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IIT Madras to launch medical school, offer MBBS and MD degrees

India's premier technology institute is expanding beyond engineering to establish a School of Medical Sciences and award its own medical qualifications. The move signals a significant diversification for the institution and could offer new pathways for medical aspirants.

LSN India · 20 August 2026

IIT Madras to launch medical school, offer MBBS and MD degrees

IIT Madras is set to launch a dedicated School of Medical Sciences and begin awarding its own MBBS and MD degrees, according to an announcement by the institute's Director, Prof. V. Kamakooti. The development marks a notable shift in the institution's academic focus, which has traditionally centred on engineering and technology education.

The new medical school represents an expansion of IIT Madras's academic portfolio and reflects growing interest among premier technical institutions in diversifying their offerings. The initiative comes amid ongoing discussions about medical education accessibility and quality across India.

Once operational, the medical school is expected to provide additional options for candidates who have qualified the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India's standardized medical entrance examination. The institute's entry into medical education could influence the landscape of premier medical institutions in the country.

Details regarding the curriculum structure, student intake capacity, and timeline for establishing the School of Medical Sciences have not yet been finalized. The announcement underscores IIT Madras's ambition to establish itself as a multidisciplinary research and educational institution beyond its core engineering focus.