Whether you aim for a BTech, MTech, MSc, MBA, or PhD at IIT Madras, understanding category admissions is essential. Let’s break it all down — minus the boring, policy-heavy jargon — into what you really need to know as an IITM aspirant.
What are Category Admissions, Anyway?
IIT Madras (IITM) follows the Government of India’s reservation policy. This means that a percentage of seats are reserved across various programs for specific categories, ensuring fair access for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Here’s the quick lineup:
| Category | Reservation (%) |
|---|---|
| General (Open) | 0 |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 5% within each category |
Important: To claim these seats, you must provide a valid government-issued certificate proving your eligibility. No shortcuts here!
Here’s your checklist for smooth sailing through the application process:
- Recent passport photo
- Scanned signature
- Valid ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
- Entrance exam scorecard (JEE, GATE, JAM, CAT, etc.)
- Degree certificates + mark sheets
- Category certificate (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, PwD) — must be valid and up to date!
- Medical certificate (for full-time programs)
- Work experience or sponsorship letters (if applicable)
You cannot claim reserved seats without the correct paperwork, even if you clear the exams. So, be careful there!
If You’re Gunning for a BTech, Dual Degree, or BS, Here’s the Drill:
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Entrance Exams: You need to clear JEE Main + JEE Advanced (no, that’s not optional!).
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Eligibility: Minimum 60% in Class 12 (lower if you belong to reserved categories).
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Counseling: Go through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority), which manages the seat allotment.
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For BSc Data Science: There’s a slightly different path — 75% in 10+2 and exams like JEE Advanced, IISER Entrance, or JEE Main.
Senior Funda: Always check and upload your category certificate during the application. Helps avoid a lot of unnecessary headache later on : )
And if You’re On Track to Get Into Postgraduate Programs (MTech, MSc, MBA) -
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MTech: Requires a GATE score (unless you’re an IIT graduate with a stellar CGPA). Counseling happens via COAP.
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MSc: Based on IIT JAM scores + CCMN counseling.
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MBA: You need CAT scores — unless you’re an IIT grad with a CGPA ≥ 8.0 (lucky you!). Final selection involves reflective writing and an interview.
PhD and MS (Research) admissions come with multiple flavours: regular, part-time, external, or international.
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Eligibility: A relevant Master’s degree (or sometimes a top-notch Bachelor’s for direct PhD). Reserved category students get relaxations in minimum marks and eligibility.
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Process: Written tests, interviews, and submission of research proposals.
Remember: IIT Madras treats international applicants under separate rules, so category reservations mainly apply to Indian nationals.
What About Scholarships?
IIT Madras has various policies in place and ample financial relief opportunities for their students. For example,
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BTech program fees: ₹8–10 lakh for the entire course (including hostel, mess, etc.).
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Application Fees: Half for SC, ST, PwD candidates.
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Tuition Waivers:
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100% waiver for SC, ST, PwD students.
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100% waiver for students (any category) if parental income < ₹1 lakh/year.
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66% waiver for EWS students with parental income ₹1–5 lakh/year.
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On top of this, IITM offers scholarships galore: merit-cum-means, government schemes, state-specific programs, and institute awards. Many cover tuition, living expenses, books, or stipends. (Oh, and don’t just assume scholarships only go to top-rankers — explore the complete list on the official site!)
Lastly, but Also Most Importantly, Whom Should You Go to, for the Most Relevant Info?
While third-party blogs are handy, always cross-check with official IIT Madras portals:
Bookmark these. Seriously.
Getting into IIT Madras is no small feat, but understanding the category admission system gives you a major advantage. Equip yourself with knowledge, stay organized, respect deadlines, ensure your documents are flawless and don’t forget to take deep breaths every now and then
: P
Good luck — see you at IITM!