Master of Science or MS is a widely known PG degree offered by most colleges and universities worldwide. In India, where around 12% of all students are pursuing post-graduation, a specialized MS degree in research can add value to your knowledge.
This two-year program focuses on building industry-aligned skills. Moreover, an MS in India can help to get better salaries in sectors like IT, engineering, pharmaceutical, or healthcare.
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Duration | Mainly 2 years, sometimes, it can go up to 3 years |
| Course fees | Depending on your field and institutions, INR 1.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh per year |
| Popular courses | Engineering, Data Science, Software Development, Biotechnology, Finance, Healthcare |
| Institutions | · IIT Bombay
· IIT Delhi · IIT Kharagpur · IIT Madras · IIT Kanpur · IIT Hyderabad · IISc Bangalore |
| Entrance | GATE or IIT JAM |
| Jobs after MS | Roles in software engineering, data science, R&D, consulting, education sectors, healthcare analytics |
Top Colleges in MS in India
| Rank in India | Institution Name | QS World Rank 2025 | Top Program |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay | 118 | Aerospace engineering, Chemical Engineering |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore | 155 | Life Science, Biological Science |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi | 197 | Healthcare Technology, Applied Mechanics |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras | 250 | Biotechnology, Management Studies |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur | 278 | Environmental Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering |
Why Study MS in India?
- Big salary boost: Earn more with specialized skills that industries crave. Pursuing an MS in India from a well-known college can lead you to greater roles and higher salaries in life.
- Step into senior roles: No matter where you are after your bachelor’s, get fast-tracked to leadership and management positions with an MS degree on your CV.
- Career flexibility: Smoothly switch fields with the skills and confidence an MS in India.
- Affordable excellence: India’s education system is considered one of the largest worldwide, with over 1,000 universities and more than 42,000 colleges. Get a world-class education at a fraction of the global cost here.
- Hands-on learning: Thrive in a nation pioneering space research, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Get real-world experience as a part of the program, making you job-ready.
Admission Checklist for MS in India
| Criteria | Details | Specifications |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in BTech, BE, or BSc | with a minimum of 55% for general and 50% for SC/ST categories |
| Entrance exams | GATE | Rank 200 or lower for IIT admissions |
| IIT-JAM | The target score is 50+ | |
| Duration | 1.5 to 4 years, depending on the program and institution | |
| Examination type | Semester-based | |
| Documents required | · Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
· Proof of entrance exam scores (GATE, IIT-JAM) · Caste/ category certificate (if applicable) · ID proof (passport, Aadhaar, etc.) |
|
Fees for MS in India
| Colleges | Per semester payable amount |
| IIT Bombay | INR 15,600 |
| IIT Delhi | INR 40,500 |
| IIT Kharagpur | INR 12,000 |
| IIT Madras | INR 20,500 |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 1,17,530 |
Additional Costs for Entrance Before MS in India
| Exam | Application fees |
| IIT JAM | INR 1800 |
| GATE | INR 1800 |
Eligibility for MS in India
Pursuing MS in India requires:
- Minimum aggregate of 55% in BE, B.Tech, or a Master’s degree in Science
- Undergraduate degree transcripts and high school mark sheets
- A Statement of Purpose or SOP explaining career goals and reasons for pursuing the program
- Valid ID such as a passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card, etc
- Standardized test scores from exams like GATE or IIT-JAM
MS Intake and Admission Deadlines
| Universities | Intake | Admission dates |
| IIT Bombay | Summer intake (tentative) | April 2024 |
| IIT Kharagpur | Summer intake (tentative) | April 2024 |
| IIT Delhi | Summer intake (tentative) | March 2024 and April 2024 |
| Winter intake | November 04, 2024 (16:00 IST) | |
| IISc Bangalore | Summer intake (tentative) | March 2024 |
| IIT Kanpur | Summer intake (tentative) | March 2024 – April 2024 |
| Winter intake | October 21, 2024- 02:00 PM to November 07, 2024- 02:00 PM |
Scholarships of MS in India
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
| National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies | · Regular PG course
· Offered to students below 30 years of age |
INR 1,50,000 for 2 years |
| Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships | · Candidates must pass selection test | Upto INR 6L |
| Sahu Jain Trust Loan Scholarship | · Offered in technical subjects | Upto INR 25,000 per annum |
Job Opportunities After MS in India
MS in India can open doors to a lot of new opportunities. Here is a list of roles you can choose as your career:
| Field | Career options |
| Engineering and technology | · Software development
· Research and development · IT Consulting |
| Finance and business | · Financial analysis
· Investment banking · Consulting |
| Healthcare and life sciences | · Clinical research
· Healthcare analytics · Biotechnology |
| Academia | · Teaching
· Research fellowships |
| Public sector and government | · Civil services
· Government research positions |
Top Recruiters for MS Graduates in India
| Job Role | Recruiters |
| Data Scientist | Amazon, TCS |
| Software Engineer | Infosys, Wipro |
| Business Analyst | Deloitte, Accenture |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Google, Microsoft |
| Cloud Architect | IBM, Oracle |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get an MS from an institute other than IITs?
Absolutely. While IITs are renowned for their MS in India, many other reputable institutions in India, including NITs, IISc, and top state and private universities. They also offer quality MS programs that are highly regarded in industry and academia.
Can I choose MS after doing BTech?
Yes, after completing a BTech, you can pursue an MS in India. Many students opt for an MS to gain specialized knowledge in their field and improve their career prospects.
Do I need to crack GATE for MS? Is it mandatory?
GATE is required for MS admissions in top institutes, especially IITs and NITs, but it is not mandatory for all universities. Some private and state universities offer MS programs without GATE scores, though it may limit options at premier institutions.
Can I go for a PhD after completing my MS?
Yes, an MS degree provides an incredible foundation for a PhD. You can continue your research journey by enrolling in PhD programs, either in India or abroad.
Is an MS in India internationally recognized?
Yes, an MS degree from a reputable Indian institution is recognized globally, especially if it is done by institutions like the IITs and NITs. You can find opportunities abroad or in multinational companies easily.
