IIT Kharagpur Opens Admissions 2026 for Specialized Law & Public Policy Programs

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has officially opened admissions for its specialized law and public policy programs for the academic year 2026. This move caters to graduates and professionals aspiring to enter legal practice or public policy roles, combining technical expertise with law and governance. Online applications are now open for the LLB (Honours in Intellectual Property Law), LLM, and the Master’s in Public Policy, Law and Governance (MPPLG) programs. Interested candidates can apply through the official portals: iitkgp.ac.in/llb-llm and iitkgp.ac.in/mpplg.

Applications for all programs commenced on December 15, 2025, with the last date for submission set as February 20, 2026. Aspirants are encouraged to review detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

LLB (Honours in Intellectual Property Law) Program
The three-year, full-time LLB (Honours in Intellectual Property Law) program at IIT Kharagpur is designed for graduates from engineering, technology, science, medicine, and related fields who wish to transition into the legal profession. The curriculum focuses on intellectual property (IP) law and technology-driven legal practice, preparing candidates to meet the growing demand for legal expertise in innovation-intensive sectors.

Eligibility Criteria:

• First-class Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or Medicine, or an equivalent qualification.
• OR First-class Master’s degree in Science or Pharmacy.
• OR First-class MBA degree in combination with any of the above qualifications.
• In cases where “First Class” is not explicitly awarded, a minimum of 60% marks or a Cumulative GPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale is acceptable.
• Final-year students may apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling eligibility at the time of admission.

Application Fees:

• Rs 3,000 for male candidates (General/OBC)
• Rs 1,500 for female, third gender, SC, ST, PwD, and EWS candidates

Admission Process:
Admission to the LLB program is based on a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by IIT Kharagpur. The two-hour online exam evaluates:

• Mathematics aptitude
• Science aptitude
• English proficiency
• Logical reasoning
• Legal aptitude
• Current affairs

The CBT will be conducted across Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. The test does not have negative marking, giving candidates a fair opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude across multiple domains.

Master’s in Public Policy, Law and Governance (MPPLG)
IIT Kharagpur has also opened applications for the two-year, full-time MPPLG program, offered by the Centre of Excellence in Public Policy, Law and Governance (CoEPPLG). This program integrates public policy, legal frameworks, and governance studies to prepare students for high-impact roles in government, civil society, industry, academia, and international organizations.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree of minimum four years in Science, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Commerce, or Arts.
• Minimum 65% marks or 7 CGPA for General/OBC/EWS candidates.
• Minimum 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
• Age Limit: 30 years for General/OBC/EWS, 35 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates (as of 1 January 2026). Age relaxation applies for working professionals, according to institute norms.
• Preference is given to female candidates and those with relevant work experience.
• Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally.

Application Fees:

• Rs 3,000 for male candidates (General/OBC)
• Rs 1,500 for female, third gender, SC, ST, PwD, and EWS candidates (non-refundable)

Admission Process:
The MPPLG program admission involves two stages:

1. Computer-Based Written Test: Assessing English, quantitative aptitude, current affairs, and logical reasoning.
2. Group Discussion and Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the CBT will appear for this stage to assess analytical abilities, communication skills, and problem-solving aptitude.

The entrance tests for MPPLG will be conducted in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, mirroring the testing locations of the LLB program.

LLM Program
While IIT Kharagpur has opened applications for the LLM program, details regarding eligibility, fee structure, and admission tests are similar to the existing patterns in prior years. Candidates interested in advanced legal studies can apply online and follow the application instructions provided on the official portal.

Key Features of IIT Kharagpur’s Law and Policy Programs

1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: These programs integrate law, public policy, governance, and technology, addressing the complex demands of modern legal and administrative practice.
2. Focus on Emerging Areas: The LLB program emphasizes Intellectual Property and technology-driven law, preparing candidates for niche legal roles.
3. Policy and Governance Insights: The MPPLG program equips students with tools to understand policy frameworks, legal regulations, and governance mechanisms in India and globally.
4. Inclusive Admissions: IIT Kharagpur promotes diversity through its fee structure, age relaxation norms, and preference for female candidates and experienced professionals.
5. National Exposure: Entrance tests are conducted in multiple cities, ensuring accessibility for candidates across India.

Expert Commentary
Prof. Dipa Dube, Dean of RGSOIPL, IIT Kharagpur, commented on the announcement:

“Legal and policy education today must respond to a world shaped by rapid technological, economic, and social transformation. Our programmes are designed to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical depth, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to law, governance, policy-making, and institutional development in India and globally.”

This statement reflects IIT Kharagpur’s commitment to building professionals capable of addressing the evolving challenges of law, governance, and public policy in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Important Dates to Remember

• Application Start Date: December 15, 2025
• Application End Date: February 20, 2026
• Entrance Test Locations: Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata

Candidates should ensure timely submission of applications, adhere to eligibility requirements, and prepare for the computer-based tests to maximize their chances of admission.

Conclusion
IIT Kharagpur’s specialized law and public policy programs for 2026 offer a unique opportunity for graduates and professionals to bridge technical expertise with legal and governance knowledge. Whether aspiring to specialize in intellectual property law or pursue a career in public policy, law, and governance, these programs provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education.

With applications open now, candidates are encouraged to plan their preparation, review eligibility carefully, and submit applications ahead of the February 20, 2026 deadline. The combination of rigorous coursework, national-level entrance tests, and a focus on emerging legal and policy challenges makes these programs highly competitive and globally relevant.