Research Programmes

Research Admissions 2026

The 2026 research admission (PhD and MTech (Res)) for Artificial Intelligence involves a two-stage process to be held in-person at the Kotak IISc AI–ML Centre (KIAC), CDS building, IISc. Candidates shortlisted for the interview will receive a call letter or email from the IISc Admissions office (please login to the IISc admissions portal and check for the call letter).

Stage I of the in-person interview will involve a written test at KIAC, CDS building, during the interview session listed in the call letter. The written test for the morning session will start at 8 AM, and the written test for the afternoon session will start at 1 PM. Candidates must attend the test for the session for which they have been called for the interview. On successful selection from Stage 1, a Stage 2 oral interview will take place immediately afterwards (in the same session).

The syllabus for the Stage 1 written test includes linear algebra, probability and statistics, calculus, data structures and algorithms. A sample test paper is provided here. The test will require the candidates to write solutions/answers in the paper given to them. There will be 15 questions to be solved in 45 minutes.

The syllabus for the Stage 2 oral interview includes linear algebra, probability and statistics, calculus, and basics of machine learning.

About ten days before the date of interview, the shortlisted candidates will be sent an email from KIAC to fill out an online information form (to be shared). This must be completed and submitted by the specified deadline in order to participate in the interview. The online form will require candidates to indicate their preferred research areas and select faculty with whom they are interested in working. The research areas include machine learning, speech and natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and AI+X (where X is a specific domain in science/engineering). Candidates interested in AI+X may also be asked questions on the specific domain during Stage 2 of the interview.


At the Kotak IISc AI–ML Centre, students can pursue cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence through two flagship degrees:
PhD and MTech (Research).

PhD

The PhD programme offers a 3–6 year journey into advanced AI research, supported by carefully chosen courses under the Research Training Programme. Students build deep expertise by engaging with high-quality coursework, seminars, and peer-reviewed literature. They demonstrate their readiness through a comprehensive exam that includes a seminar and an oral assessment.

The heart of the programme is an original dissertation that frequently leads to impactful publications, patents, and technologies.

Along the way, students benefit from opportunities for international collaborations, visits to other universities, support for attending global conferences, placements and internships, and pathways for entrepreneurial exploration.

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MTech (Research)

The MTech (Research) programme provides a focused 2–2.5 year research experience in AI, ideal for students looking to deepen their skills while working closely with advisors on original research. With courses tailored to their research direction, students gain the foundations needed to pursue a high-quality thesis that is lighter in scope than a PhD dissertation but still often leading to impactful peer-reviewed publications.

The programme equips students with valuable research exposure for both industry roles and future doctoral study. Students also enjoy access to internship and placement opportunities.

Research Areas

  • Machine Learning and Deep Learning
  • Generative AI
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Computer Vision 
  • Natural Language and Speech Processing
  • Robotics
  • Ethics/Fairness/Explainability in AI
  • AI in Science, Engineering, and Healthcare

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

  1. Minimum qualification: BE/BTech/BS (4-year) from engineering/science disciplines or MSc in Physics/Mathematics/Electronics/Statistics/Computer Science. 
  2. Admission mode: Valid scores in GATE or NET JRF (for BTech/BS (4-year)/MSc applicants), CFTI, or as per IISc norms for MTech qualified in CS/EE/ECE/DS or allied disciplines, which includes all IISc MTech programmes offered under EECS, CDS, CPS.
  3. ERP (External Registration Programme) and QIP (Quality Improvement Programme) admissions: Permitted as per Institute regulations, with identical academic criteria.