The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has opened applications for its Master of Science by Research (MS.R.) programme for the Spring Session 2026-27. The MS.R. is a two-and-a-half year research masters programme, and students admitted under the Institute Fellowship category receive a monthly fellowship.
The last date for submission of the online application is 10 November 2026; the form opened on 12 October 2026. Shortlisting and selection run from 12 November to 11 December 2026, and the selected candidates register on 4 January 2027.
IIT Bhubaneswar MS by Research 2027: quick facts
Quick facts2026-27
| Scholarship from | Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar – Master of Science by Research (MS.R.) programme, Spring Session 2026-27 |
| Last date to apply | 10 November 2026 (applications opened on 12 October 2026) |
| Official website | IIT Bhubaneswar MS.R. admission notice (official website) |
What is the MS.R. programme at IIT Bhubaneswar?
The Master of Science by Research (MS.R.) is a research-oriented master’s degree of two and a half years, or five semesters. It is offered across seven specialisations and is designed for candidates who want to move into research or a PhD after a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The programme is offered in three categories – an Institute Fellowship category, a project-staff category for people already working in IIT Bhubaneswar sponsored projects, and an institute-staff or externally sponsored category.
Specialisations offered
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Climate Sciences
Institute Fellowship and admission categories
- Category-1 (Institute Fellowship): students receive a monthly Institute Fellowship, at the same rate as the institute’s M.Tech teaching assistantship.
- Category-2 (Project Staff, IIT Bhubaneswar): for people already working as JRF, SRF or equivalent in a sponsored project of the institute who meet the Category-1 qualifications. A no-objection certificate is required.
- Category-3 (Institute Staff / Sponsored External): permanent institute staff or candidates sponsored by a recognised organisation, with at least three years of experience. This category is not entitled to any assistantship.
MS.R. eligibility 2027
The minimum eligibility is category-wise. The general academic requirement is 60% marks or a 6.5 CGPA in the qualifying degree, with a single 5% relaxation permitted in either the Class 10 or Class 12 examination.
- Category-1, engineering specialisations: B.Tech or B.E. in an appropriate discipline with at least 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA, plus a valid GATE score; or an M.Sc or equivalent with 60% marks, plus GATE or CSIR-UGC NET (LS) in an appropriate discipline; or a B.Tech from a centrally funded technical institute (CFTI) with a CGPA of 8.0 or above, for which no GATE score is needed.
- Category-3: B.Tech or B.E. with at least 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA (no GATE needed), or 60% marks with GATE or CSIR-UGC NET (LS), plus a minimum of three years of experience and an NOC from the employer.
- Relaxation: an additional relaxation of up to 5% in all academic examinations is permitted for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
- Note: meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting or selection, and each school may set additional criteria.
Application fee
- General, EWS and OBC candidates: Rs 500.
- SC, ST and PwD candidates: Rs 250.
- Foreign nationals: USD 50.
- Female candidates: fee is exempted.
- The fee is non-refundable and is paid online.
Important dates for the Spring Session 2026-27
- Online application opens: 12 October 2026.
- Last date to apply: 10 November 2026.
- Shortlisting and selection by the schools: 12 November to 11 December 2026.
- Selected-candidate list and offer letters: 19 November to 18 December 2026.
- Registration and admission: 4 January 2027.
How to apply for the MS.R. programme
- Apply online through the institute’s admission portal before 10 November 2026.
- Upload scanned copies of all original educational and experience certificates; the application is not considered without them.
- Category-2 and Category-3 applicants must upload a no-objection certificate in the prescribed format from the employer.
- Pay the application fee online. No hard copy of the application is to be sent to the institute.
- For admission queries, write to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
The last date for submission of the online application is 10 November 2026. The form opened on 12 October 2026, and only online applications are accepted.
The MS.R. is a two-and-a-half year programme, spread over five semesters.
Yes, students admitted under Category-1 receive an Institute Fellowship at the same rate as the institute’s M.Tech teaching assistantship. Category-3 (institute staff or externally sponsored) candidates are not entitled to any assistantship.
For most Category-1 applicants, yes – a valid GATE score is required for B.Tech and M.Sc entrants. B.Tech graduates of centrally funded technical institutes with a CGPA of 8.0 or above do not need GATE, and Category-3 candidates with 70% or 7.5 CGPA also do not need GATE.
General, EWS and OBC candidates pay Rs 500; SC, ST and PwD candidates pay Rs 250; foreign nationals pay USD 50. Female candidates are exempted from the fee.
Registration and admission for selected candidates are on 4 January 2027.
Official links
- IIT Bhubaneswar MS.R. admission notice, Spring Session 2026-27 (official)
- IIT Bhubaneswar MS.R. advertisement (official PDF)
- IIT Bhubaneswar MS.R. admission timeline (official PDF)
Related reading: Post Graduation Scholarships
Engineering Scholarships
Fellowship
National Scholarships
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