Students can choose from over ten programmes across different specialisations. The admission process at IIT Madras encompasses the application procedure, selection rounds, cutoff, merit list, and counselling. It is essential for students to fulfill the eligibility and selection criteria before applying for their chosen course. The process primarily begins online. The steps are outlined below:
IITM Application Process 2026
Applications for IITM are accepted exclusively online. Each programme has its own admission procedure. The BS admission process is conducted directly through the institute's website. An application will only be processed after the fee payment is completed. Once the fee is paid, students must fill in their details and upload the necessary documents. Applications lacking required details or documents will be deemed invalid, even if the fee has been paid. Here’s a quick overview of the IIT Madras application process:
- Visit the IIT Madras main page at iitm.ac.in.
- Select ‘Academics’ and choose the programme.
- On the new webpage, click the link corresponding to the desired programme.
- Follow the application instructions provided on the site.
For entrance-based courses, applications must be submitted through exam and counselling websites. The overview is as follows:
- Complete the JEE Main application process, followed by the JEE Advanced Application, and then register for JoSAA for BTech admission.
- MTech registration is done through the GATE application.
- For MSc admission, students must apply to IIT JAM via the official site (www.jam.iisc.ac.in).
Note: For MTech, candidates who qualify must further apply for COAP and then submit their application on the official IIT Madras website to confirm their admission.
Documents for Admission & Application at IITM
- Recent passport-size photographs
- First and last pages of Aadhaar Card/Voter ID Card/Passport
- PAN Card
- Admission offer letter
- Entrance exam scorecard
- Class 12 marksheet & certificate
- UG degree marksheet
- PG degree marksheet
- Category Certificate for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD category students
- NOC for part-time students
- Sponsorship Certificate/Relieving letter for full-time sponsored/working students
- Medical certificate
Note: This is a general list and may be subject to change.
Selection Rounds 2026
Admissions to IIT Madras courses are entirely based on entrance exams. The institute employs the following selection criteria for its popular programmes:
- For the flagship BTech programme, admission is determined by JEE Main + JEE Advanced + JoSAA counselling.
- The BS selection process offers two options - Qualifier Exam or JEE route.
- MTech selection involves GATE + COAP.
- MSc selection criteria include IIT JAM + CCMN counselling.
Release of Cutoff List, Counselling & Admission Confirmation
The IIT Madras cutoff for BTech, MTech, and MSc courses is published by the respective counselling bodies. For merit-based courses, the institute will release a course-specific merit list on its official website. Shortlisted candidates are then required to pay the IIT Madras fees to secure their seats.
IIT Madras Seat Reservation Criteria 2026
Indian nationals from specific categories are admitted under reserved seats as per the regulations set by the Government of India. The IIT Madras seat categories and their reservation percentages are as follows:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) - 15% of seats
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) - 7.5% of seats
- Other Backward Classes belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) - 27% of seats
- Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) - 10%
- Persons with Disability (PwD) with at least 40% impairment - A 5% reservation across all categories for PwD candidates with a minimum of 40% disability.
Note: Candidates should be aware that the benefits of reservation will be granted subject to document verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
