The academic structure of IIT Bombay exhibits the diversity, comprehensiveness, and depth befitting an institution of its age and stature. The programmes and courses offered at the institute have the flexibility to evolve and change in response to new requirements. They serve the dual purpose of building a solid foundation of knowledge and of enhancing confidence, creativity and innovation in its students. A unique attribute of IIT Bombay's academic structure is the autonomy enjoyed by faculty in designing and structuring courses and curriculum. All courses, however, need to be approved by the senate. A favourable student-teacher ratio ensures productive, personal contact between the student and the teacher. Finally, credit-based academic programmes offer flexibility to students to progress at their own pace. This system ensures an academic programme which is dynamic, constantly evolving and which reflects the institute’s commitment to stay in tune with the expanding frontiers of knowledge worldwide.

The institute provides the best, and it ensures that its students are also of exceptionally high quality. Admission to IIT Bombay is enabled through its various entrance examinations, like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for the undergraduate programme, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for postgraduate programmes, the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), MET for M.Phil, JAM for M.Sc and M.Sc-Ph.D Dual Degree programmes.