Hyderabad, Oct 23: The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) has opened applications for the January 2027 cohort of its revamped Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) programme. Developed by the Consortium of Institutions of Higher Learning (CIHL) in collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad's Centre for Educational Technology and Learning Sciences (CETLS), the programme takes a practice-oriented approach to postgraduate education, bringing together computing foundations, applied research, AI-enabled learning and entrepreneurship.
Commenting on the programme, Prof Sandeep Shukla, Director, IIIT-H said, “The MSIT programme is designed around the idea that students learn best when they can put knowledge into practice. We want them to build strong foundations in computing and AI, work on real research problems, and develop the confidence to take ideas forward, whether in industry or through venture-building. By bringing together coursework, research experience and venture-building, the programme offers a different kind of postgraduate learning experience, one that prepares students to work with technology and shape what comes next."
The four-semester, full-time residential programme is designed to go beyond classroom-based instruction. Students progress from building core computing skills to working on applied AI problems in research laboratories, developing technology-driven ventures and gaining industry experience. The degree will be awarded by IIIT Hyderabad.
The programme is structured to take students from foundational learning to real-world application over four semesters. The first semester builds computing foundations through courses in Learning to Learn with AI Tools, Algorithms and Data Structures, and Computer Systems. In the second, students work with faculty and mentors at IIIT Hyderabad's research centres to build and deploy applied AI systems, alongside project-focused AI coursework. The third semester focuses on venture-building, with students forming teams to develop working products and business plans around real-world problems and pitching them to early-stage VCs for seed funding. In the final semester, students whose ventures secure funding work towards launching their startups, while others undertake a full-time industry co-op, working on production systems with an industry partner.
The programme's distinctive feature is its emphasis on learning through building and deploying technology. By combining foundational coursework with research-centre experience, venture development and industry engagement, it gives students opportunities to work on real problems and take their ideas towards implementation.
Eligibility and Admissions
The programme is open to graduates with 16 years of formal education who are willing to work with computer science, AI and mathematics. Students in the final year of their degree awaiting results are also eligible to apply
The admission process includes online registration, an aptitude evaluation through GRE, GATE or the MSIT Entrance Examination, as applicable, and interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Admissions will be conducted in two cycles:
· Cycle I: Application deadline – November 7, 2026; examination – November 11, 2026.
· Cycle II: Application deadline – December 7, 2026; examination – December 11, 2026.
The final admission list will be announced on December 20, 2026, and the programme will commence on January 2, 2027.
The programme is residential and will be conducted at the IIIT Hyderabad campus. The tuition fee is Rs 1.5 lakh per semester.
For programme details and applications, visit www.msit.ac.in
