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147 days agoM.Tech/PhD Admissions 2025 – GATE-Based (Science & Engineering Streams)
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- Programs Available: IISc invites applications for M.Tech (course-based) in various disciplines (including science-focused areas like Climate Science, Computational Data Science, etc.), M.Tech (Research) (research-based masters), and Ph.D. programs across all science and engineering departments. Science departments (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Materials, Earth Sciences) offer Ph.D. and some also offer M.Tech (Research) degrees.
- Eligibility Criteria: For M.Tech, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (B.E./B.Tech or equivalent; in some cases M.Sc. in related science) with minimum ~60% marks (general category) is required, and a valid GATE score in an appropriate subject. For Ph.D., a Master’s degree in science or engineering (or exceptional Bachelors) is required; candidates from science backgrounds (B.Sc./M.Sc.) must have a valid GATE or other national exam score (NET-JRF, JEST, etc.). Relaxations in marks exist for reserved categories.
- GATE Score Range: Competitive GATE scores are needed. For instance, in the 2024 admissions at IISc, general-category GATE cutoffs ranged roughly from ~350 to 750+ depending on the program. Highly sought programs (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science) had cutoffs near the top of this range, while some interdisciplinary science/engineering streams (e.g. Climate Science, Materials) had cutoffs in the 500s. These figures give an idea of the score required – typically top percentiles for popular fields.
- Last Date to Apply: The application window is open now. For the 2025-26 session, IISc’s online portal opened on February 4, 2025, and the deadline to submit applications is March 23, 2025 (11:59 PM IST) for all M.Tech/PhD programs. (Sponsored applicants have a later deadline of March 31, 2025.)
- Official Application Link: Candidates must apply through IISc’s Online Admissions Portal. The portal and instructions are available on the official IISc admissions website. (Link: admissions.iisc.ac.in).
- Additional Information: Selection Process – M.Tech admissions are largely GATE-score based; most programs allocate 100% weight to GATE score for ranking, though a few specialized programs include an interview (e.g. some IISc interdisciplinary M.Tech programs use 70% GATE + 30% interview). Ph.D. applicants are short-listed based on GATE/NET/JRF and academic record, and typically must clear an interview (and/or written test) in their subject area. Fellowships – All M.Tech students admitted via GATE receive a standard Institute fellowship (currently ₹12,400 per month) provided by MoE. Ph.D. students qualifying via GATE are eligible for Institute Research Fellowships (₹31,000 per month to start).
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Programs Available: The 23 IITs across India offer a wide range of M.Tech programs (as well as some MS (Research) and Dual Degree M.Tech-PhD programs) spanning engineering and science disciplines. These include traditional engineering fields (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) and interdisciplinary or science-focused streams like Computational Data Science, Materials Science, Earth Sciences, Energy Systems, Bioengineering, etc., depending on the IIT. All IITs also have extensive Ph.D. programs in science departments (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biosciences, Earth/Ocean Science, etc.) in addition to engineering departments.
- Eligibility Criteria: For IIT M.Tech admissions, candidates must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology or an equivalent degree (or M.Sc. in a related science for certain programs) with at least 60% marks (6.0 CGPA) for general category, and must qualify GATE in a paper relevant to the program. Each IIT specifies acceptable GATE subject papers for each program (e.g. an M.Tech in Data Science might accept GATE in CS, EC, MA, etc.). For Ph.D. at IITs, the minimum qualification is usually a Master’s degree in a relevant field or a 4-year Bachelor’s for direct PhD, along with a valid GATE score (if the candidate does not have a CSIR/UGC JRF or other fellowship). Candidates with a B.Tech from an IIT with a high CGPA may be exempt from GATE. Academic score cutoffs (e.g. 60% marks) apply similarly as above, with relaxations for reserved categories.
- GATE Score Range: Admission is very competitive. GATE score cutoffs vary by institute and specialization each year. Generally, the older top IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Madras, etc.) require high GATE scores (often 700–800+ for General category in sought-after programs). For example, a GATE score ~750+ (out of 1000) might be needed for Computer Science at IIT Bombay. Core engineering branches at top IITs also see cutoffs in the high 600s/700s. Newer IITs or less subscribed programs may have lower cutoffs (in the 400–600 range). As a benchmark, IIT Bombay’s M.Tech (CS) cutoff in 2024 was 750 (General), whereas an interdisciplinary program like Earth Sciences at IITB had a cutoff around 325 (since it accepts GATE in Geology/Geophysics). In summary, top IIT branches demand top GATE ranks, while moderate scores can suffice for certain streams or newer campuses.
- Last Date to Apply: Application timelines for IITs are in March/April 2025. Each IIT conducts its own online application – most open shortly after GATE results (mid/late March) and close in early to mid-April. For example, last year IIT Kanpur’s application portal for M.Tech/PhD opened on 20 March and closed on 11 April. Similarly, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, etc. usually have deadlines around the first or second week of April. (Exact dates for 2025 are announced on each IIT’s website; as a reference, IIT Kanpur has announced its 2025 application window from March 26 to April 9, 2025.)
- Official Application Links: Each IIT has its own application portal accessible via the institute’s admissions webpage (e.g., IIT Bombay’s PG application portal, IIT Delhi’s PG admission site, etc.). Candidates must also register at the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) after applying, using their GATE registration details. COAP is a centralized platform where IITs (and IISc) post admission offers; GATE qualified applicants must use COAP to view and accept IIT M.Tech offers. (COAP 2025 is coordinated by IISc and opens on March 20, 2025.) For Ph.D. applications, offers are made directly by each IIT (COAP is only for M.Tech/MS admissions).
- Additional Information: Selection Process – For most IIT M.Tech (TA category) admissions, there is no additional exam: selection is purely on GATE score merit and choices, conducted via multiple COAP offer rounds. Some interdisciplinary or research-focused M.Tech programs may conduct written tests/interviews or consider academic profile in addition to GATE (this varies by IIT and program; the official brochures specify if an interview is required). For example, at IIT Bombay, programs like Electronic System Design or some MS (Research) programs use 70% GATE + 30% interview weightage, whereas traditional programs (e.g. Mechanical, Civil) use 100% GATE score. Ph.D. selection at IITs typically involves shortlisting based on GATE/NET and past academics, followed by one or more rounds of interviews (and sometimes a written test) in the respective department. Financial Aid – All IIT M.Tech students admitted with GATE are eligible for a Teaching Assistantship stipend (~₹12,400/month) from MoE for the duration of the program. Ph.D. students generally receive institute fellowships (~₹31,000/month in first two years) if they have a GATE or NET qualification and do not have any other fellowship.
National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and CFTIs
- Programs Available: All 31 NITs, IIEST Shibpur, and several other centrally-funded technical institutes (CFTIs) participate in a common admission process for M.Tech (and equivalent PG engineering programs). NIT M.Tech programs cover nearly all engineering disciplines (Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, etc.) and certain applied science/interdisciplinary areas (for example, NIT Warangal offers M.Tech in Photonics (Physics), some NITs have Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, GIS, etc.). The M.Arch and M.Plan programs at SPAs/NITs and some M.Des/MURP at IIITs are also part of this counseling. (Note: For Ph.D., each NIT conducts its own process, but here focus is on GATE-based PG admissions.)
- Eligibility Criteria: For NIT M.Tech admissions, candidates must have a B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent) degree in the relevant field (or a Master’s in a related science for certain programs) with typically 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA (general category; 55% for SC/ST) – specific eligibility criteria are given by each program in the brochure. A valid GATE score is mandatory. The accepted GATE subject depends on the program (e.g. an M.Tech in VLSI might accept GATE EC, EE or IN; an M.Tech in Material Science might accept ME, MT, PH, etc.). Candidates can use GATE 2025, 2024, or 2023 scores for the 2025 admission cycle.
- GATE Score Range: Cutoff scores for NIT M.Tech programs vary widely across institutes and specializations. The top NITs (such as NIT Trichy, Warangal, Surathkal, Allahabad, etc.) and popular branches often have cutoffs not far below the IITs. For example, an NIT Trichy Mechanical Engineering (Design) seat might require a GATE score around ~700 for General category, and other high-demand courses (like Computer Science at NIT Warangal) typically see cutoffs in the 600+ range. Mid-tier NITs and less sought-after branches can have cutoffs in the 400–500 range, sometimes lower for certain interdisciplinary programs or for reserved categories. As a general guide, a GATE score of ~600+ would make one competitive for many NIT programs (in General category), while lower scores can still secure seats in specific branches or newer institutes. Cutoffs for each institute and round will be published in the CCMT counseling data (e.g., CCMT 2024 opening/closing scores).
- Last Date to Apply: Admissions are conducted via CCMT 2025 (Centralized Counseling for M.Tech/M.Arch/M.Plan). Registration for CCMT 2025 is expected to open in April/May 2025, after GATE results are announced and IIT COAP offers begin. In 2024, the CCMT application started in June (since it uses leftover time after initial IIT allocations). For 2025, tentative dates (from a Careers360 timeline) indicate CCMT registration in May 2025 and choice filling in June 2025. The exact schedule will be released on the CCMT 2025 official site. Once open, candidates typically get a few weeks to register and fill choices of institutes/programs; there is no separate “last date” per NIT, as all choices lock by the CCMT deadline (likely by mid-June 2025, with counseling rounds in June-July).
- Official Application Link: The CCMT 2025 portal (to be announced on ccmt.admissions.nic.in) is the single online application for all participating NITs and CFTIs. Candidates must register on CCMT, pay one-time counseling fee, and fill in their preferences of institutes/programs. The CCMT site provides the information brochure, list of participating institutes, program-wise eligibility, and later, the seat allotment results. (Do not apply to individual NITs for M.Tech; applications are centralized through CCMT).
- Additional Information: Counseling Process – CCMT operates in multiple rounds of seat allotment based on GATE scores and choices. After each round, candidates can accept the seat or opt for upgradation. There’s also usually a National Spot Round after the main rounds to fill remaining vacancies. Fellowships – Students admitted to NIT M.Tech programs via GATE are eligible for the standard GATE stipend (₹12.4k/month) funded by MoE, similar to IITs. Documents – Candidates will need to upload documents (degree, GATE scorecard, category certificate etc.) on the CCMT portal and later report to the allotted institute for verification. Important: While CCMT is primarily for M.Tech/M.Arch, note that some institutions in CCMT are central universities or IIITs – e.g. in 2024, Central University of Punjab and IIST Thiruvananthapuram participated for certain programs. Always check the CCMT participating institutes list for any new entrants in 2025.
IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research)
- Programs Available: The IISERs (located in Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Berhampur) are primarily science research institutes offering Ph.D. programs in core science disciplines. They do not offer M.Tech, but they have Integrated BS-MS programs and Integrated Ph.D. (I-PhD) as well as regular Ph.D. tracks. For graduates with GATE scores, the relevant opportunities are Ph.D. programs in sciences – e.g. Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth & Environmental Sciences, and interdisciplinary areas. Some IISERs (e.g. IISER Bhopal) also have an Integrated PhD which uses JAM rather than GATE. Here we focus on the Ph.D. admissions for Aug 2025 that accept GATE.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants for IISER Ph.D. programs must have a Master’s degree in the relevant science field (M.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Math or related fields, or M.Tech/M.Pharm/MCA where applicable) with typically 60% marks (some IISERs allow promising final-year students to apply). A valid national-level exam score is required: this can be GATE or CSIR-UGC NET JRF, or other discipline-specific exams like JEST (for Physics), JGEEBILS/DBT-JRF (for Biology), etc.. Each IISER specifies which exams are accepted per department. GATE in the appropriate subject (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Ecology, Computer Science) is generally accepted as one of the qualifications. Note that having GATE qualifies you to apply, but often candidates with JRF (CSIR/UGC) may be given preference since they come with fellowship – however, IISERs do consider GATE-only candidates for Institute fellowships.
- GATE Score Range: The IISERs usually do not publicize a strict cutoff score for GATE; rather, any candidate with a valid GATE score can apply, and shortlisting depends on the pool of applicants. In practice, to be competitive, a high percentile GATE score is advisable especially if applying without an existing JRF fellowship. For example, in IISER Berhampur’s current PhD call, candidates must hold a valid GATE or NET(JRF) etc. at the time of admission– no specific score threshold is stated. Generally, if your GATE rank would qualify you for CSIR-JRF (typically top ~5-7% in science subjects), that is an indicator of a strong score for IISER PhD. However, slightly lower scores can still get shortlisted if vacancies exist, as long as you meet other criteria. The key is that you must have at least qualified GATE; beyond that, shortlisting will also weigh academic performance and alignment with research areas.
- Last Date to Apply: Ph.D. admissions for the Autumn 2025 session are now open at IISERs. Deadlines vary by institute: for example, IISER Berhampur’s PhD application deadline is March 23, 2025, whereas IISER Kolkata’s PhD portal closes on May 19, 2025. IISER Bhopal’s Integrated PhD (Physics) has a deadline of April 15, 2025. Typically, IISERs open applications in Feb/March and close by late March or April, but some (like Kolkata) keep it open until May for the August semester. Check each IISER’s official admission page for the exact date: a missed deadline at one IISER does not affect others, as applications are institute-specific.
- Official Application Links: Each IISER has its own online application portal for PhD admissions, accessible via the institute’s website. For example, IISER Kolkata has an application portal for PhD Autumn 2025and a dedicated “Important Dates” page. IISER Berhampur uses an ERP-based application system (link on their site). Visit the “Admissions” or “Academics” section of the respective IISER’s website to find the PhD admission notification and link. (Some useful starting points: IISER Pune PhD Admissions, IISER Bhopal PhD Admissions, etc.)
- Additional Information: Selection Process – After the application deadline, IISER departments screen applications and announce a shortlist for interviews. Shortlisting is based on academic record and exam scores (GATE/NET) – for instance, IISER Berhampur will release its interview shortlist on March 21, 2025. The interview is the primary basis for final selection at IISERs. Typically, there are one or two rounds of interviews (in April/May) where candidates are tested on subject knowledge and research aptitude. Some IISERs may also have a written test before the interview. Fellowships – Ph.D. students admitted to IISERs are provided a fellowship of ₹31,000/month (junior research fellowship) which is usually funded by external agencies if the student has JRF, or by the institute (from DST/DBT/CSIR grants) if the student only has GATE. This is upgraded to ₹35,000 after two years upon passing a progress evaluation. Research focus – IISERs emphasize research from day one; candidates are expected to align with a research group. It’s advisable to contact potential IISER faculty in your area of interest prior to applying or before the interview, as fit with research areas can be a selection factor.
Other Central Institutes Open for GATE-Based Admissions
Aside from IISc, IITs, NITs, and IISERs, other centrally-funded institutions offer M.Tech/PhD admissions based on GATE scores. Below are a few notable examples:
- . Eligibility is a B.E/B.Tech in relevant fields (or M.Sc for certain programs) with 60% marks (Gen/OBC) and a valid GATE score. For some space science streams, GATE in Physics or Electronics or even JEST is accepted (e.g. M.Tech in Astronomy may accept GATE PH or JEST). IIST has two admission modes: Regular (open to all with GATE) and DoS/ISRO sponsored (for employees). Admissions for the 2025-26 academic year will use GATE 2025 scores. GATE Score Range: Typically, IIST being a small, high-demand institute, requires quite good scores (often >600 for general category in core streams; some programs fill via CCMT). In fact, IIST now participates in CCMT counseling for some of its M.Tech seats, meaning GATE score cutoff will be determined via CCMT (similar to NITs). Last Date: The application for IIST M.Tech (Regular) is expected to open around April 2025 (after GATE results). (Note: Currently, IIST’s portal shows a Feb 27, 2025 deadline, which was for sponsored candidates; the regular admissions will follow). Official Link: IIST will announce details on its admissions.iist.ac.in portal. Additional Info: IIST M.Tech students receive a fellowship of ₹12,400/pm. They are not required to go through COAP; instead, they apply to IIST and seats are allotted (possibly through CCMT for some). IIST also offers Ph.D. programs (with GATE/JEST) – the last date for IIST Ph.D. Aug 2025 is likely in April 2025 (to be announced on iist.ac.in).
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram: IIST (under Dept. of Space, Govt. of India) offers specialized M.Tech programs in space science and technology – for example, Aerospace Engineering (Propulsion, Aerodynamics), Avionics (RF and Microwave, Digital Signal Processing, VLSI, Control Systems), Astronomy & Astrophysics, Earth System Science, Machine Learning, etc.
- . Admission to all these is GATE-score based. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Engg/Tech or relevant field (for Bioinformatics, a degree in CS/IT or Life Sciences with math background) with 60% marks, and GATE in related subjects (e.g. GATE CS for CS/AI/IT, GATE EC/EE for VLSI, GATE CY/BT/CS for Bioinfo, etc. as specified by UoH). GATE Score Range: UoH is quite competitive; as an example, in recent years Information Security (Networks) at UoH had GATE score cutoffs around 408–461. Generally, a 500+ GATE score gives a decent chance for UoH M.Tech (General category), though cutoffs for CS/AI may be higher. Last Date: UoH has joined the CCMT centralized counseling – aspirants must apply via CCMT 2025 rather than to UoH directly. This means UoH will appear as one of the choices in CCMT (likely under “GFTI” category). Thus, the “last date” is the CCMT application deadline (anticipated June 2025). Official Link: Refer to the CCMT 2025 portal and UoH’s admissions page for any institute-specific instructions. Additional Info: UoH M.Tech students do not require an interview (selection purely by GATE rank via CCMT). There is no application form on UoH site for M.Tech – all is through CCMT. UoH also has Ph.D. programs in sciences where GATE is accepted alongside NET; those have separate notifications (usually an entrance or interview process via UoH’s own admissions).
University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad: A central university with strong science and engineering departments, UoH offers M.Tech programs in 6 specializations: Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, Bioinformatics, Materials Engineering, and Integrated Circuit Technology
- . In practice, to join a CSIR lab for Ph.D., having a JRF fellowship (CSIR/UGC/DBT etc.) is highly advantageous; however, candidates with only GATE can also be considered, often for project fellow positions or if they obtain any fellowship by the interview time. Last Date: Admissions for August 2025 session are open – the last date to apply for AcSIR Ph.D. is April 14, 2025. (For the Integrated Dual-Degree M.Tech+PhD, the deadline is May 31, 2025.) Official Link: Applications are through the AcSIR Online Admission Portal on acsir.res.in. You can select up to three labs/programs of interest. Additional Info: Shortlisted applicants will be called for interviews at the respective CSIR laboratories in May/June. Final selection is based on performance in the interview, academic record, and availability of fellowships. If you only have GATE and not a JRF, some labs may still enroll you with an institute fellowship or project funding, but priority is usually given to JRF holders. AcSIR does not charge any application fee, and one form covers all chosen institutes. If selected, you will be registered as an AcSIR student but carry out research at the CSIR lab (the Ph.D. degree is awarded by AcSIR). This route is ideal if you wish to do a Ph.D. in a more specialized research setting; GATE helps qualify, but you should aim to secure a CSIR/DBT/ICMR JRF too if possible.
Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) – CSIR Institutes: AcSIR is a centralized academy that coordinates Ph.D. (and integrated M.Tech-Ph.D) admissions for many CSIR and allied research institutes (like NCL, NPL, IICT, CSIR labs, as well as certain ICMR institutes). If you aspire to do a Ph.D. in a national lab (in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, etc.), you can apply via AcSIR. Eligibility: M.Sc/M.Tech in relevant field with 55–60% marks and a valid national exam – this includes GATE or CSIR-UGC NET (JRF or LS), or other fellowships
Each of the above institutions has its own nuances in the application process, but all require timely action given the overlapping schedules. Always refer to the official institute websites for the most accurate and updated information on eligibility and deadlines. The information above is based on the latest notices and reputable sources to guide 2025 aspirants
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
iitb.ac.in
National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and CFTIs
ccmt.admissions.nic.in
IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research)
iiserbpr.in
apply.iiserkol.ac.in
iiserbpr.in
Other Central Institutes Open for GATE-Based Admissions
Aside from IISc, IITs, NITs, and IISERs, other centrally-funded institutions offer M.Tech/PhD admissions based on GATE scores. Below are a few notable examples:
admission.iist.ac.in
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram: IIST (under Dept. of Space, Govt. of India) offers specialized M.Tech programs in space science and technology – for example, Aerospace Engineering (Propulsion, Aerodynamics), Avionics (RF and Microwave, Digital Signal Processing, VLSI, Control Systems), Astronomy & Astrophysics, Earth System Science, Machine Learning, etc.
University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad: A central university with strong science and engineering departments, UoH offers M.Tech programs in 6 specializations: Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, Bioinformatics, Materials Engineering, and Integrated Circuit Technology
Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) – CSIR Institutes: AcSIR is a centralized academy that coordinates Ph.D. (and integrated M.Tech-Ph.D) admissions for many CSIR and allied research institutes (like NCL, NPL, IICT, CSIR labs, as well as certain ICMR institutes). If you aspire to do a Ph.D. in a national lab (in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, etc.), you can apply via AcSIR. Eligibility: M.Sc/M.Tech in relevant field with 55–60% marks and a valid national exam – this includes GATE or CSIR-UGC NET (JRF or LS), or other fellowships
Each of the above institutions has its own nuances in the application process, but all require timely action given the overlapping schedules. Always refer to the official institute websites for the most accurate and updated information on eligibility and deadlines. The information above is based on the latest notices and reputable sources to guide 2025 aspirants
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
iitb.ac.in
National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and CFTIs
ccmt.admissions.nic.in
IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research)
iiserbpr.in
apply.iiserkol.ac.in
iiserbpr.in
Other Central Institutes Open for GATE-Based Admissions
Aside from IISc, IITs, NITs, and IISERs, other centrally-funded institutions offer M.Tech/PhD admissions based on GATE scores. Below are a few notable examples:
admission.iist.ac.in
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram: IIST (under Dept. of Space, Govt. of India) offers specialized M.Tech programs in space science and technology – for example, Aerospace Engineering (Propulsion, Aerodynamics), Avionics (RF and Microwave, Digital Signal Processing, VLSI, Control Systems), Astronomy & Astrophysics, Earth System Science, Machine Learning, etc.
University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad: A central university with strong science and engineering departments, UoH offers M.Tech programs in 6 specializations: Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, Bioinformatics, Materials Engineering, and Integrated Circuit Technology
Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) – CSIR Institutes: AcSIR is a centralized academy that coordinates Ph.D. (and integrated M.Tech-Ph.D) admissions for many CSIR and allied research institutes (like NCL, NPL, IICT, CSIR labs, as well as certain ICMR institutes). If you aspire to do a Ph.D. in a national lab (in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, etc.), you can apply via AcSIR. Eligibility: M.Sc/M.Tech in relevant field with 55–60% marks and a valid national exam – this includes GATE or CSIR-UGC NET (JRF or LS), or other fellowships
Each of the above institutions has its own nuances in the application process, but all require timely action given the overlapping schedules. Always refer to the official institute websites for the most accurate and updated information on eligibility and deadlines. The information above is based on the latest notices and reputable sources to guide 2025 aspirants