The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is one of India’s fastest-growing technical institutes, offering world-class education and diverse academic programmes. Beyond academics, the institute ensures that deserving students can pursue their dreams without financial barriers. To support this mission, IIT Mandi offers multiple scholarships and financial aid schemes for meritorious and economically weaker students.
What Academic Courses Does IIT Mandi Offer?
IIT Mandi offers more than 25 academic programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These include a range of disciplines in engineering, sciences, management, and humanities. The institute’s curriculum encourages innovation, research, and holistic development, making it one of the top choices for students aspiring for technical excellence.
| Programme Level | Fields Offered | Notable Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | BTech | CSE, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil |
| Postgraduate | MTech, MSc, MBA | Engineering, Science, Management |
| Doctoral | PhD | Engineering, Social Sciences, Technology |
In the 2025 NIRF Rankings, IIT Mandi secured the 26th position in the engineering category, a strong indicator of its academic quality and research output.
What Types of Scholarships Are Offered at IIT Mandi?
IIT Mandi provides several government-funded and institute-specific scholarships to support different student categories. The financial assistance covers tuition fee waivers, stipends, and direct benefit transfers.
Major scholarship types include:
- Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship – For General, OBC, and SC/ST students.
- HTRA (Half-Time Research Assistantship) – For MS, MTech, and PhD scholars.
- Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) – For outstanding research talent.
- Central Sector Scholarship for SC Students – Funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- National Fellowship for ST Students – For higher education support.
These schemes aim to reward merit while ensuring inclusivity across socio-economic backgrounds.
What Is the Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship?
The Merit-cum-Means Scholarship is designed for students from General, OBC, and SC/ST categories who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. It offers:
- Monthly Stipend: ₹1,000
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver
- Duration: 1 academic year (renewable annually)
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, students must meet the following conditions:
- Family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Minimum CGPA of 6.0 and SGPA of 6.0 in the previous semester.
- No backlogs or disciplinary actions.
Selection Process:
- Scholarships are limited to 25% of students in each branch.
- Selection is based on academic merit and income criteria.
- For first-year students, JEE Advanced All India Rank is considered.
- If vacancies remain, a combined merit list is prepared from all branches for fair distribution.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Income Limit | ₹4.5 lakh/year |
| CGPA | 6.0+ |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Benefit | ₹1,000/month + Full Fee Waiver |
What Is the HTRA (Half-Time Research Assistantship) Scholarship?
The HTRA Scholarship is available for MS, MTech, and PhD scholars. It provides financial support and fee exemptions to students engaged in research activities under faculty guidance.
Key Benefits:
- Registration Fee Exemption: If the thesis is submitted within one month of the semester’s commencement.
- Extended Scholarship Duration:
- PhD: Up to 3 additional months.
- MS: Up to 1 additional month.
- Condition: Must complete thesis within the stipulated time, 3 years for MS and 5 years for PhD.
Eligibility Conditions:
- Applicable only to students receiving HTRA stipends.
- Supervisor’s recommendation is required for extension approval.
- No extensions if thesis submission deadlines are missed.
| Degree Type | Max Duration | Extension Allowed | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS | 3 years | 1 month | Fee Waiver + Stipend |
| PhD | 5 years | 3 months | Fee Waiver + Stipend |
This scheme encourages timely research completion and rewards efficiency in academic work.
What Is the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)?
The PMRF is among India’s most prestigious research fellowships. It recognizes exceptional PhD scholars working on innovative and high-impact research projects.
Highlights:
- Offered to scholars with outstanding academic records.
- Provides substantial monthly stipends and research grants.
- Promotes advanced interdisciplinary research and innovation.
This fellowship not only supports top researchers financially but also encourages them to contribute to national scientific progress.
What Are the Government-Funded Scholarships at IIT Mandi?
Apart from institute-level schemes, several central government scholarships support SC/ST students.
- Central Sector Scholarship (for SC Students):
Offered by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, this scholarship covers tuition fees and provides additional allowances. - National Fellowship for ST Students:
Designed to promote higher education among Scheduled Tribe students, it funds postgraduate and doctoral studies in recognized institutions.
| Scholarship Name | Beneficiary | Funding Body | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scholarship | SC Students | Govt. of India | Tuition + Allowances |
| National Fellowship | ST Students | Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Higher Education Support |
How Are Scholarships Distributed at IIT Mandi?
Scholarships are distributed based on both merit and need, following a transparent mechanism.
- Capped at 25% of the total strength in each branch.
- Wait-listed candidates are considered in a combined merit list if seats remain vacant.
- For first-year students, JEE Advanced AIR is the key determinant.
This fair allocation ensures that no deserving student is left behind due to financial limitations.
FAQs on IIT Mandi Scholarships
What scholarships are available at IIT Mandi?
IIT Mandi offers Merit-cum-Means, HTRA, PMRF, and government-funded SC/ST scholarships for deserving students.
Who is eligible for the Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship?
Students with family income below ₹4.5 lakh per year and a CGPA of at least 6.0 are eligible for the MCM scholarship.
How much financial aid does the MCM Scholarship provide?
The MCM scholarship provides ₹1,000 per month along with a full tuition fee waiver for one academic year.
What is the income limit for IIT Mandi scholarships?
Students must have an annual family income of ₹4.5 lakh or less to qualify for most merit-cum-means scholarships.
What are the benefits of the HTRA scholarship?
HTRA provides fee exemptions and extended scholarship support for MS, MTech, and PhD scholars engaged in research.
Who can apply for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)?
Exceptional PhD candidates demonstrating research excellence and innovation are eligible for the PMRF scheme.
Are SC and ST students eligible for special scholarships?
Yes, SC students can apply for the Central Sector Scholarship, while ST students can avail the National Fellowship.
How are scholarships distributed at IIT Mandi?
Scholarships are awarded to up to 25% of students in each branch based on merit, income, and category criteria.
Can first-year students apply for scholarships?
Yes, first-year BTech students can apply based on their JEE Advanced All India Rank and income certificate.
What documents are needed for the scholarship application?
Applicants need an income certificate, category certificate, grade card, affidavit, and JEE AIR card (for first-year students).