The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP), established in 1951, holds a singular place in history as the first of the prestigious IITs. Inscribed with the motto "Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam" (Excellence in action is Yoga), the institute was born from the vision of post-independence leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Jawaharlal Nehru to create a self-reliant nation through technical brilliance. Its origin is as symbolic as its academic status; the main building was famously repurposed from the Hijli Detention Camp, where freedom fighters were once imprisoned by the British. By 1956, the Indian Parliament declared it an Institute of National Importance, and today it remains a massive, 2,100-acre academic township. Celebrating its Platinum Jubilee in 2026, the institute has evolved into a global research powerhouse with 19 departments and 13 specialized schools. Its alumni network is unparalleled, featuring global leaders such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, a testament to its enduring legacy of grooming transformative talent for the international stage.
Established in 1951 as the first Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur (IIT KGP) is consistently recognized as a global leader in engineering, research, and interdisciplinary education.
Institute of National Importance: Recognized by the Government of India for its pivotal role in developing the nation's technical manpower.
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur: Faculty
IIT Kharagpur boasts one of the largest and most distinguished technical faculty bodies in India, comprising over 700 active faculty members across 19 departments, 13 schools, and 9 centers of excellence.Nearly 100% of the faculty hold a Ph.D., with a significant majority having earned their doctoral or post-doctoral credentials from top-tier global institutions (such as MIT, Stanford, and Purdue) or premier Indian institutes (IITs and IISc).
The admission process at IIT Kharagpur is highly specialized, with distinct pathways for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. For the 2026–27 academic session, the process remains strictly entrance-based, managed through national-level portals or the institute's own ERP system.
Step 1: Register and appear for JEE Main 2026.
Step 2: Qualify in the top 2.5 lakh candidates to register for JEE Advanced 2026 (Exam date: May 17, 2026).
Step 3: Participate in JoSAA Counseling to select "IIT Kharagpur" and your preferred branch.
Step 4: Accept the seat, pay the fee, and complete physical reporting at the Kharagpur campus.
Step 1: Qualify for the GATE 2026 exam.
Step 2: Register on the COAP 2026 portal to view and accept seat offers (Round 1 offers typically begin May 11, 2026).
Step 3: Simultaneously apply through the IIT KGP Joint M.Tech/MCP-Ph.D. (JMP) portal.
Step 4: Follow the merit list for final admission confirmation.
Step 1: Appear for CAT 2025 and meet the minimum sectional/overall cutoffs.
Step 2: Shortlisting based on CAT score, academic profile, and work experience.
Step 3: Attend the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Aptitude Test (WAT) rounds (usually held in March-April).
Step 4: Check the final merit list (released around May 1–5, 2026) and confirm the offer.
Step 1: Apply via the Rolling Ph.D. Admission Portal on the IIT KGP website (applications accepted year-round).
Step 2: Departmental screening based on GATE/NET/JRF scores or academic merit.
Step 3: Attend the departmental Written Test and Interview (processed quarterly).
Step 4: Selected candidates are notified via the ERP portal for enrollment.
IIT Kharagpur (IIT KGP) offers an extensive range of academic programs through its 19 departments, 13 schools, and 9 centers of excellence. The fee structure for the 2026–2027 academic session reflects its status as a public institution, providing significant subsidies and waivers based on income and category.
These are the flagship residential programs. The B.Tech/BS programs are 4 years, while B.Arch and Dual Degrees are 5 years.
Category (Family Income)
Tuition Fee (Per Sem)
Total (Approx. Per Sem)
SC / ST / PwD
Nil
Rs.35,000 – Rs.39,000
Income < Rs.1 Lakh
Income Rs. 1 – 5 Lakhs
Rs.33,333
Rs. 68,000 – Rs.72,000
Income > Rs.5 Lakhs (Gen/OBC)
Rs.1,00,000
Rs.1,35,000 – Rs.1,39,000
The fees for PG courses vary significantly based on the technical or professional nature of the degree.
Programmes
Total fees (approx.)
M.Tech / MCP
Rs.63,800 – Rs.2.13 Lakhs
MBA (VGSoM)
Rs. 12.94 Lakhs
M.Sc / Joint M.Sc-PhD
Rs. 33,000 – Rs.83,000
LL.B (IP Law)
Rs.4.50 – Rs.5.20 Lakhs
Executive MBA
Rs.6.00 Lakhs
IIT Kharagpur provides an extensive range of financial aid, from merit-based stipends for top rankers to need-based support for economically backward students. As the institute celebrates its Platinum Jubilee in 2026, new high-value research fellowships have been introduced.
The institute ensures that financial constraints do not hinder education through several internal and government schemes.
Postgraduate funding is largely tied to national entrance exams and assistantship duties.
For the 2026 session, IIT Kharagpur has launched one of the highest-paying fellowships in India to attract top research talent.
Several batches and individual alumni have endowed specific awards for excellence in various domains:
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur: Placements
IIT Kharagpur maintains one of the most robust placement records in India, characterized by a high volume of offers and a diverse range of participating sectors. The 2025–26 placement season saw strong participation from global tech giants and consulting firms.
Total Offers: Over 1,600+ offers were made in the first phase of placements alone.
Highest Package (International): Reached approximately Rs.2.4 Crore per annum.
Highest Package (Domestic): Touched Rs.1.0 Crore per annum.
Average CTC: Typically ranges between Rs.18 LPA to Rs.22 LPA across all departments, with higher averages in CSE and Finance.
IIT Kharagpur, known as the "Hijli Detention Camp" in its pre-independence history, now boasts one of the largest and most self-contained academic campuses in the world, spanning over 2,100 acres.
Q1. Can I get direct admission to M.Tech without a GATE score?
Ans. Yes, if you are a graduate from any IIT with a CGPA of 8.0 or above, you may be eligible for direct admission to certain M.Tech programs without appearing for GATE .
Q2. What was the highest package offered in the 2026 placement season?
Ans. The 2026 placement drive saw a peak international offer of Rs.2.44 Crore per annum, with several domestic offers exceeding Rs.1 Crore.
Q3.Are there separate hostels for girls?
Ans. Yes, the institute has dedicated Halls of Residence for female students, such as Sarojini Naidu / Mother Teresa Hall, equipped with high-security and modern amenities.
Q4. Does IIT Kharagpur have a Law school?
Ans. Yes, the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law (RGSoIPL) is the first of its kind in the IIT system, offering LL.B. and LL.M. programs with a focus on technology and law.
Q5. What is the "Medical Engineering" program?
Ans. The School of Medical Science and Technology (SMST) offers an interdisciplinary M.Tech and MMST (for MBBS doctors) to bridge the gap between medicine and engineering.
IIT Kharagpur admission for B.Tech is via JEE Advanced; M.Tech requires GATE, and MBA uses CAT. The 2026 JEE Advanced; exam is scheduled for May 17, with JoSAA counseling starting in June. GATE results are typically out in March, followed by COAP/SAP applications for post-graduate admissions.
Admission to IIT Kharagpur is primarily through national-level entrance exams. Undergraduate candidates must qualify for JEE Advanced; via JEE main. Postgraduate admissions require GATE (for M.Tech) or JAM (for M.Sc). Applicants apply through centralized portals like JoSAA or COAP, followed by document verification and seat allotment via the institute''s ERP.
IIT Kharagpur, India''s first IIT, is a global leader in engineering and research. Its sprawling 2,100-acre campus features 21 halls of residence and the massive Central Library. Renowned for its interdisciplinary centers, top-tier placements, and the iconic "Illumination" festival, it fosters unmatched innovation and a vibrant student culture.
IIT Kharagpur boasts an elite placement record, with top-tier global recruiters like Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The Career Development Centre facilitates diverse roles across SDE, Data Science, Consulting, and Core Engineering. Consistently securing high domestic and international packages, it remains a premier destination for world-class talent and innovation.
IIT Kharagpur offers diverse scholarships, including the Merit-cum-Means (MCM), providing full tuition waivers plus monthly stipends for undergraduates. The Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Scholarship offers a full ride to top 100 JEE rankers. Additionally, numerous alumni-funded endowments and 100% SC/ST tuition waivers ensure financial support for all deserving students.
IIT Kharagpur is consistently ranked among the top global institutions, securing premier positions in the NIRF (Engineering) and QS World University Rankings. Recognized as an Institute of Eminence, it leads in research, patent filings, and industry collaborations, fostering a legacy of innovation and distinguished alumni across technology and management.
IIT Kharagpur consistently ranks among India’s top engineering institutions, frequently securing a top 5 spot in the NIRF Engineering category. Globally, it holds a prestigious position in the QS World University Rankings, celebrated for its elite research output, pioneering faculty, and exceptional placement records across diverse technical domains.
IIT Kharagpur features a 2,100-acre residential campus with 21 student halls. It houses one of Asia’s largest technical libraries, advanced research centers, and the B.C. Roy Multi-Speciality Hospital. Students enjoy world-class sports complexes, an aquatic center, and the vibrant Technology Students'' Gymkhana for extracurricular activities and holistic development.
IIT Kharagpur offers diverse programs including B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, and PhD. The first-year B.Tech fee is approximately Rs.2.25 Lakhs, with significant waivers for SC/ST/PwD students and those from lower-income backgrounds. The institute provides world-class technical education across 19 departments, focusing on engineering, law, and management.
IIT Kharagpur consistently earns top-tier ratings (often 4.5/5) for its peerless academic reputation and expansive 2,100-acre campus. Reviews highlight the legendary "KGP culture," distinguished faculty, and stellar placements. While some note the aging infrastructure in older hostels, the unparalleled research facilities and vibrant student life remain world-class.
IIT Kharagpur boasts a world-class faculty comprising over 700 distinguished educators and researchers. Many are recipients of prestigious awards like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and Padma Awards. They lead interdisciplinary research in areas such as AI, biotechnology, and sustainable energy, fostering an innovative academic environment for global leadership.
How is admission into the B.Tech program handled?
Admission is exclusively through the JEE Advanced exam followed by the JoSAA counseling process.
What is the highest salary package recorded in 2026?
During Phase 1 placements for the 2025-26 session, the highest CTC reached ?2.44 crore per annum.
How large is the IIT Kharagpur campus?
It is the largest IIT campus in India, spanning approximately 2,100 acres.
What is the expected JEE Advanced cutoff for Computer Science?
For 2026, the closing rank for the General category in CSE is expected to be around 600.
Does IIT Kharagpur offer scholarships for top rankers?
Yes, the Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Full Ride Scholarship covers 100% of expenses for top 100 AIR holders.
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