Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The M.Tech in Computational and Data Science (CDS) at NITK Surathkal is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (MACS). The programme is interdisciplinary in nature, blending advanced mathematics, machine learning, statistical modelling, high-performance computing, data engineering, and computational methods. The total tuition fee is Rs. 1,40,000 for GATE scholarship seats (Rs. 35,000 per semester), with a seat intake of 33 seats through CCMT/GATE and 5 self-financed seats. Admission is primarily through GATE (CS or DA paper) via CCMT counselling. The programme is popular among graduates from diverse engineering and science backgrounds who wish to transition into data science, AI, and ML roles, and is one of the few M.Tech programmes at NITK that allows 6-month and 1-year internship opportunities.

Admission for the 2026-27 session is upcoming. GATE 2026 results were declared on March 19, 2026, and candidates with valid GATE (CS/DA) scores can register for CCMT 2026 once the portal opens, expected in May 2026. For self-financed seats, NITK typically opens its own application portal in March-April 2026.

Key Points

The CDS programme is offered by the MACS department, which is one of the few departments at NITK that allows both 6-month and 1-year internships, significantly boosting placement prospects.
The programme is open to graduates from ALL engineering branches (not just CS/IT), making it accessible to a wide range of candidates with strong mathematical aptitude.
Curriculum covers Machine Learning, Statistical Modelling, High Performance Computing, Data Engineering, Computational Methods, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain Technology.
GATE scholarship holders receive Rs. 12,400 per month stipend for the entire 2-year duration, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
The MACS department at NITK recorded a highest package of Rs. 55 LPA and an average package of Rs. 19.86 LPA in 2025 placements.
NITK Surathkal is ranked among the top 10 engineering institutes in India (NIRF Engineering Rank 10, 2024).

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
Cutoff
Ranking
FAQs

NIT Surathkal Latest Updates and News

15 Apr, 2026 CCMT 2026 Counselling is expected to begin in May 2026 for admission to MTech/ MArch/ MPlan courses at NITs and CFTIs. Read News.

13 Mar, 2026 NIT Surathkal Admission 2026-27 is ongoing for M.Tech Computational and Data Science programs till Apr 20, 2026 (online) & Apr 24, 2026 (hard copy). Check details.

11 Mar, 2026 NIT Surathkal M.Tech Computational and Data Science Fee Structure 2026-27 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 1.99 Lakhs.

NIT Surathkal Important Events

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NITK M.Tech CDS Fees

The M.Tech (Computational and Data Science) programme at NITK Surathkal is offered under two fee categories: the regular GATE scholarship route (tuition fee Rs. 35,000 per semester) and the self-financed route (tuition fee Rs. 2,00,000 per semester). The total tuition fee for the regular route over 4 semesters is Rs. 1,40,000, while for self-financed students it is Rs. 8,00,000. In addition to tuition, students pay one-time admission charges and recurring semester charges. Hostel accommodation is optional and charged separately.

Fee Breakup Table (Regular GATE Scholarship Route - 2026-27)

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (4 semesters x Rs. 35,000)	1,40,000
Institute Admission Fee (one-time)	1,340
Development Fee (Year 1: 2 semesters)	5,380
Security Deposit (refundable, one-time)	6,700
NITK Alma Mater Endowment Contribution (one-time)	2,690
Convocation Fee (one-time)	3,310
Library Resource Fee (4 semesters x Rs. 4,030)	16,120
Career Development Fee (2 odd semesters x Rs. 2,760)	5,520
Health Care Facility (2 odd semesters x Rs. 1,660)	3,320
Student Activities Fee (2 odd semesters x Rs. 6,620)	13,240
Campus Amenities (2 odd semesters x Rs. 1,660)	3,320
Group Insurance Coverage (2 odd semesters x Rs. 1,000)	2,000
Computing Resource Fee (2 odd semesters x Rs. 4,410)	8,820
Total Fees (Day Scholar)	2,11,760
Hostel Rent - Shared Accommodation (4 semesters x Rs. 8,820)	35,280
Total Fees (Hosteller - Shared)	2,47,040

Fee Breakup Table (Self-Financed Route - 2026-27)

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (4 semesters x Rs. 2,00,000)	8,00,000
Institute Admission Fee (one-time)	1,340
Development Fee (Year 1: 2 semesters)	5,380
Security Deposit (refundable, one-time)	6,700
NITK Alma Mater Endowment Contribution (one-time)	2,690
Convocation Fee (one-time)	3,310
Library Resource Fee (4 semesters x Rs. 4,030)	16,120
Career Development Fee (2 odd semesters x Rs. 2,760)	5,520
Health Care Facility (2 odd semesters x Rs. 1,660)	3,320
Student Activities Fee (2 odd semesters x Rs. 6,620)	13,240
Campus Amenities (2 odd semesters x Rs. 1,660)	3,320
Group Insurance Coverage (2 odd semesters x Rs. 1,000)	2,000
Computing Resource Fee (2 odd semesters x Rs. 4,410)	8,820
Total Fees (Day Scholar - Self-Financed)	8,71,760
Hostel Rent - Shared Accommodation (4 semesters x Rs. 8,820)	35,280
Total Fees (Hosteller - Shared - Self-Financed)	9,07,040

Security Deposit of Rs. 6,700 is refundable at the time of leaving the institute.
Hostel fees are optional and not included in the Day Scholar Total Fees.
Mess fees (provisional) for the first semester are approximately Rs. 35,310 (includes admission fee, establishment charges, maintenance, student extra-curricular, and mess advance).
Fee components under Part A (one-time fees) increase at 5% per year for each newly admitted batch.
Fee components under Part B (recurring fees) increase at 5% per year applicable to all batches.
GATE scholarship holders receive Rs. 12,400 per month stipend, which effectively offsets a significant portion of the fees.
SC/ST/PwD candidates are exempted from tuition fee payment (not applicable to QIP, DASA, ICCR, MEA, and External/Internal Registrants).

NITK M.Tech CDS Admission 2026

Admissions to M.Tech (Computational and Data Science) at NITK Surathkal are conducted through two routes: the GATE/CCMT route for scholarship seats and the institute-level process for self-financed seats. The primary route is through CCMT (Centralized Counselling for M.Tech), where seats are allotted based on GATE (CS or DA paper) scores. For the 2026-27 session, CCMT 2026 registration is expected to open in May 2026 following GATE 2026 results (declared March 19, 2026). The GATE 2025 closing score for General category was approximately 650 (Round 5), making this one of the more competitive M.Tech specialisations at NITK.

College-Specific Admission Dates

Event	Date (2025 Actual / 2026 Expected)
GATE 2026 Exam	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026 Result	March 19, 2026
CCMT 2026 Registration Opens (Expected)	May 2026
CCMT 2026 Last Date for Registration (Expected)	June 2026
CCMT 2026 Round 1 Seat Allotment (Expected)	June 2026
CCMT 2026 Round 2 Seat Allotment (Expected)	June 2026
CCMT 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment (Expected)	June-July 2026
CCMT 2026 Special Rounds (Expected)	July 2026
CCMT 2026 National Spot Round (Expected)	August 2026
Physical Reporting at NITK (Expected)	August 2026
NITK Self-Financed Application Opens (Expected)	March-April 2026
NITK Self-Financed Last Date to Apply (Expected)	April 2026
NITK Written Test and Interview (Expected)	May 2026

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2026 Registration	August 28 - October 13, 2025
GATE 2026 Admit Card	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026 Answer Key	February 19, 2026
GATE 2026 Result	March 19, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a B.E./B.Tech. in any branch, or a 4-year B.S./B.Sc. (Engineering/Research) with Mathematics as one of the subjects, or M.Sc. in Mathematics/Statistics/Physics/Computer Science/IT/Information Science/Electronics, or MCA from a recognised university.
Minimum CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale or 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree (55% or CGPA 6.0 for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
A valid GATE score in CS (Computer Science and Information Technology) or DA (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence) paper is required for scholarship seats through CCMT.

Admission Process

Register on the CCMT portal (ccmt.admissions.nic.in) using a valid GATE (CS/DA) score.
Fill in choices of institutes and specialisations and lock preferences before the deadline.
Seat allotment is done based on GATE score, category, and choice preferences across multiple rounds.
Upon allotment, pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) online and upload required documents for verification by NITK.
Pay the Partial Admission Fee (PAF) to confirm the seat after the final round.
Report physically to NITK Surathkal with original documents during the reporting window (typically August).
For self-financed seats: Apply through NITK's IRIS portal, appear for a written test and technical interview at NITK campus, and complete admission formalities upon selection.

NITK M.Tech CDS Scholarships 2026

Students admitted to M.Tech (Computational and Data Science) at NITK Surathkal through the GATE/CCMT route are eligible for the AICTE GATE Scholarship, which provides substantial financial support throughout the programme. The GATE stipend of Rs. 12,400 per month effectively covers a significant portion of the total fees for meritorious students. SC/ST/PwD students additionally benefit from full tuition fee exemption.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
AICTE GATE Scholarship (PG Scholarship Scheme)	Rs. 12,400 per month	Valid GATE score, admitted through CCMT, Indian nationals only	Up to 24 months (4 semesters)
SC/ST Tuition Fee Waiver	Full tuition fee exemption (Rs. 35,000 per semester)	SC/ST/PwD category students (not applicable to QIP, DASA, ICCR, MEA, and External/Internal Registrants)	Entire programme duration
NITK Institute Merit Scholarship	As per institute norms	Based on academic performance at NITK	Annual
M-STEM Marvell Scholarship for Technical and Engineering Merit	As per scheme	Merit-based, for eligible engineering students	As per scheme

GATE scholarship is subject to maintaining a SGPA of at least 6.0 at the end of each semester.
If SGPA falls below 6.0 in Semester I, 50% stipend is awarded in Semester II; full stipend is restored if CGPA reaches 6.0 by end of Semester II.
Scholarship holders must undertake 8-10 hours per week of teaching/research assistance as assigned by the institute.
Scholarship holders cannot receive any other salary or stipend simultaneously.
Application for AICTE PG Scholarship is done through the AICTE portal after admission.

NITK M.Tech CDS Placements 2026

The M.Tech (Computational and Data Science) programme at NITK Surathkal has strong placement outcomes, with the MACS department recording a highest package of Rs. 55 LPA and an average package of Rs. 19.86 LPA in 2025. The 2020-22 batch reported 100% placement with a maximum CTC of Rs. 32 LPA, average CTC of Rs. 14 LPA, and minimum CTC of Rs. 9 LPA. The 2023 NIRF data shows 36 students participated in placements with 31 placed (86.11%). The programme allows 6-month and 1-year internships, which significantly boost final placement prospects. Companies from tech product, analytics, finance/quant, and R&D sectors recruit from this programme. Roles offered include ML Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Research Engineer, Software Engineer (data-focused), and Quantitative Analyst.

Placement Statistics

Statistic	Value
Students Participated (2023 NIRF)	36
Students Placed (2023 NIRF)	31
Placement Rate (2023)	86.11%
Placement Rate (2020-22 Batch)	100%
Max CTC (2020-22 Batch)	Rs. 32 LPA
Average CTC (2020-22 Batch)	Rs. 14 LPA
Highest Package (MACS Dept, 2025)	Rs. 55 LPA
Average Package (MACS Dept, 2025)	Rs. 19.86 LPA
Notable Recruiters	IBM, Dell, C-DOT, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley

NIT Surathkal M.Tech Computational and Data Science Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#12 out of 500 in India 2025

#1st in Karnataka

NIRF Ranking

#17 out of 300 in India 2025

#1st in Karnataka

Outlook Ranking

#8 out of 25 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

IIRF Ranking

#32 out of 160 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

#1st in Karnataka

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NITK M.Tech CDS FAQs

Ques. What GATE paper should I appear for M.Tech Computational and Data Science at NITK Surathkal?

Ans. The qualifying GATE papers for M.Tech CDS at NITK are CS (Computer Science and Information Technology) and DA (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence). Candidates from any engineering branch or M.Sc. in Mathematics/Statistics/Physics/CS/IT/Electronics/Information Science/AI/ML/Data Science are eligible. The GATE 2025 closing score for General category was approximately 650 (Round 5), making it one of the more competitive M.Tech specialisations at NITK.

Ques. Is M.Tech CDS at NITK suitable for non-CS students?

Ans. Yes, the programme is specifically designed to be interdisciplinary and is open to graduates from ALL engineering branches. However, students from non-CS backgrounds need to put in extra effort to build core CS skills (data structures, algorithms, Python, SQL) alongside the mathematics-heavy curriculum. The department allows 6-month and 1-year internships, which help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.

Ques. How is the curriculum structured for M.Tech CDS at NITK?

Ans. The curriculum is mathematics-heavy and covers Probability and Statistics, Stochastic Processes, Numerical Methods, Machine Learning, High Performance Computing, Data Engineering, Computational Methods, AI, and Blockchain Technology. Students from non-CS backgrounds may find the initial transition challenging, but the programme is industry-oriented and the MACS department has strong faculty expertise in both mathematics and computational sciences.

Ques. What are the placement prospects for M.Tech CDS at NITK Surathkal?

Ans. The MACS department at NITK recorded a highest package of Rs. 55 LPA and an average package of Rs. 19.86 LPA in 2025. The 2020-22 batch reported 100% placement with a max CTC of Rs. 32 LPA and average of Rs. 14 LPA. Most tech product companies, analytics firms, and finance/quant firms allow CDS students to participate in placements. Building a strong project portfolio, securing internships, and developing coding skills significantly improve placement outcomes.

Ques. What is the difference between M.Tech CDS and M.Tech CSE at NITK Surathkal?

Ans. M.Tech CSE is offered by the Computer Science and Engineering department and focuses on core CS topics (systems, networks, algorithms, security). M.Tech CDS is offered by the MACS department and is more mathematics and data science oriented. The GATE cutoff for CSE (General: 675 in 2024) is higher than CDS (General: 617 in 2024). Both programmes have strong placement records, but CSE has a slightly higher placement rate (94.59% vs 86.11% in 2023). CDS is better suited for students interested in data science, ML, and research roles.

Ques. Does NITK Surathkal allow internships during the M.Tech CDS programme?

Ans. Yes, the MACS department is one of the few departments at NITK that allows both 6-month and 1-year internships during the M.Tech programme. This is a significant advantage as internships at companies like IBM, Dell, and other tech firms often convert to full-time offers. Students are advised to focus on securing internships in the first semester itself to maximise placement prospects.