COAP: IIT and IISc M.Tech Admission Process Explained
COAP — the Common Offer Acceptance Portal — manages M.Tech, MS, and PhD offer rounds from 23 IITs and IISc. It is not an application portal. You must apply separately to each individual IIT before COAP rounds begin, and COAP then consolidates the offers you receive so you can accept one, retain one while exploring others, or reject an offer.
The COAP host rotates with the managing IIT. COAP 2026 was coordinated by IIT Roorkee at coap2026.iitr.ac.in. A common trap: the old host coap.iitd.ac.in (IIT Delhi, 2021 era) still serves stale content and can mislead candidates searching for the current cycle. Always find the current-year COAP host from official GATE or IIT admission notices.
COAP 2026 key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Managing institute (2026) | IIT Roorkee (coap2026.iitr.ac.in) |
| Participating institutes | 23 IITs + IISc Bengaluru |
| GATE scores accepted | GATE 2024, 2025, and 2026 |
| Round structure | Multiple rounds (Round 1 through decisive rounds); 2026 decisive Round 5 offers released 6 June 2026 |
| COAP window (2026) | 11 May 2026 – 15 August 2026 |
| Entry requirement | Apply separately to each IIT first; COAP only consolidates offers |
COAP host and dates change each cycle. Confirm the current-year COAP host from official IIT admission notices.
How to navigate COAP correctly
- Apply individually to each IIT — COAP does not replace individual applications. You must submit separate applications (and pay application fees) to each IIT you want to be considered by. Deadlines vary by institute.
- Register on COAP with your GATE application details — Once COAP opens, register on the current-year COAP portal using your GATE year and application number.
- Understand accept vs retain — "Accept" means you commit to that seat and withdraw from other offers. "Retain" means you hold a current offer while waiting for better offers in later rounds. Read the exact rules on the current COAP portal because the retain/accept/reject mechanics have specific deadlines per round.
- Watch the decisive rounds carefully — COAP has "decisive" rounds where retained offers may convert to final commitments. Missing a decisive round deadline can mean losing an offer. Set calendar reminders for every round date.
COAP host rotates — verify the current URL: coap.iitd.ac.in (old IIT Delhi host) still served 2021 content as of June 2026. Do not use it for COAP 2026 or 2027. Find the current-year COAP host from official IIT or GATE-result communications.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay to apply to each IIT separately before COAP?
Yes. Each IIT has its own application process and fee. COAP only consolidates the seat offers you receive after each IIT processes its own applications. Not applying to an IIT means you cannot receive an offer from that IIT through COAP.
Can I use a GATE 2024 or 2025 score for COAP 2026?
Yes. COAP 2026 accepted scores from GATE 2024, 2025, and 2026 (last three cycles). Individual IITs may set their own score-year preferences — confirm with the specific programme you are applying to.