How to Get into MIT from India? A Complete Guide [2025]

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, ranking #1 according to QS World University Rankings 2025. It offers some of the best programs in physics, engineering, and other sciences. MIT has been vigorously working in the fields of artificial intelligence, HIV, cancer, climate change, and poverty alleviation. If you have been wondering how to get into MIT from India, this is the blog for you. We have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to apply to MIT from India.

How to Get into MIT from India?

MIT is quite selective about its candidates and has an acceptance rate of barely 4%. Therefore, it is important to meet all of its eligibility criteria to enhance your chances of getting accepted. By following the steps mentioned below, you will be able to increase your chances and get an offer letter.

Step 1: Check MIT’s Admission Requirements 

The first step after shortlisting a course is to familiarize yourself with MIT’s admissions process. MIT has distinct requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions. The following sections discuss the entrance requirements for Indian students applying to MIT at different academic levels. 

i. MIT Undergraduate Admission Requirements

If you are in XII standard and are aspiring to study at MIT, these are the prerequisites you would be expected to meet to get into MIT from India.

• Credits in subjects relevant to your field of study
• Scores on the SAT or ACT 
• 120-125 marks on a Duolingo language proficiency test, 90-100 for TOEFL, 7.0-7.5 for IELTS, and 65-70 for PTE

The undergraduate application fee is around USD 75 (₹6,285). You can also apply for a fee waiver to either reduce the costs or apply for free at MIT.

ii. MIT Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Each course offered at MIT across different departments will have different admission standards for postgraduate admittance, including application costs. Nonetheless, the following are some typical prerequisites for admission:

• Bachelor’s degree along with grades
• Depending on the course chosen, GRE or GMAT results 
• Scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo 
• Portfolios may also be necessary in specific circumstances
• For various MS courses and the MBA program at MIT, resumes or updated CVs are required
• Essays for admission

When applying for admission to get into MIT from India, a few more documents will be needed in addition to the prerequisites mentioned above. 

Step 2: List the Documents Required for MIT Admissions

Regardless of the level of study, a standard set of documents must be sent with the entrance application to get admission at MIT. Here’s a list of the essential documents you would have to send through:

1. Transcripts

Academic transcripts are official academic documents that include information on the subjects studied, grades, and comments for each subject. Institutions are searching for the same information in your course transcript, regardless of the program you choose. To evaluate admission, transcripts of records also include information about the student, school, course, subjects, and grading scheme.

2. Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is a letter of intent that outlines your academic background, work experience, motivation behind choosing your preferred program and MIT, and your career goals. This is one of the most important documents in your application process since you will be primarily evaluated based on your SOP.

3. Admission Essay

In essence, admission essays are written declarations that prospective students submit with their applications to colleges and institutions. They give candidates a chance to showcase their personalities, backgrounds, accomplishments, and goals so that the admissions committee (Ad Com) can determine if they are a good fit for admission. In addition to discussing the applicant’s academic and professional objectives, it must also reflect on why the program and university are a perfect fit for them. Additionally, it should also highlight how can a candidate contribute to the department and the university.  

4. Letter of Recommendation

The Letter of Recommendation provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications for admission to the appropriate university. Make sure the person writing your letter of recommendation knows you thoroughly and can write in detail the specific events where you have demonstrated your professional expertise and leadership abilities.

Tip: Candidates must ensure they carefully review each document they submit and base their essays and SOPs on the website’s instructions. Most importantly, make sure that only specific categories of recommenders—such as supervisors from prior organizations or school counselors—submit LORs. 

Step 3: Apply Before Deadline

The next step in the guide on how to get into MIT from India is to apply before the deadline. Since there is fierce competition, it is important to apply as early as possible. Moreover, early applications have a higher chance of getting selected. Here’s an overview that can help you plan your application timeline.

1. Different Seasons of Intake

MIT offers multiple intakes throughout the year; therefore, you can apply for a program based on its intake timeline. Some programs have openings for all the available intakes, where you can apply multiple times throughout the year if required.

Here’s an overview of MIT’s main intakes.

Intake	Start Date	Application Deadline
Autumn (Fall)	September	January 1st (Previous Year)
Spring	February	November 1st (Previous Year)
Summer	June	December 15th (Previous Year)

2. When to Apply?

MIT has two application cycles. The first is called Early Action (EA), which is extremely competitive and has the maximum number of applicants. The second option is Regular Action (RA), where applicants who were unable to apply during the early action period apply in the regular action and those who postponed their admissions in the early action enter MIT. The due dates for RA and EA at MIT are as follows: 

Application Components	Early Action Deadline at MIT	Regular Action Deadline at MIT
Prepare for application	November 1	January 6
Prepare all application materials – essays, LORs (maths + humanities teacher), academic scores, etc.
Submit transcripts from school counselors
Appear for ELP Tests	November date	December date

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Popular Courses at MIT and Their Fees

MIT offers various specializations at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Below is a list of some of the popular courses that students can opt for.

1. Top UG Courses to Study at MIT

Undergraduate programs typically take four to five years and have an average tuition cost of about ₹50 lakhs (USD 59,750). In comparison to other MIT schools, the School of Engineering has the most undergraduate students, as per the MIT 2023-2024 Statistics & Reports. This is followed by the Sloan School of Management and the School of Science. 

The School of Architecture and Planning has the fewest undergraduate students, followed by the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. The following is a list of the best MIT courses to take, along with the associated costs:

Top Courses at MIT	Average Tuition Fees
Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering	₹50 Lakhs (USD 59,750)
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering	₹50 Lakhs (USD 59,750)
Bachelor of Physics	₹50 Lakhs (USD 59,750)
Bachelor of Chemistry	₹50 Lakhs (USD 59,750)
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering	₹50 Lakhs (USD 59,750)

2. Top PG Courses to Study at MIT

According to data from the previous year, there are 11,920 students enrolled at MIT. The university prioritizes advanced education and research throughout all of its institutions. The Sloan School of Management is one of MIT’s most well-liked options for postgraduate study because of its academic excellence and focus on experiential learning. 

For postgraduate studies, the average tuition cost is about INR 25 Lakhs (USD 29,875). These courses typically run between one and two years. The following is a list of the best MIT courses to understand how to get into MIT from India, along with the associated costs:

Top Courses at MIT	Average Tuition Fees
MBA	₹68 lakhs (USD 82,000)
Master of Science Aeronautics and Astronautics	₹25 lakhs (USD 29,875)
Master of Architecture	₹25 lakhs (USD 29,875)
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering	₹25 lakhs (USD 29,875)
Master of Science Chemical Engineering Practice	₹25 lakhs (USD 29,875)

Pro Tip: If you are planning on doing internships but are unsure how to start, check out this blog on how to get off-campus internships for top tips and tricks.

Tips for a Compelling MIT Admission Application

With a 4% acceptance rate, it can be quite competitive to receive an offer letter from MIT. Here are some of the practical tips that can help you while preparing your application.

• Good Academic Record: One of the most crucial requirements for admission to MIT is academic achievement. Indian students therefore need to have strong academic records in science, math, and computer science. Students must perform very well in these areas because the admission process requires high school records and exam results.
• Extracurricular Activities: Students who participate in extracurricular activities are valued at MIT. Activities that align their interests and strengths will give them a competitive edge. They can showcase their skills and talents by partaking in robotics competitions, science fairs, coding challenges, and other events. 
• Research Experience: Students should look for research experience in their fields of interest because MIT is renowned for its research-intensive programs. They can collaborate with faculty members from schools or nearby universities and research institutes and work on pressing societal issues. 
• Improve your English: International students must show that they are proficient in the English language by receiving at least a 7 on the IELTS or a 100 on the TOEFL-iBT. Thus, practice your writing, reading, and speaking skills to improve your language proficiency.
• Compose an Engaging Personal Statement and Essay: Your essays must highlight your achievements, unique traits, objectives, and aspirations. Make sure you devote enough time to developing an engaging story that reflects your identity and your motivation for attending MIT.
• Strong Letters of Recommendation: In the admissions process, recommendation letters from mentors, teachers, and counselors are important. Students ought to speak with instructors who know them well and can emphasize their achievements and strong points.
• Seek Advice and Assistance: It can be intimidating to apply to MIT, but you don’t have to do it alone. To get help navigating the application process, ask your professors, mentors, or educational advisors for advice and assistance.

Conclusion

For applicants, wondering how to get into MIT from India can be an overwhelming experience. However, it is possible to enhance your acceptance chances if you start preparing early. MIT usually evaluates an application based on the candidate’s achievements, leadership abilities, alignment with the university’s objectives, and contributions made to the community. As a result, the path to MIT admission is more about academic success and personal achievements. 

MIT usually has a very high English proficiency test score requirement. If you are torn between which standardized exam to go for, check out our guide on TOEFL vs IELTS to find the exam most suitable for you.

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