Rise in Stipends for MTech & PhD: A New Momentum in Indian Higher-Engineering & Research Education

The landscape of postgraduate engineering (MTech stipends in India) and doctoral research (PhD stipends in India and research fellowships) is undergoing a significant transformation. For years, financial assistance — whether AICTE MTech assistantship, GATE scholarship, or PhD fellowship schemes — has been a core concern for students.

However, between 2023 and 2025, we are witnessing strong momentum, marked by stipend hikes, new funding schemes, improved research fellowships, and a renewed focus from Indian regulators.

This matters for students, educators, and institutions as India strives to enhance its higher education funding and bolster its research ecosystem.

 

In this blog, you will explore:

• Current stipend context for MTech and PhD in India
• Major recent changes & proposals
• Drivers behind stipend hikes
• Implications for students and educators
• What to watch next

 

Baseline: What were stipends like previously?

MTech Stipends

At most AICTE-approved institutes, GATE-qualified MTech students received a monthly assistantship of ₹12,400/month.

However:

• Many self-sponsored / non-GATE candidates received no stipend.
• Assistantship duties were often unclear (lab work, TA roles, etc.).
• MTech admissions began to drop sharply, with many seats remaining vacant.
  This highlighted the low perceived value of MTech in India.

PhD / Research Fellowships

In 2023, the Ministry of Education increased PhD stipends:

• JRF: ₹31,000 → ₹37,000/month
• SRF: ₹35,000 → ₹42,000/month
• Research Associate: ₹58,000/month

Even after this, aspirants felt stipends were still modest compared to the rising cost of living and research expenses.

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Recent & Proposed Changes: What’s happening now?

For MTech (GATE-based assistantship)

The AICTE stipend increase for MTech proposes a ~50% hike, raising stipends from ₹12,400 to ₹18,600/month.
This is one of the most significant changes in MTech education in recent years.

For PhD / Research Scholars

• PhD stipend hike (JRF/SRF) implemented in Jan 2023.
• IIIT Delhi announced a fellowship of ₹60,000/month (including HRA), one of the highest in the country.
• The PMRF (Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship) continues to offer ₹70,000–80,000/month, plus a research grant of ₹2 lakh/year.

These moves signal India’s shift toward research-driven higher education.

What’s driving the stipend hike?

1️⃣ Declining MTech Enrolments

Around 66% of MTech seats remained vacant in the 2022–23 academic year.
Reasons include:

• Low stipend
• High fees at some institutes
• Preference for direct industry jobs after BTech
• Growing interest in studying abroad

Raising stipends helps revive interest in postgraduate engineering education in India.

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2️⃣ Boosting India’s Research Quality

To compete globally:

• India needs more full-time PhD researchers.
• Higher fellowships help retain talent.
• Protests by research scholars led to the acceleration of stipend revisions.

3️⃣ Rising Living Costs

Previous stipend levels were no longer adequate, especially in metropolitan cities.

 

Implications & Advice

For Students (MTech aspirants & PhD aspirants)

• The proposed MTech stipend increase to ₹18,600 is a promising development.
• PhD fellowships have already increased. Look for institute-specific top-up fellowships.
• Do not choose a programme based only on the stipend. Check:
  • Lab infrastructure
  • Research culture
  • Supervisor quality
  • Travel/research grants
  • Campus cost of living

For Educators (GATE mentors, faculty)

• Use stipend updates as part of counselling for MTech/PhD planning.
• Help students compare:
  • stipend vs fees
  • research opportunities
  • industry exposure
  • long-term career scope

For Institutions

Stipend rise creates opportunities to:

• Improve enrolment
• Attract research talent
• Strengthen collaboration with industry.

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What to watch next?

AICTE MTech stipend implementation

The proposal needs full execution across all institutions.

PhD fellowship evolution

Expect more:

• Interdisciplinary research fellowships
• industry-funded PhDs
• collaboration-based funding pathways

Fee revisions

Some IITs and institutes may revise fees, affecting net gains.

Institution-wise variation

Stipends differ by institute (IIT/NIT/IIIT/private university), department, and funding source.

 

Conclusion

The rise in MTech and PhD stipends in India marks a significant turning point in the country’s engineering and research education ecosystem. With better stipends, students can now pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies with greater financial stability.

However, the stipend is only one part of the decision.
Students must consider:

• research ecosystem
• mentor quality
• long-term academic or industry goals

Educators play a crucial role in helping aspiring individuals see the whole picture.

FAQs: Rise in Stipends for MTech & PhD

Why are MTech stipends increasing in India and how will it impact engineering students?

MTech stipends are being increased to improve enrollment, attract GATE-qualified students, and make postgraduate engineering more financially viable. This helps students pursue higher education without heavy financial pressure.

How will the new PhD stipend hike improve research quality in India?

Higher fellowships encourage more students to choose full-time research, support better living conditions, and reduce the need for part-time work — allowing scholars to focus on producing stronger research output.

What benefits do students get from the new AICTE MTech stipend hike proposal?

Students may receive around ₹18,600/month, making the MTech program more attractive compared to industry jobs immediately after completing BTech. It also helps offset rising hostels, travel, and academic expenses.

How do PMRF and institute-specific fellowships compare to standard PhD stipends?

Schemes like PMRF offer ₹70,000–80,000/month, far higher than standard JRF/SRF amounts. Some institutes, like IIIT Delhi, offer ₹60,000/month, providing a significant financial advantage to top-performing research scholars.

What should students consider apart from the stipend when choosing an MTech or PhD programme?

Students must evaluate:

• research environment
• supervisor mentorship
• lab facilities
• funding reliability
• publication opportunities
• long-term career pathways

A higher stipend alone doesn’t guarantee a strong academic experience.