Introduction
IIT Mandi M.Tech admission for 2026 offers aspiring engineers access to one of India’s premier technical institutions, nestled in the scenic Himalayas with cutting-edge research facilities across 15+ specialized programs. Established in 2009, IIT Mandi has rapidly emerged as a research-intensive institute with 95% placement rates and an average CTC of ₹16.5 lakhs for M.Tech graduates [web:1]. The admission process is entirely GATE-based, with the institute accepting valid GATE 2025 scores across multiple disciplines including Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and emerging fields like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
What is IIT Mandi M.Tech Admission?
Getting into IIT Mandi for M.Tech becomes simple when you know the exact process. You need a good GATE score, then apply through COAP counselling. This guide covers everything about the 5 M.Tech specializations available at IIT Mandi.
IIT Mandi, located in beautiful Himachal Pradesh, offers focused M.Tech programs with excellent research opportunities. The admission process might seem complex, but following the right steps makes it manageable.
How to Apply for IIT Mandi M.Tech 2026
Take the GATE Exam
- Register for GATE 2026 (exam in February 2026)
- Application deadline: October 6, 2025
- Study hard and score well in your subject area
- Check the official GATE website for updates
Join COAP Counselling
- After GATE results (around March 2026), register for COAP
- COAP is the common admission portal for all IITs
- Choose IIT Mandi as one of your preferences
- Participate in counselling rounds (May-June 2026)
- Download the official COAP Information Brochure for detailed process
Complete IIT Mandi Application
- If you get a seat allocation, apply directly to IIT Mandi PG Admissions
- Upload GATE scorecard, degree certificates, and category certificates
- Pay application fee: ₹200 (General/OBC/EWS) or ₹100 (SC/ST/PD/Women)
- Submit before deadline (usually July)
GATE Cutoff 2025 for IIT Mandi M.Tech
Here are the actual GATE score cutoffs for all available M.Tech programs:
| Program | General / OBC(CL) | General-EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST | PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Tech in PED | 452 | 421 | 421 | 338 | 255 | 338 |
| M.Tech in CSE | 689 | 660 | 651 | 485 | 385 | 485 |
| M.Tech in VLSI | 569 | 538 | 520 | 370 | 292 | 370 |
| M.Tech in STE | 400 | 350 | 350 | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| M.Tech in Biotechnology | 390 | 390 | 320 | 230 | 200 | 200 |
Key Insights:
- CSE is most competitive with General cutoff at 689
- Biotechnology has lowest cutoff at 390 for General category
- Reserved category students get significant relaxation in cutoffs
- These are GATE scores, not ranks, making them easier to understand
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Rules)
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology with minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PD)
- Valid GATE 2026 score in relevant paper
- All original certificates ready for verification
Branch-wise GATE Paper Requirements
- CSE: GATE CS or IN paper
- VLSI: GATE EE or EC paper
- PED: GATE EE paper
- STE: GATE CE paper
- Biotechnology: GATE BT, XL, or related papers
Special Exemption
IIT graduates with B.Tech and CGPA ≥8.0 can apply directly without GATE requirement.
Official Eligibility Details: Check IIT Mandi M.Tech Ordinances
Available M.Tech Specializations ( 5 Programs)
IIT Mandi offers exactly these M.Tech programs:
1. Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Focus: AI/ML, Systems, Software Engineering
- Duration: 2 years
- Highest placement potential
2. Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
- Focus: Chip design, Semiconductor technology
- Strong industry connections
- Excellent job prospects in electronics sector
3. Power Electronics and Drives (PED)
- Focus: Electric vehicles, Power systems
- Growing field with EV revolution
- Good placement records
4. Structural Engineering (STE)
- Focus: Infrastructure design, Earthquake engineering
- Civil engineering specialization
- Government and private sector opportunities
5. Biotechnology
- Focus: Biomedical applications, Research
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Research-oriented career paths
Program Details : Visit IIT Mandi M.Tech Programs
Fee Structure and Costs
Tuition Fee: ₹40,000-44,000 per semester
Additional Costs:
- Admission fee: ₹1,500 (one-time)
- Development fee: ₹2,000 per semester
- Hostel charges: ₹7,500 per semester
- Mess charges: ₹7,500 per semester
Total Annual Cost: Approximately ₹1.1-1.2 lakhs
Financial Aid: HTRA scholarship of ₹12,400 per month available for eligible students
Official Fee Details : IIT Mandi Fee Structure
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Book your free counselling session today.
Important Dates 2026
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Application | Ends October 9, 2025 |
| GATE 2026 Exam | February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 |
| GATE Results | March 2026 |
| COAP Registration | May–June 2026 |
| IIT Mandi Application | July 2026 |
| Classes Begin | August 2026 |
Stay Updated : IIT Mandi Academic Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there only 5 M.Tech specializations at IIT Mandi?
Yes, exactly 5 programs: CSE, VLSI, PED, STE, and Biotechnology. These are the only M.Tech courses offered through COAP admission.
Q: What GATE score do I need for CSE?
Based on 2025 cutoffs, you need a minimum 689 GATE score for the General category. SC/ST students need 485/385 respectively.
Q: Can I apply for multiple specializations?
Yes, during COAP counselling you can list all eligible specializations as per your GATE paper.
Q: Is there any entrance exam besides GATE?
No, GATE is the only entrance exam accepted for M.Tech admission at IIT Mandi (except for IIT graduates with 8+ CGPA).
Q: How many seats are available in each program?
Total M.Tech seats are around 60-70 across all 5 specializations, with CSE and VLSI having more seats.
Conclusion
Getting into IIT Mandi M.Tech requires strategic planning focused on these 5 available specializations. Target the GATE cutoff scores mentioned above, understand which GATE paper qualifies for your preferred specialization, and prepare your application documents early.
Start your GATE 2026 preparation now, choose your target specialization wisely from these 5 options, and follow the COAP process carefully. Your M.Tech journey at IIT Mandi in the beautiful Himalayas awaits!
For expert career guidance, contact career plan b.