JAM 2026 toppers to get Rs 5,000 stipend under IIT Kharagpur’s new DPEF scheme

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has rolled out a new fellowship to recognise top rankers of the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM) 2026, in a move aimed at attracting talented students to its postgraduate science programmes.

Named the Director’s Platinum Jubilee Excellence Fellowship (DPEF), the scheme offers a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for two years. Selected students will also receive a Rs 60,000 summer internship grant, giving them both financial support and an early start in research.

The institute said the initiative is part of its broader effort to encourage academic excellence and strengthen the pool of future researchers in science and technology.

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IIT Kharagpur fellowship benefits and academic exposure

The fellowship is designed not just to support students financially, but also to give them practical research experience. The summer internship grant will allow students to work on projects that complement their classroom learning and help them build strong research foundations.

M.Sc. programmes at IIT Kharagpur cover key disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology and biosciences. With a research-driven curriculum and access to advanced labs, these courses prepare students for higher studies, including Ph.D. programmes within the IIT system.

IIT Kharagpur admission process, fees and key guidelines

Admissions to the two-year M.Sc. and Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D. programmes are carried out through the JAM exam, which is conducted every year by different IITs on a rotational basis under a joint admission system.

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As per institute rules, students must pay the prescribed tuition and other fees at the time of joining and in each subsequent semester. The institute also reserves the right to cancel admission at any stage in cases of poor academic performance, irregular attendance or disciplinary issues. Additionally, students admitted through JEE Advanced to certain programmes may be eligible for branch changes or shifts to interdisciplinary courses, subject to applicable rules.

About JAM 2026

The JAM 2026 is a national-level entrance exam held by the IITs for students who want to pursue postgraduate courses like M.Sc. and integrated Ph.D. programmes in science. The test covers subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, geology and economics. Based on their scores, candidates can apply for admission to IITs and other participating institutes through a centralised process, making JAM an important step for those looking to build a career in science and research.