The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), ranked No. 1 in the NIRF Engineering Rankings for multiple years, is known not just for academic brilliance but also for inclusivity. The institute ensures that no deserving student is deprived of education because of financial limitations. Every year, IIT Madras awards numerous scholarships and fee waivers to students who show merit, financial need, or belong to underrepresented categories. These scholarships are offered as direct financial assistance or tuition fee exemptions, supporting students through their academic journey.
Let’s explore all the key IIT Madras scholarships for 2025, including their eligibility, benefits, and conditions.
Who Can Apply for IIT Madras Scholarships?
IIT Madras scholarships cater to a wide range of students, from those with top JEE ranks to those from economically weaker backgrounds. Most scholarships are open to BTech students, though some extend to postgraduate programs.
Eligibility generally depends on three factors:
- Annual family income (ranging from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh)
- Academic performance (minimum GPA requirements)
- Category or gender, in the case of specific scholarships
What Is the Institute Free Studentship at IIT Madras?
The Institute Free Studentship is one of the most beneficial programs offered by IIT Madras for students from low-income families.
Eligibility:
- Parents’ annual income must be Rs 4.5 lakh or less.
- Available to 25% of admitted students.
Benefits:
- Students get a 67% tuition fee waiver.
- To retain this benefit, a GPA of 5.0 or above must be maintained each semester.
This scheme helps ensure that bright minds can study without worrying about tuition costs, reflecting the institute’s commitment to accessibility and equality.
What Is the Institute Notional Prize and Who Qualifies for It?
The Institute Notional Prize is an academic recognition offered to top-ranking students based on merit and income criteria.
Eligibility:
- Students must qualify based on their JEE rank.
- Family income should not exceed Rs 4.5 lakh per year.
- Offered to 7% of admitted students.
Benefits:
- A one-time cash prize of Rs 1,000.
While modest, this prize honors academic performance and serves as motivation for students from financially constrained families.
What Is the IIT Madras SC/ST Scholarship?
The Institute SC/ST Scholarship provides comprehensive support to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Eligibility:
- Parents’ income must be Rs 4.5 lakh or less per annum.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Free messing (meals in the hostel).
- Monthly pocket allowance of Rs 250.
- Students must maintain a GPA of 5.0 or higher to continue.
This scholarship ensures that students from marginalized backgrounds can focus on academics without worrying about expenses.
What Is the Girish Ready Scholarship at IIT Madras?
The Girish Ready Scholarship honors students who demonstrate both academic excellence and all-round achievement.
Eligibility:
- Based on the highest JEE rank or exceptional overall performance in school.
- Family income must be below Rs 5 lakh.
Benefits:
- Recipients get Rs 25,000 annually.
- Must maintain a minimum GPA of 8.0 to renew the scholarship.
This award is one of the most prestigious at IIT Madras, encouraging students to maintain excellence across academics and extracurricular activities.
How Does the Indian Women’s Association at Bonn Scholarship Help?
The Indian Women’s Association at Bonn Scholarship is a unique initiative that supports women pursuing BTech degrees at IIT Madras.
Eligibility:
- Open to one female BTech student each year.
- Selection based on JEE rank and family income not exceeding Rs 5 lakh.
Benefits:
- A monthly stipend of Rs 1,250 for 12 months.
This scholarship aims to promote gender equality in STEM fields and encourage more women to join India’s top engineering institutions.
What Is the Institute Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship?
The Institute Merit-cum-Means Scholarship is one of IIT Madras’s most sought-after financial assistance schemes.
Eligibility:
- Annual parental income must not exceed Rs 4.5 lakh.
- Students must have a GPA of 5.0 or higher in the previous semester.
Benefits:
- 67% tuition fee exemption.
- Additional support based on performance and need.
The MCM scholarship is designed to ensure that hardworking students receive consistent financial support throughout their degree.
How Do IIT Madras Scholarships Promote Inclusive Education?
Each scholarship at IIT Madras reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity. The institute focuses on merit-based access, financial need, and representation, making sure that students from every background can pursue engineering education without financial barriers. These programs do more than pay tuition; they help students focus on innovation, research, and academic growth, which are the core values of IIT Madras. By offering a variety of scholarships from income-based fee waivers to specialized awards for women and top performers, IIT Madras continues to uphold its position as India’s most inclusive and forward-thinking engineering institute.
How Can Students Apply for IIT Madras Scholarships?
Students can apply for IIT Madras scholarships directly through the official student portal after admission. The process usually includes:
- Submitting income certificates or proof of eligibility.
- Maintaining the required GPA for continuation.
- Renewing applications annually if required.
It is advisable for students to check the official IIT Madras scholarship page or contact the Scholarship Office for updated information and deadlines.
FAQs on IIT Madras Scholarships 2025
1. Who can apply for IIT Madras scholarships?
Any IIT Madras student meeting the income, academic, or category criteria can apply for scholarships or fee waivers.
2. What is the income limit for IIT Madras scholarships?
Most scholarships are available for students whose family income is Rs 4.5 to Rs 5 lakh or less per year.
3. How can students apply for IIT Madras scholarships?
Students can apply through the official IIT Madras student portal after admission by uploading required documents.
4. What GPA is needed to retain IIT Madras scholarships?
A minimum GPA of 5.0 is required for most scholarships, though some like the Girish Ready Scholarship need 8.0 or higher.
5. Does IIT Madras offer scholarships for women?
Yes. The Indian Women’s Association at Bonn Scholarship offers a monthly stipend of Rs 1,250 to a female BTech student.
6. What is the benefit of the Institute Free Studentship?
Eligible students receive a 67% tuition fee waiver, supporting 25% of admitted students from low-income families.
7. Is there a scholarship for SC/ST students at IIT Madras?
Yes. The Institute SC/ST Scholarship provides free messing, tuition fee waiver, and a Rs 250 monthly allowance.
8. What is the Girish Ready Scholarship amount?
Selected students receive Rs 25,000 per year, based on merit and a family income below Rs 5 lakh.
9. Are there merit-based scholarships at IIT Madras?
Yes. The Institute Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship and Institute Notional Prize reward top-performing students.
10. Can postgraduate students apply for scholarships at IIT Madras?
While most scholarships are for BTech students, some schemes and external fellowships also support postgraduate programs.