Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in Bangalore is a pioneering interdisciplinary university focused on urban research, education, and practice. Established in 2008 as a Section 8 company, IIHS became a UGC-approved “Deemed to be University” in 2025. The 55-acre campus in Bangalore offers advanced Master’s and Doctoral programmes in urban studies and practice, with a mission to shape the next generation of urban practitioners. IIHS is recognized for its strong research orientation, collaborations with government and global institutions, and commitment to sustainable urban transformation.
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Highlights
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Courses & Fees
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Admission Process
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Scholarships
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Campus & Facilities
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Placements
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Notable Alumni
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Highlights
The IIHS Bangalore campus stands out for its interdisciplinary curriculum, globally benchmarked pedagogy, and focus on the urban transformation of India and the Global South. With four Master’s programmes and a five-year PhD launched in 2025, IIHS is at the forefront of urban research and education. The campus features state-of-the-art academic, research, and residential infrastructure, and is supported by a diverse faculty with expertise in urban planning, governance, and sustainability.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Established |
2008 (University status: 2025) |
|
Type |
Private, Deemed to be University |
|
Approvals/Accreditations |
UGC (Deemed to be University), Section 8 Company |
|
Location |
Bangalore |
|
Student Intake / Strength |
~200+ (2025 intake across all programs) |
|
Faculty |
~50+ core and visiting faculty |
|
Flagship Program & Fees |
MA in Urban Practice: INR 4–6 Lakh (total) |
|
Entrance Exams |
IIHS Admissions Test, Personal Interview |
|
Official Website |
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Courses & Fees
IIHS Bangalore offers interdisciplinary postgraduate and doctoral programmes centered on urban studies, policy, and practice. The flagship offerings include Master’s degrees in Urban Practice, Urban Planning, Urban Policy, and Urban Sustainability, as well as a PhD in Urban Studies and Practice. Program fees are competitive for the sector, and eligibility emphasizes academic merit and a passion for urban transformation.
|
Program |
Level |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Total Fees |
|
MA in Urban Practice |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
INR 4–6 Lakh |
|
MA in Urban Planning |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, or related fields) |
INR 4–6 Lakh |
|
MA in Urban Policy |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
INR 4–6 Lakh |
|
MA in Urban Sustainability |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
INR 4–6 Lakh |
|
PhD in Urban Studies and Practice |
Doctoral |
5 Years |
Master’s degree in relevant field |
INR 2–3 Lakh (per annum) |
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Admission Process
Admissions at IIHS Bangalore are competitive and based on a combination of academic merit, entrance test performance, and personal interviews. The application cycle typically opens in November–December for the following academic year, with final selections by April–May. The process is designed to assess both intellectual potential and commitment to urban transformation.
-
Application Window: November–February (for July intake)
-
Entrance Exams (if any): IIHS Admissions Test
-
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Personal Interview, Statement of Purpose
|
Step |
Details |
Indicative Timeline |
Documents |
|
Online Application |
Submit application form and pay fee |
Nov–Feb |
Academic transcripts, ID proof, Statement of Purpose |
|
Entrance Test |
IIHS Admissions Test (online/offline) |
Feb–Mar |
Admit card, Photo ID |
|
Personal Interview |
Interview with faculty panel |
Mar–Apr |
Portfolio (if required), Certificates |
|
Offer & Admission |
Release of final admission offers |
Apr–May |
Acceptance letter, Fee payment |
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Scholarships
IIHS Bangalore offers need-based scholarships and financial aid to ensure access for students from diverse backgrounds. Scholarships may cover a portion or the entirety of tuition fees, based on family income and academic merit. The application for scholarships is integrated with the main admissions process.
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
|
IIHS Need-based Scholarship |
Annual family income below specified threshold; academic merit |
Partial to full tuition fee waiver |
Indicate need in admission application; submit income documents |
|
IIHS Merit Scholarship |
Top-performing applicants in entrance test/interview |
Fee waiver up to 50% |
Automatic consideration during admissions |
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Campus & Facilities
The IIHS Bangalore campus spans 55 acres and is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning and research. Facilities include modern classrooms, digital libraries, research labs, and on-campus housing. The campus supports a vibrant academic community and is well-connected to the city.
-
Library / Digital Resources: Extensive digital and physical collections, access to global urban research databases
-
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Urban research labs, GIS and data analytics centers
-
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, amphitheatre, seminar halls
-
Hostel / Dining: On-campus student and faculty housing, dining halls with diverse cuisine
-
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Indoor and outdoor sports facilities, gymnasium, open grounds
-
Connectivity / Transport: Located in North Bangalore, accessible by public and private transport
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Placements
IIHS Bangalore has a growing placement ecosystem with strong connections to urban sector employers, government agencies, and international organizations. The first batch of university graduates is expected to complete in 2027, but IIHS’s legacy programs have seen placements in policy think tanks, consulting firms, NGOs, and research institutions. Placement packages are expected to be in the range of INR 8–15 LPA for top roles.
|
Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2024 (Legacy Programs) |
INR 15 LPA |
INR 9–10 LPA |
INR 8 LPA |
World Bank, UN-Habitat, WRI India, Tata Trusts, State Urban Development Departments |
Indian Institute for Human Settlements - [IIHS] Notable Alumni
IIHS alumni have contributed to leading urban research, policy, and development organizations in India and abroad. Many have taken up roles in government, international agencies, and top think tanks, shaping urban policy and practice.
|
Name |
Role / Achievement |
|
Gautam Bhan |
Urban policy expert, IIHS faculty, author on urban inequality |
|
Julie Rozenberg |
Urban resilience specialist, World Bank (collaborator) |
|
Multiple alumni in senior roles |
State Urban Development Departments, UN agencies, leading NGOs |


