Master of Engineering [ME]
at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology - [Thapar University]
Fees
Fees at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology for the Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) program in Computer Engineering are structured based on several components. The per-semester tuition fee is approximately INR 2,97,500 for computer-related branches, with an annual increment of around 10%. This leads to an estimated total of INR 22 to 30 lakhs for the complete four-year degree depending on hostel accommodations and lifestyle choices. The hostel fees range between INR 40,000 to 85,000 per semester, while the mess fees are approximately INR 24,000 per semester.
Additional one-time charges include an admission fee of INR 30,000 and a refundable caution fee of INR 10,000. Various merit and merit-cum-means scholarships are available, providing partial or full tuition fee waivers. These are determined by high performance in JEE Main, Class 12 board exams, and maintaining a high CGPA throughout the study period. The NRI/Foreign National students have different fee structures, with annual tuition and development fees totaling approximately USD 20,000.
Merit scholarships can significantly reduce financial burdens, with top performers eligible for full tuition waivers.
About Master of Engineering [ME]
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (Thapar University), Patiala offers the Master of Engineering (ME) programme in 5 specializations: Electric Vehicle Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Transportation Engineering. These 2-year full-time PG engineering programmes are offered at a premier NAAC ’A++’ accredited institution. Total fees for all ME specializations are ₹3,88,000 (excluding hostel). GATE-qualified candidates receive an AICTE stipend of ₹12,400/month throughout the programme.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session are in progress. Thapar ME applications close in May 2026. Counseling and choice-filling are scheduled for May/June 2026, with classes commencing in July 2026. GATE 2026 results were declared on March 19, 2026.
Key Points
- 5 ME specializations: Electric Vehicle Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Transportation Engineering
- 2-year full-time ME at Thapar University, Patiala; NAAC ’A++’ accredited, a premier private engineering institution
- GATE-qualified students receive AICTE stipend of ₹12,400/month; non-GATE candidates may qualify for Thapar Teaching Assistantship of ₹8,000/month
- Eligibility: BE/B.Tech with 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST); GATE score preferred
- Merit, need-based, and alumni loyalty scholarships available up to 50% tuition waiver
Thapar ME Fees 2026
All five ME specializations at Thapar carry the same total fee of ₹3,88,000 for the 2-year programme, inclusive of tuition and other charges. First year total is ₹1,94,000. Optional hostel accommodation at ₹1,30,000-2,00,000/year is billed separately. GATE-qualified students receive ₹12,400/month AICTE stipend that substantially offsets the course cost.
Fee Structure
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (2 Years) | ₹2,42,000 |
| Other Fees (2 Years) | ₹1,46,000 |
| Hostel Fee (per year, optional) | ₹1,30,000-2,00,000 |
| Total Fees (Hostel charges separate) | ₹3,88,000 |
- First year total fee is ₹1,94,000; second year fees are of similar quantum.
- GATE-qualified scholars receive ₹12,400/month AICTE stipend for the full 2-year programme.
- Hostel and mess charges are optional and vary by room category and AC/non-AC selection.
- Fees is subject to change, Please verify with the official sources before taking admission.
Thapar ME Admission 2026
Thapar ME admissions for 2026-27 are primarily through GATE score in the relevant engineering discipline. Non-GATE candidates may apply through the Thapar PG Entrance Test. Candidates must hold a BE/B.Tech or equivalent in the relevant discipline with minimum 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST). Final seat allotment is based on GATE score, academic record, and choice preferences.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Exam | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result | March 19, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | May 2026 |
| Thapar PG Entrance Test | May 2026 |
| Counselling and Choice Filling | May/June 2026 |
| Final Seat Allotment | June 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July 2026 |
- GATE score is the primary admission criterion; non-GATE candidates may be considered through the Thapar PG Entrance Test.
- Final shortlisting is by the concerned department through merit list and counseling rounds.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- BE, B.Tech, or equivalent degree in the relevant or allied engineering discipline from a recognized university.
- Minimum 60% aggregate marks or 6.5 CGPA at qualifying degree (55% or 6.0 CGPA for SC/ST candidates).
- Valid GATE score in the relevant subject is preferred for admission and AICTE stipend eligibility.
Admission Process
- Register on the Thapar admissions portal and complete the online ME application form with GATE scorecard and academic transcripts.
- Pay the application fee and submit before the May 2026 deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates participate in online choice-filling across ME specializations and seat categories.
- Final seat allotment is announced based on GATE score, academic record, and preferences; pay the first semester fee to confirm enrolment.
Thapar ME Scholarships 2026
Thapar ME students benefit from a strong scholarship ecosystem. GATE-qualified students receive ₹12,400/month AICTE stipend. Top performers may receive merit waivers, and need-based and alumni loyalty scholarships are also available. Continuation of scholarships into Year 2 requires maintaining a minimum CGPA of 7.0.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| AICTE GATE Stipend | ₹12,400/month | GATE-qualified full-time scholars; 8 hrs/week teaching assistance required |
| Thapar Teaching Assistantship | ₹8,000/month | Non-GATE meritorious candidates; subject to merit |
| Merit Scholarship | Up to 25% tuition waiver | Top GATE percentile in selected list |
| Need-Based Scholarship | Up to 50% waiver | Subject to family income criteria |
| Loyalty Scholarship | 5-10% waiver | Wards of Thapar alumni |
- AICTE stipend requires teaching assistance of up to 8 hours per week during the programme.
- Continuation of all scholarships in Year 2 requires maintaining minimum CGPA of 7.0.
- Need-based scholarship applications open after first semester results are declared.
Thapar ME FAQs
Ques. What is the AICTE GATE stipend at Thapar, and how does it reduce ME cost?
Ans. GATE-qualified students at Thapar receive ₹12,400/month AICTE stipend for the full 2-year ME programme. Over 24 months, this totals ₹2,97,600, which covers a significant portion of the ₹3,88,000 total fee. Students must provide up to 8 hours per week of teaching assistance as part of the stipend arrangement. This makes the effective net cost of ME substantially lower for GATE candidates.
Ques. Can I apply for ME at Thapar without a GATE score?
Ans. Yes, Thapar accepts non-GATE candidates through its own PG Entrance Test conducted in May 2026. However, non-GATE candidates are not eligible for the AICTE stipend of ₹12,400/month; they may instead qualify for the Thapar Teaching Assistantship of ₹8,000/month subject to merit. GATE score is strongly preferred for both admission and financial support.
Ques. Which ME specialization at Thapar has the best placement prospects?
Ans. ME Computer Science and Engineering at Thapar historically attracts strong placement interest from software and tech companies. ME Electric Vehicle Technology is a newer programme launched in 2024, targeting the rapidly growing EV sector. Mechanical and Structural Engineering have traditional industrial demand. The best specialization depends on each student’s background and target industry.
Ques. What GATE score or percentile is needed for ME admission at Thapar?
Ans. Thapar does not publicly announce a fixed GATE cutoff; the effective cutoff varies each year based on the number of applicants per specialization. ME CSE tends to have higher GATE score requirements due to competition. Candidates with a GATE score in the top 20-30 percentile in their discipline typically stand a good chance, but this is indicative and not guaranteed. Check previous year admission data on the Thapar admissions portal.
Ques. Is the Thapar ME degree equivalent to M.Tech in terms of recognition?
Ans. Yes, ME (Master of Engineering) is equivalent to M.Tech (Master of Technology) in terms of recognition by the UGC, AICTE, and most employers. Both are postgraduate engineering degrees requiring GATE for AICTE stipend eligibility. Thapar’s ME is a full-time 2-year programme and the degree carries the same academic and professional weight as an M.Tech from other AICTE-approved institutions.