IIT Dharwad Scholarships 2026

IIT Dharwad offers a range of financial support options to help students manage tuition and living expenses. These include government-funded scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), institute-funded schemes like Merit-cum-Means (MCM), and various fee waivers. Additionally, there are stipends for postgraduate students, such as GATE-qualified M.Tech candidates and PhD fellows receiving Junior/Senior Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF). Special provisions exist for reserved categories, including full tuition waivers for SC/ST/PwD students and significant income-based remissions for EWS and OBC-NCL students.

Types of IIT Dharwad Scholarships

The primary goal is to ensure meritorious and economically disadvantaged students can pursue education without financial barriers. Scholarships at IIT Dharwad are available for undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and research programs, with emphasis on academic performance, family income, and category reservations.

Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship at IIT Dharwad

The MCM Scholarship supports academically strong students from low-income families in the undergraduate (B.Tech and BS-MS) programs. It is awarded to a maximum of 25% of the students in the eligible categories.

• Eligibility Criteria: Family gross annual income must not exceed INR 4.5 lakh. It is available for General, OBC-NCL, and EWS category students. For renewal, students must maintain a high academic standing (typically a minimum SPI of 8.0 or as specified by the senate) and have no backlogs or disciplinary issues.

• Amount Offered: A monthly stipend of INR 1,000 (for 10 months per year) plus a full refund of the tuition fee (currently INR 1.00 Lakh per semester).

• Income Limits: Gross family income ≤ INR 4.5 lakh per annum. An income certificate from a competent authority (e.g., Tehsildar/Revenue Officer) or ITR is mandatory for verification.

• Renewal Rules: Recipients must maintain the required academic performance (SPI/CPI) each semester. Failure to maintain the minimum CGPA or incurring a backlog will result in the immediate discontinuation of the scholarship.

• Official Verification: Applications are processed through the Academic or Student Affairs section. Students must submit self-attested copies of income affidavits, salary certificates, and previous semester grade cards.

For example, a first-year B.Tech student who enters with a strong JEE rank and has a family income of INR 2 lakh would be eligible to apply for the MCM scholarship, potentially receiving both the monthly pocket allowance and a full waiver of the tuition fee.

IIT Dharwad Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS Students

IIT Dharwad provides targeted financial aid for reserved categories, aligning with GOI norms to promote inclusivity and ensure that high-quality technical education is accessible to all.

SC/ST Students Financial Assistance

• Eligibility: All SC/ST students in regular undergraduate (B.Tech/BS-MS) programs.

• Benefits: * Full Tuition Fee Waiver: 100% exemption from tuition fees, regardless of family income.

  • Free Messing: Includes a waiver of the basic mess menu charges and mess advance.

  • Pocket Allowance: Eligible students receive a pocket allowance of INR 250 per month (INR 1,000 per semester).

• Additional Grants: Students are encouraged to apply for the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes, such as the Central Sector Scholarship for Top Class Education, which can provide additional coverage for books and living expenses.

• Application: The tuition waiver is typically applied automatically during the fee payment process; students must submit a valid Caste Certificate.

OBC (NCL) & EWS Fee Remission

• Eligibility: OBC-NCL and EWS students in UG programs, based on the family's gross annual income for the previous financial year.

• Income Slabs and Remission: | Family Annual Income | Tuition Fee Remission | | :--- | :--- | | Below INR 1 Lakh | 100% Tuition Fee Remission | | Between INR 1 Lakh and INR 5 Lakh | 66.6% (2/3rd) Tuition Fee Remission |

• Explanation: With a standard tuition fee of INR 1,00,000 per semester, students in the lowest income slab pay INR 0 in tuition, while those in the mid-slab pay approximately INR 33,333 per semester.

• Renewal: Requires annual submission of income proof (ITR/Income Certificate) and maintaining satisfactory academic progress (no backlogs).

Institute Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship

• Eligibility: Top 25% of Gen/OBC-NCL/EWS students with a family income not exceeding INR 4.5 Lakhs per annum.

• Benefits: Includes the tuition fee waiver (based on income slab) plus an additional stipend of INR 1,000 per month.

• Merit Criteria: For first-year students, JEE Advanced rank is considered; for subsequent years, a minimum SPI/CPI (typically 8.0) is required.

IIT Dharwad Scholarships for M.Tech & PhD Students

Postgraduate and research scholars receive financial support through Ministry of Education (MoE) assistantships and fellowships.

M.Tech Stipend (Teaching Assistantship)

• Benefits: GATE-qualified students receive INR 12,400 per month for up to 24 months.

• Requirements: Students must assist the department in teaching, research, or administrative work for roughly 8 hours per week.

• Continuation: Contingent upon maintaining a minimum CGPA and satisfactory performance in assigned duties.

PhD Fellowship (Institute Assistantship)

• Stipend: Years 1–2: INR 37,000 per month.

  • Years 3–5: INR 42,000 per month (upon successful enhancement to Senior Research Fellowship/SRF).

• Additional Support:

  • Contingency Grant: Annual grant for research-related expenses.

  • HRA: House Rent Allowance is provided if hostel accommodation is not available/opted for, as per GOI norms.

• Special Schemes: IIT Dharwad also hosts scholars under the PMRF (Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship), which offers significantly higher stipends (up to INR 80,000/month) and substantial research grants.