After GATE: How to Apply for M.Tech in IITs and NITs | COAP Explained

Clearing the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is the first step toward pursuing M.Tech in premier institutes like IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and NITs (National Institutes of Technology). However, many students get confused about the process that follows the GATE exam. This article breaks down the post-GATE admission procedure, including COAP, CCMT, counseling, fees, and interview calls.

1. Post-GATE Admission Process Overview

After qualifying GATE, the next steps to apply for M.Tech in IITs and NITs involve:

1. IITs: Apply through individual IIT portals and participate in COAP.
2. NITs and some IIITs: Apply through the CCMT portal (Centralized Counseling for M.Tech).

Let’s dive into the IIT admission process via COAP in detail.

2. What is COAP?

COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) is an online platform for candidates seeking admission to M.Tech programs at various IITs and IISc Bangalore. While you apply to IITs separately through their official portals, COAP is where you accept or reject offers.

COAP is NOT an application portal.

You still need to apply individually to each IIT for your desired M.Tech program.

3. Eligibility for COAP

1. You must have a valid GATE score (current year or previous two years).
2. You must have applied to at least one participating IIT/IISc for M.Tech.

4. How to Register on COAP

Steps for COAP Registration:

1. Visit the official COAP portal: https://gate.iisc.ac.in/coap2025/
2. Click on "Register".
3. Enter your GATE details (registration number, score, year).
4. Provide personal details: name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number.
5. Verify via OTP.
6. Set a password and complete the registration.

COAP Registration Fee:

1. Free of cost. COAP registration has no fee.

5. How to Participate in COAP Counseling

Once registered, follow these steps:

1. Log in during COAP Rounds (offers are released in multiple rounds).
2. You may get offers from multiple IITs.
3. You can:
4. Accept and Freeze (confirm admission and block further offers)
5. Retain and Wait (keep a seat but wait for better offers)
6. Reject (decline the offer)

Important: You must log in and respond in each round, or the offer is auto-rejected.

6. How to Apply to IITs for M.Tech

1. Visit the official IIT websites (e.g., IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, etc.).
2. Fill in the M.Tech application form (usually opens in March-April).
3. Select your stream (e.g., CS, EE, ME, etc.) and specialization.
4. Pay the application fee (around ₹300–₹800 depending on the IIT).
5. Wait for admission shortlists based on GATE score.

7. How to Choose a Stream/Branch

When applying:

1. Choose a stream based on:
2. Your GATE paper (you are eligible only for related streams)
3. Your B.Tech background
4. Your interest/specialization goal (e.g., AI, Data Science, VLSI)

Some interdisciplinary branches like Data Science, Robotics, or Computational Sciences are open to multiple disciplines.

8. Stream Selection Fees

1. There is no separate fee for selecting a branch on COAP.
2. IITs charge an application fee when you apply for M.Tech.
3. Example: IIT Bombay charges ₹300 (SC/ST/PWD) to ₹800 (General/OBC).

9. When Will You Get Calls for Tests/Interviews?

1. Shortlisted candidates will get email notifications from IITs.
2. Usually starts in April to June.
3. Not all IITs conduct interviews. Some admit directly based on the GATE score, while others may have:
4. Written tests
5. Interviews (online or offline)

Tips:

1. Prepare core subjects.
2. Know your final year project and GATE concepts well.
3. Be ready for aptitude/technical questions.

10. Admission in NITs: CCMT Process

For NITs, IIITs, GFTIs:

1. Register on the CCMT portal (https://ccmt.admissions.nic.in)
2. Fill choices, pay fees, and participate in centralized counseling.

CCMT Registration Fee:

1. General/OBC: ₹3000
2. SC/ST/PwD: ₹2500

Summary Table

Final Advice

1. Apply individually to each IIT before deadlines.
2. Register early on COAP and keep checking during all offer rounds.
3. Prepare for tests/interviews if your preferred IIT conducts them.
4. Choose branches wisely — consider future scope, interest, and career goals.

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