Since 2014, the GATE stipend has been frozen at ₹12,400 per month. In over a decade, inflation has made this amount insufficient to cover basic mess and hostel fees. This financial neglect is a primary reason why around 60% of M.Tech seats currently sit vacant.

While PhD fellowships have risen to ₹37,000, M.Tech scholars are struggling for survival. We are losing our brightest minds to "brain drain" and industry roles because pursuing higher education in India has become a financial burden rather than an opportunity.

We demand the Ministry of Education and AICTE increase the monthly stipend to ₹25,000. This hike is essential to revitalize R&D, and support the "Make in India" vision.