Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM) – Complete Fees Information

Introduction

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM), is one of the seven autonomous institutions established by the Government of India to promote advanced research and education in science. Located amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, IISER TVM has rapidly emerged as a center of excellence in science education and research. It offers various programs such as BS-MS Dual Degree, MSc, Integrated PhD, and PhD.

While academic and research excellence form the core mission of IISER TVM, understanding the fee structure is essential for prospective students and their families to make informed decisions. This guide provides detailed information on tuition fees, hostel charges, mess fees, and other associated costs for different academic programs at IISER Thiruvananthapuram.

1. BS-MS Dual Degree Program Fees

Semester-wise Academic Fees (for General/OBC category)

• Registration Fee: ₹1,000

• Tuition Fee: ₹44,440

• Students’ Friendship Fund: ₹250

• Examination & Grade Card Fee: ₹500

• Laboratory/Library/Computer Charges: ₹1,100

• Amenity Fee: ₹500

• Gymkhana Fee: ₹600

• Student Activities Fee: ₹750

Total Academic Fees (per semester): ₹49,140

Hostel and Utility Fees

• Hostel Rent: ₹3,600

• Electricity & Water Charges: ₹1,100

• Medical Insurance: ₹600

Total Hostel & Utilities: ₹5,300

Total Fees per Semester (excluding mess): ₹54,440

Mess Fees: Approx. ₹15,000–₹17,000 per semester

Annual Estimate (without mess): ₹1,08,880

With Mess: ₹1,38,000 – ₹1,42,000 approx.

2. MSc Program Fees

IISER TVM also offers a standalone MSc program in disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. The fee structure is very similar to that of the BS-MS program.

Semester-wise Academic Fees (General/OBC category)

• Registration Fee: ₹1,000

• Tuition Fee: ₹44,440

• Students’ Fund: ₹250

• Examination Fee: ₹500

• Lab/Library/Computer Fee: ₹1,100

• Amenity Fee: ₹500

• Sports & Activities Fee: ₹1,350 (includes Gymkhana + Activities)

Total Academic Fees per Semester: ₹49,140

Hostel and Utilities

• Hostel Rent: ₹3,600

• Electricity/Water Charges: ₹1,100

• Insurance: ₹600

Total Hostel Charges per Semester: ₹5,300

Approximate Total per Semester: ₹54,440

With Mess: ₹70,000–₹72,000 per semester

3. Integrated PhD Program Fees

IISER TVM offers a prestigious Integrated PhD (IPhD) program for students wishing to pursue advanced research directly after their undergraduate studies.

Academic Fees (per semester)

• Registration Fee: ₹1,000

• Tuition Fee: ₹44,440

• Students’ Fund: ₹325

• Examination Fee: ₹500

• Lab/Library/Computer Fee: ₹1,100

• Amenity Fee: ₹500

• Sports/Gymkhana: ₹1,350

Total Academic Fees: ₹49,715

Hostel and Other Fees

• Hostel Rent: ₹4,400

• Utilities: ₹1,100

• Medical Insurance: ₹600

Total Hostel Charges: ₹6,100

Total Semester Fee (Excl. Mess): ₹55,815

Annual Fee (Excl. Mess): ₹1,11,630

With Mess: ₹1,41,630 – ₹1,45,000 approx.

4. PhD Program Fees

Doctoral candidates benefit from fellowships and financial assistance, but certain academic and hostel fees are applicable.

Semester-wise Academic Fees

• Registration Fee: ₹1,000

• Tuition Fee: ₹22,000

• Students’ Fund: ₹325

• Lab/Library/Computer Fee: ₹1,100

• Amenity Fee: ₹500

• Sports & Student Activities: ₹1,350

Total Academic Fees: ₹26,275

Hostel and Utility Fees

• Hostel Rent: ₹4,400

• Electricity/Water Charges: ₹1,650

• Medical Insurance: ₹600

Total Hostel & Utilities: ₹6,650

Total Semester Fee (Excl. Mess): ₹32,925

Annual Estimate: ₹65,850

With Mess: ₹95,850 – ₹98,000 approx.

5. SC/ST and Reserved Category Fee Concessions

• Tuition Fee Waiver: 100% waiver for SC/ST category students in all programs.

• Registration and Utility Charges: Applicable to all students, regardless of category.

• Convocation Fee: Significantly reduced compared to General/OBC categories.

Example:

• BS-MS Convocation Fee:

  • General/OBC: ₹54,440

  • SC/ST: ₹10,000

• PhD Convocation Fee:

  • General/OBC: ₹32,925

  • SC/ST: ₹10,925

These concessions significantly reduce the financial burden on SC/ST students.

6. Mess Fees

Mess facilities at IISER TVM are run on a cooperative basis.

Key Points:

• Monthly Estimate: ₹3,000 – ₹3,500

• Semester Estimate: ₹15,000 – ₹17,000

• Annual Estimate: ₹30,000 – ₹34,000

Mess charges vary based on food wastage fines, dietary choices, and student attendance.

7. Payment Cycle & Procedure

• Semester Mode: Fees are paid twice a year – at the start of the Varsha (July–November) and Vasanth (January–May) semesters.

• Online Payments: Payments are made via the institute’s internal portal through net banking or UPI.

• Penalty for Late Payment: ₹500 – ₹1,000 depending on the delay.

Students are advised to retain fee receipts and submit them to their respective departments.

8. Comparison with Other IISERs

• The fee structure of IISER TVM is comparable to other IISERs, such as IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, and IISER Bhopal.

• Slight variations exist in hostel rent and mess fees based on regional cost-of-living differences.

• Tuition and academic fees remain uniform across all IISERs due to centralized policy under the Ministry of Education.

9. Scholarships & Financial Aid

Many students at IISER TVM are eligible for national-level scholarships and fellowships, such as:

• INSPIRE Scholarship

• KVPY Fellowship (before its merger with INSPIRE)

• DBT/ICMR/CSIR fellowships for research students

• State Government scholarships for reserved categories

These programs provide monthly stipends and often include contingency grants for research expenses.

10. Additional Fees (If Applicable)

• Duplicate Grade Card: ₹300

• Bonafide Certificate: ₹100

• Re-evaluation Fee: ₹500 per subject

• Semester Leave/Deferment: ₹1,000 processing fee

• Internship Approval Letter: ₹200

These nominal charges are collected only when availed.

11. Refund Policy

• Withdrawal Before Semester Start: Full refund minus ₹1,000 administrative fee

• Post-registration Withdrawal: Refund based on pro-rata deduction

• Mess Refund: Pro-rated if withdrawal exceeds 7 days’ absence and is reported in advance

Refunds are processed within 30–45 days.

12. Fee Structure Summary (Table)

Mess Fee: Add ₹30,000 – ₹34,000 annually to the above totals.

Conclusion

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, offers one of the most affordable and research-intensive educational environments in India. With reasonable tuition, subsidized hostel and mess facilities, and multiple scholarship avenues, IISER TVM ensures that meritorious students from all backgrounds can pursue advanced scientific education without financial constraints.

Understanding the fee structure across programs helps students and parents plan better. Whether you are enrolling in the BS-MS, MSc, Integrated PhD, or PhD program, this guide should serve as your go-to reference for all costs associated with academic life at IISER TVM.