The Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru has announced a new Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Materials Science and Engineering, expanding its undergraduate offerings for students interested in cutting-edge science, engineering and technology. The programme will commence from the 2026-27 academic session, with admissions conducted through JoSAA 2026 counselling.

Designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in advanced materials and emerging technologies, the four-year programme combines scientific fundamentals with practical engineering training, preparing graduates for careers in research, innovation and high-technology industries.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum with Strong Scientific Foundation

According to IISc, the programme has been structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science, integrating concepts from physics, chemistry, mathematics and computational methods.

Students will study a wide range of materials, including:

• Metals
• Ceramics
• Polymers
• Biomaterials
• Advanced functional materials

The curriculum is designed to help students understand how these materials are developed, characterised and applied across various industries.

Focus on Practical Learning and Emerging Technologies

A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving.

Students will explore how advanced materials are used in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Electronics
• Aerospace
• Energy
• Sustainability

The institute said the programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to address challenges in next-generation technologies.

Research Opportunities from the Undergraduate Level

The BTech programme will span eight semesters and require students to complete 128 academic credits.

Students will have access to IISc's advanced research ecosystem, including:

• State-of-the-art laboratories
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) facilities
• High-performance computing infrastructure
• Specialised interdisciplinary research centres

The curriculum also offers flexible elective choices, allowing students to tailor their learning according to their academic interests and career goals.

Encouraging Interdisciplinary Innovation

IISc said the programme has been designed to promote interdisciplinary learning by enabling students to work on collaborative projects that combine engineering with other scientific disciplines.

This approach is expected to strengthen analytical thinking, innovation and research capabilities while exposing students to emerging areas of technology.

Admissions Through JoSAA 2026

Admissions to the new BTech in Materials Science and Engineering will be conducted through JoSAA 2026 counselling, following the institute's existing undergraduate admission process.

Eligible candidates will be able to apply after qualifying through the prescribed admission criteria applicable for IISc undergraduate programmes.

Expanding Opportunities in Advanced Materials

With industries increasingly relying on advanced materials for innovations in semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, biomedical devices and aerospace technologies, demand for skilled materials engineers continues to grow globally.

Through this new undergraduate programme, IISc aims to prepare students for careers in research organisations, technology companies, manufacturing industries and higher education, while contributing to India's growing innovation ecosystem in advanced materials and engineering.