SASTRA M.Tech Artificial Intelligence & Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 29, 2026

SASTRA University offers a 2-year full-time M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at its Thanjavur campus, under the School of Computing. The programme provides advanced training in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, big data analytics, computer vision, and AI-driven decision systems, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in the technology and data-driven industries. The total course fee is Rs. 2,98,000 for the entire duration, with GATE-qualified candidates receiving a 50% tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,400. The programme is offered in full-time on-campus mode and is one of the most sought-after M.Tech specialisations at SASTRA, given the explosive growth of AI and data science across sectors.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open on a rolling basis. Applications opened on March 27, 2026, and are accepted through the SASTRA online portal. M.Tech admissions are conducted in multiple phases; students are encouraged to apply early to secure a provisional admission letter.

Key Points

GATE-qualified candidates receive a 50% tuition fee waiver on semester fees and a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,400 throughout the programme.
Eligibility covers graduates from CSE, IT, ICT, ECE, and Electronics and Computer Engineering backgrounds, as well as M.Sc. (Electronics/CS/IT/Software Engineering) and MCA holders.
The programme is offered at the Thanjavur campus with a curriculum integrating AI theory, data engineering, and real-world project work.
Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and frameworks including TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hadoop, Spark, and cloud AI platforms.
The curriculum includes a mandatory thesis/project component, encouraging original research and applied AI development.

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Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SASTRA M.Tech AI & DS Fees

The M.Tech Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programme at SASTRA University has a total fee of Rs. 2,98,000 for the complete 2-year duration. The tuition fee is Rs. 70,000 per semester across 4 semesters, totalling Rs. 2,80,000. One-time charges at admission include a Development Fee of Rs. 10,000 and Special/Registration/Medical fees of Rs. 6,000. An annual Sports and Unit Test fee of Rs. 1,000 is charged each year. GATE-qualified students are eligible for a 50% waiver on tuition fees, effectively reducing their tuition cost to Rs. 1,40,000 for the full programme.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (Rs. 70,000 x 4 semesters)	2,80,000
Sports and Unit Test Fee (Rs. 1,000 x 2 years)	2,000
Development Fee (one-time)	10,000
Special / Registration / Medical Exam Fee (one-time)	6,000
Total Fees	2,98,000

GATE-qualified candidates receive a 50% waiver on tuition fees (saving Rs. 1,40,000) and a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,400.
Hostel is optional and not mandatory.
Hostel lodging fees range from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 90,000 per year depending on room type (Non-AC shared to AC single with bath attached).
Food charges are approximately Rs. 5,000 per month (charged at actuals).
The refund/cancellation policy is as per statutory body guidelines and the SASTRA academic calendar.
No capitation fee or donation is charged.
Admissions are strictly merit-based.

SASTRA M.Tech AI & DS Admission 2026

M.Tech AI and Data Science admissions at SASTRA University are conducted on a rolling basis in multiple phases. Admissions are based on qualifying UG/PG degree scores, with preference given to GATE-qualified candidates who also receive financial benefits. Students can apply online through the SASTRA admissions portal starting March 27, 2026. Provisional admission letters are sent individually by email after application review.

SASTRA University M.Tech Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	March 27, 2026
Admissions Mode	Rolling (Multiple Phases)
Provisional Admission Letter Dispatch	On a rolling basis after application review
Batch Commencement (Tentative)	July 2026

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2026 Registration Start	August 28, 2025
GATE 2026 Registration End	October 13, 2025
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Dates	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026 Answer Key Release	February 19, 2026
GATE 2026 Result Declaration	March 19, 2026

Note: GATE 2026 has already been conducted and results are out. GATE score is valid for 3 years. Students with a valid GATE score (2024, 2025, or 2026) can apply. GATE is not mandatory for admission but is required to avail the fee waiver and stipend. The most relevant GATE paper is CS (Computer Science and Information Technology).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

B.E./B.Tech degree in CSE, IT, ICT, ECE, or Electronics and Computer Engineering from a recognised university.
M.Sc. (Electronics / CS / IT / Software Engineering) or MCA holders are also eligible.
GATE qualification is preferred and provides additional financial benefits (50% fee waiver + stipend of Rs. 12,400/month).

Admission Process

Submit the online application form at webstream.sastra.edu/sastraonline starting March 27, 2026.
Upload qualifying degree marksheets and GATE scorecard (if applicable).
Provisional admission letter is sent by email on a rolling basis.
Pay the admission/tuition fee online to confirm the seat.
No separate entrance test is conducted by SASTRA for M.Tech admissions.
Admissions are conducted in multiple phases; early application is recommended.

SASTRA M.Tech AI & DS Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers strong financial support to M.Tech students, particularly those with a valid GATE score. The GATE fee waiver and monthly stipend together make the programme highly affordable for meritorious candidates. The Dean's Merit List scholarship further rewards academically outstanding students during the programme.

Scholarships and Benefits

Scholarship / Benefit	Amount / Benefit	Eligibility
GATE Fee Waiver	50% waiver on tuition fees (saves Rs. 1,40,000 over 2 years)	Valid GATE score at the time of admission
GATE Monthly Stipend	Rs. 12,400 per month	Valid GATE score at the time of admission
Dean's Merit List Scholarship	1/5th or 2/5th concession in semester tuition fee	Top 3%-10% of class: 1/5th waiver; Top 3%: 2/5th waiver
Hostel Scholarship	Rs. 16,000 (reimbursement of mess fees)	Min. 90% attendance, CGPA 7.5+, no arrears, no disciplinary record

GATE stipend and fee waiver are applicable from the first semester itself.
Dean's Merit List scholarship is awarded based on academic performance at the end of each semester.
Hostel scholarship is provided with support from a philanthropic organisation and is subject to availability and eligibility.
Government scholarships (state/central) may also be applicable based on category; students should check with the admissions office.

SASTRA M.Tech AI & DS FAQs

Ques. How is M.Tech AI and Data Science at SASTRA different from M.Tech CSE? Which is better for a career in AI?

Ans. M.Tech AI and Data Science is a focused programme specifically designed around artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and data engineering. M.Tech CSE is broader and covers a wider range of computing topics. If your career goal is specifically in AI research, data science, or ML engineering roles at companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, or AI startups, M.Tech AI and Data Science is the more targeted choice. For general software engineering or systems roles, M.Tech CSE may offer more flexibility.

Ques. Is GATE mandatory for M.Tech AI and Data Science at SASTRA, and which paper should I appear for?

Ans. GATE is not mandatory for admission. However, it is strongly recommended as it provides a 50% tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,400. The most relevant GATE paper is CS (Computer Science and Information Technology). Students with a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025, or 2026 can apply.

Ques. What tools and technologies are covered in the M.Tech AI and Data Science curriculum at SASTRA?

Ans. The programme covers industry-standard tools and frameworks including Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn, Hadoop, Apache Spark, SQL/NoSQL databases, and cloud AI platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Students also work on real-world datasets and projects as part of the mandatory thesis component, building a strong portfolio for industry roles.

Ques. What are the career prospects after M.Tech AI and Data Science from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue roles as Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, AI Researchers, NLP Engineers, Computer Vision Engineers, and Business Intelligence Analysts at companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and numerous AI-focused startups. The demand for AI and data science professionals in India is growing at over 30% annually, making this one of the highest-employability postgraduate specialisations currently available.

Ques. Can an Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) graduate apply for M.Tech AI and Data Science at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes, B.E./B.Tech graduates in ECE are eligible to apply for M.Tech AI and Data Science at SASTRA. The eligibility also includes CSE, IT, ICT, and Electronics and Computer Engineering graduates, as well as M.Sc. (Electronics/CS/IT) and MCA holders. ECE graduates with a GATE CS score are particularly well-positioned.

Ques. Does SASTRA have research collaborations or industry tie-ups relevant to the AI and Data Science programme?

Ans. SASTRA has active research collaborations and industry partnerships that benefit M.Tech students. The university's School of Computing has faculty engaged in funded AI and data science research projects. Students in the M.Tech programme can participate in these projects as part of their thesis work. SASTRA also has tie-ups with companies for internships and project collaborations, and the campus placement cell facilitates recruitment from IT and tech companies that actively hire AI/data science graduates.

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SASTRA: 1 Answered Question

SASTRA University, Thanjavur: Does your CGPA really matter at the end of your course?

Siddhartha BoseB.Tech Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur

Yes, CGPA at SASTRA does matter, especially if you have low CGPA. It will affect your placement and as well as other things. But if you are proficient in programming then you can get into companies like Google without CGPA being a problem. If you have a low GPA, you will miss out on the following things.

ACRS: If you want to finish your course in the 7th semester, you will need a GPA of 7.5+. To get the course you want you will need to have around an 8.5 GPA.
Although most companies set 7.0 GPA requirements. Most dream companies ask for a GPA of 8+.
You won’t be able to go to your graduation ceremony, since SASTRA only invites students with GPAs of 7.5+.

Apart from these above reasons, GPA matters for other reasons too. While hiring, companies look at your GPA, not to evaluate how much you know. Rather they want to how responsible and committed you are.

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