International Institute for Population Sciences

The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), situated in Mumbai, stands as a specialized academic and research powerhouse, occupying a critical niche in the intersection of sociology, economics, statistics, and public health. Established in July 1956, the institution represents a unique historical collaboration between the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the Government of India, and the United Nations. For nearly seven decades, it has served as the regional center for training and research in population studies for the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) region, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical academic inquiry and the practicalities of national health and population policy. Formerly known as the Demographic Training and Research Centre (DTRC) until 1970 and subsequently as the International Institute for Population Studies until 1985, the organization achieved a major developmental milestone when it was declared a 'Deemed to be University' on August 14, 1985, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. This recognition empowered the institute to formulate its own specialized curricula and award recognized degrees, facilitating its evolution into one of the world's premier centers for population sciences.

Currently functioning as an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, IIPS is the only institute of its kind globally that is entirely devoted to the twin pillars of teaching and research in population-related areas. The institutional mission focuses on being a center of excellence through high-quality education and research, aimed at creating competent professionals who can generate and disseminate scientific knowledge to influence political and developmental discourse. By training students from over 42 countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and North America, IIPS has built a global nucleus of demographic experts who occupy key leadership positions in governments, international agencies, and academic institutions worldwide.

Structural Governance and Academic Departments

The institutional framework of IIPS is organized into seven distinct academic departments, each reflecting a core domain of population and health studies. These departments are staffed by interdisciplinary faculty members with specializations in core areas of population sciences, trained both within India and abroad.

Department of Bio-Statistics and Epidemiology

This department serves as the quantitative foundation of the institute’s research and training activities. It focuses on the mathematical and statistical modeling of health data and the study of disease distribution within populations. The curriculum under this department is designed to bridge clinical research with population-level statistics, ensuring that students can interpret complex biological data through a demographic lens.

Department of Fertility and Social Demography

Central to understanding India's demographic transition, this department investigates the socio-economic and biological determinants of reproductive behavior. Research focus areas include fertility trends, nuptiality patterns, and the effectiveness of contraceptive prevalence and family planning initiatives.

Department of Public Health and Mortality Studies

Addressing the complexities of the epidemiological transition, this department analyzes life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality, and the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Its work is vital for tracking the nation's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Department of Migration and Urban Studies

With rapid urbanization being a defining trend in the ESCAP region, this department explores the drivers and consequences of internal and international migration. It utilizes spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map population movements and their socio-economic impacts on urban centers.

Department of Population and Development

This unit explores the reciprocal relationship between demographic change and economic growth. It focuses on how population aging, gender dynamics, and the demographic dividend influence national development trajectories and poverty alleviation efforts.

Department of Family and Generations

Adopting a life-course perspective, this department studies the evolving nature of family structures and intergenerational support systems. It has gained increased prominence due to the growing focus on the elderly population in India and the shifting sociological norms of kinship.

Department of Survey Research and Data Analytics

As the technical core responsible for the institute's landmark surveys, this department focuses on methodologies of large-scale data collection, sampling designs, and data management. It ensures the precision and reliability of the data that forms the basis of India's health policy.

Comprehensive Academic Programs and Professional Training

The pedagogical architecture of IIPS is designed to produce specialized manpower capable of handling complex demographic data and formulating evidence-based policies. The institute offers a variety of regular teaching programs ranging from Master’s degrees to post-doctoral fellowships.

The Master’s programs provide rigorous training in demographic methods, gender and reproductive health, and statistical software like STATA, SPSS, and R. Students are equipped to analyze components of population change and understand their future implications for health and development. A critical component of these programs is the mandatory dissertation, where students conduct original research under faculty guidance, which is then presented in student-faculty seminars.

The Master of Population Studies (MPS) is specifically tailored for those who already hold a post-graduate degree in subjects like Economics, Statistics, or Sociology, acting as a professional bridge into the world of demography. For professionals unable to commit to full-time study, the Centre for Distance and Online Education (formerly EMS & DE) offers an M.A. in Population Studies. This program has enrolled over 2,219 learners from India and abroad, emphasizing its role as a regional hub for distance education in population sciences.

Admission Process and Rigorous Eligibility Criteria

The selection process at IIPS is designed to ensure that only candidates with strong analytical and academic potential are admitted, given the technical nature of the coursework.

Eligibility Standards by Program

Candidates seeking admission must meet specific academic and age requirements as outlined in the institutional bulletins.

Selection Methodology and IIET

The primary gateway for all programs is the IIPS Online Entrance Test (IIET). This examination contains objective questions covering general knowledge, logical reasoning, English grammar, basic mathematics, and health/social issues. For the M.Sc. in Biostatistics and Demography, the test places additional emphasis on statistical and mathematical concepts.

Admission to the MPS, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs follows a two-stage or three-stage process:

1. Online Entrance Test: To screen for quantitative and theoretical aptitude.

2. Research Proposal Writing: Required for Ph.D. and Integrated M.Phil./Ph.D. candidates to assess their research vision.

3. Personal Interview (PI): A final evaluation by a faculty committee to gauge the candidate’s depth of understanding and suitability for higher research.

The institute has also integrated with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) PG for certain postgraduate streams, aligning itself with national standardization in higher education admissions. For international students, the process is facilitated through the International Relations Cell, which coordinates visa formalities and tailored admission bulletins.

Research Excellence: Landmark Surveys and Nodal Agency Responsibilities

IIPS is widely recognized as the technical backbone of demographic research in India. Its role as the nodal agency for large-scale, nationwide surveys makes it an indispensable partner for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and international developmental bodies.

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

Perhaps the most significant contribution of IIPS is its stewardship of the NFHS, a multi-round, large-scale household survey that provides essential health and family welfare data.

• Historical Context: Five rounds have been successfully completed since 1992-93. The survey tracks fertility, infant mortality, maternal health, nutrition, and emerging issues like hypertension and high blood glucose.

• Institutional Evolution: While previous rounds involved technical assistance from international agencies like ORC Macro and USAID, the sixth round (NFHS-6), conducted in 2023-2024, is notable for being coordinated solely by IIPS.

• Funding and Collaboration: NFHS rounds have been funded by a consortium including MoHFW, USAID, DFID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and UNFPA.

Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)

In response to India’s changing age structure, IIPS launched LASI, the world’s largest longitudinal survey on aging. This project is a collaborative effort with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of Southern California (USC).

• Objective: LASI provides scientific evidence on the health, economic, and social determinants of population aging in India.

• Scale: The survey covers over 73,000 older adults aged 45 and above across all states and union territories.

• Future Outlook: Envisioned to be conducted every five years for the next quarter-century, LASI Wave-2 is currently in its launch phase.

Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and Other Projects

The institute also manages the GATS India project, which monitors adult tobacco use and tracks key tobacco control indicators. The third round (GATS-3) is scheduled for launch alongside Wave-2 of LASI. Other significant projects include the District Level Household Survey (DLHS), the evaluation of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), and the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) in collaboration with the WHO.

Innovation and Research Ecosystem: The RDC and IQAC

Beyond large surveys, IIPS has cultivated an internal ecosystem aimed at fostering innovation and quality in demographic research. This is managed primarily through the Research and Development Cell (RDC) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).

• Research and Development Cell (RDC): The RDC provides the governance framework for all research activities, offering guidelines for project management and publication. It oversees the production of research briefs, policy briefs, and working papers that translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers.

• Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC): The IQAC ensures that the institute meets national standards of academic excellence. It is organized into committees that monitor curricular aspects, teaching-learning evaluations, and research innovation. The cell also manages feedback from students, alumni, and employers to continuously refine the institute's offerings.

• Incubation and Seed Funding: The institute provides seed money to teachers to initiate pilot research projects, fostering a culture of academic entrepreneurship. It also tracks patents and research awards as part of its innovation metrics.

Financial Foundation and Institutional Funding

The funding of IIPS is as interdisciplinary as its research. As an autonomous body, it receives its primary budget from the Government of India, but its large-scale projects attract substantial international investment.

Government and Internal Budget

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) provides the core funding for administrative and regular academic operations. For the financial year 2024-25, the Executive Council approved revised estimates totaling ₹62.50 crores. This core funding supports the 50 Government of India fellowships awarded to Master's students, providing them with monthly stipends.

Extramural and International Funding

IIPS is highly successful in securing extramural grants from non-governmental and international sources. This funding is project-specific and often runs into several millions of dollars for nationwide surveys.

International Tie-ups and Global Collaborations

The international character of IIPS is evidenced by its expansive network of global partnerships. The International Relations Cell (IRC) serves as the primary liaison for institutional alliances, faculty exchanges, and student mobility programs.

Strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)

IIPS maintains active MoUs with top-tier global universities and research organizations, facilitating shared access to scientific knowledge and the joint organization of symposiums.

• North America: Long-standing partnerships with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Southern California (USC), and Rutgers University.

• Europe: Recent collaborations with the University of Rostock (Germany), the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (Germany).

• Asia & Pacific: MoUs with the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (Japan) and collaborations across the ESCAP region.

These partnerships often materialize into joint research projects, such as the LASI-DAD study on late-life cognition and dementia, and the Rutgers-IIPS exchange program for scholars.

Infrastructure and Technological Learning Resources

The IIPS campus in Mumbai, though land-constrained at 5.5 acres, is optimized for data-intensive research and residential academic life.

The Library and ICT Infrastructure

The library is the heart of the institute and is considered one of the best demographic libraries in the world.

• Collection: It houses over 85,000 books and a comprehensive collection of Indian census volumes dating back to 1872.

• Digital Integration: The library is fully automated using SLIM21 software and provides access to global databases like POPLINE.

• ICT Unit: The institute features a dedicated Data Centre with high-end servers, six smart classrooms with audio-visual tools, and campus-wide Wi-Fi.

Residential and Support Facilities

• Hostels: There are two on-campus hostels (a five-story and a two-story block) with attached bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and solar-powered heating systems. Residency is mandatory for all full-time Master's students.

• Guest House: Located in a lush green space, the guest house provides double and single rooms with induction stoves, fridges, and 24/7 service for visiting professors and researchers.

• Health and Wellness: On-campus medical facilities provide free advice, counseling, and daily doctor visits. The campus also features indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including table tennis, carom, and a playground.

Employability, Placement Ecosystem, and Alumni Impact

Graduates of IIPS are highly valued for their ability to handle large-scale data and apply demographic modeling to real-world health and development problems.

Career Paths and Placement Statistics

The Placement Cell coordinates with over 60 recruiters annually, including government bodies, global organizations, and corporate entities in the pharma and insurance sectors.

Graduates often secure roles as Health Data Analysts, Survey Methodology Experts, or M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) Officers. Technical programs have recorded placement rates as high as 85-90%, reflecting the growing demand for data architects in the digital health sector.

The Alumni Network: IIPSAA

The IIPS Alumni Association (IIPSAA), registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860, is a dynamic community that bridges academia and the professional market. Distinguished alumni hold key positions at organizations such as the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and the Population Council. The network is instrumental in organizing workshops and lectures that keep current students aligned with industry standards.

Educational Landscape Standings: IIRF and National Rankings

In the broader educational landscape, IIPS is recognized for its research-intensive focus and its standing among specialized universities.

• IIRF Ranking 2025: In the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) for Deemed Universities, IIPS-Mumbai is ranked 32nd overall.

• Specialized Category: Within the category of "Top Deemed Universities for Arts, Science, Research, and Humanities," IIPS has held the 6th position, outperforming many generalist institutions.

• Accreditation: The institute is recognized by the UGC and holds high accreditation scores from NAAC, further validating its academic and research procedures.

Synthesis and Future Outlook

The International Institute for Population Sciences occupies a unique and indispensable role in the Global South’s demographic and public health infrastructure. Its evolution from a regional training center to a premier research-intensive university reflects the growing importance of data-driven governance. By integrating high-level statistical training with deep sociological inquiry, IIPS has created a model of education that is both academically rigorous and directly relevant to national planning.

The future of the institute is being shaped by the Digital Health Expansion in India and the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals. As the nodal agency for NFHS-6 and LASI Wave-2, IIPS continues to set world-class standards in survey design and data collection. While land constraints in Mumbai present a physical challenge to expansion, the institute’s pivot toward digital education and international research collaborations ensures that its influence on global population science will only continue to expand. As its alumni continue to lead health interventions across the ESCAP region and beyond, IIPS remains a beacon of excellence in the understanding of humanity’s most fundamental resource: its people.

FAQs

1. What is the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)?

IIPS is a premier regional center for training and research in population studies for the ESCAP region, functioning as a "Deemed to be University".

2. Where is IIPS located?

The institute is located on Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra .

3. When was the institute established?

It was established in July 1956.

4. Who governs IIPS?

It is an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India .

5. What was the institute formerly known as?

From 1956 to 1970, it was the Demographic Training and Research Centre (DTRC), and later the International Institute for Population Studies until 1985.

6. Who were the founding sponsors?

It was founded through a joint collaboration between the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the Government of India, and the United Nations .

7. Is IIPS a recognized university?

Yes, it was declared a "Deemed to be University" on August 14, 1985, under the UGC Act, 1956.

8. What is the primary mission of the institute?

The mission is to be a center of excellence through high-quality education and research to create competent professionals in population sciences.

9. How many academic departments are at IIPS?

The institute has seven distinct academic departments.

10. What are the seven departments?

They are Bio-Statistics and Epidemiology, Fertility and Social Demography, Public Health and Mortality Studies, Migration and Urban Studies, Population and Development, Family and Generations, and Survey Research and Data Analytics.

11. What regular postgraduate degrees are offered?

IIPS offers M.A./M.Sc. in Population Studies, M.Sc. in Biostatistics and Demography, and M.Sc. in Survey Research & Data Analytics.

12. What is the "Master of Population Studies" (MPS)?

It is a one-year professional master’s degree designed for individuals with a background in social sciences, statistics, or mathematics.

13. Does IIPS offer distance education?

Yes, the Centre for Distance and Online Education offers an M.A. in Population Studies.

14. Are there doctoral programs available?

Yes, the institute offers a full-time and part-time Ph.D. in Population Studies and Biostatistics and Demography.

15. What is the Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) duration?

The PDF program is a one-year research-focused fellowship.

16. Does IIPS offer any diploma courses?

Yes, it offers a Diploma in Health Promotion Education (DHPE) and other specialized postgraduate diplomas in community health and hospital management.

17. What is the common entrance test for IIPS?

The primary gateway is the IIPS Online Entrance Test (IIET).

18. Does the institute accept CUET PG scores?

Yes, IIPS has integrated with the CUET PG exam for certain postgraduate admissions.

19. What is the eligibility for the M.A./M.Sc. in Population Studies?

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any subject with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).

20. Is there an age limit for Master’s programs?

Yes, the upper age limit for M.A./M.Sc. is 25 years, and for the MPS program, it is 28 years.

21. What is the eligibility for M.Sc. in Biostatistics and Demography?

A B.A./B.Sc. in Mathematics, Statistics, or Biostatistics with 55% aggregate marks.

22. What are the criteria for the part-time Ph.D. program?

A master's degree in a relevant field plus five years of work experience after the degree.

23. What is the selection process for the Ph.D. program?

Selection involves an online entrance test, research proposal writing, and a personal interview.

24. How can I apply for admission?

Applications are typically submitted online via the official institutional portal.

25. Is there an application fee?

Yes, a non-refundable application fee (typically ₹1000) must be paid at the time of submission.

26. What is the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)?

NFHS is a large-scale, multi-round survey coordinated by IIPS to provide essential data on health and family welfare in India .

27. What is unique about NFHS-6?

NFHS-6 is the first round in the series to be coordinated solely by IIPS without technical assistance from external international agencies .

28. What is the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)?

It is the world's largest longitudinal study on aging, focusing on the health and social well-being of India's elderly .

29. Who are the international partners for LASI?

IIPS collaborates with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of Southern California (USC) for this study .

30. What is GATS?

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) is a survey monitored by IIPS to track adult tobacco use and control indicators .

31. What role does IIPS play for the ESCAP region?

It serves as the hub for demographic training and research for countries in the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific region.

32. What other major projects has the institute conducted?

Notable projects include the District Level Household Survey (DLHS) and the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) .

33. Are there fellowships for Master's students?

Yes, there are 50 Government of India fellowships available for students in regular M.A./M.Sc. courses.

34. What is the monthly stipend for Master's students?

The stipend is ₹5,000 per month for the duration of the course.

35. What fellowship is offered to Ph.D. scholars?

Ph.D. fellowships range from ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA, depending on the year of research.

36. Who are the major international funders for research projects?

Funding comes from agencies like UNFPA, WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation .

37. Does the institute provide seed money for teachers?

Yes, IIPS provides seed money to faculty members to initiate pilot research projects.

38. How large is the library collection?

The library houses over 85,000 books and a comprehensive collection of Indian census volumes dating back to 1872.

39. Is the library automated?

Yes, it is fully automated using SLIM21 software and provides remote access to databases.

40. Are there hostel facilities on campus?

Yes, there are separate hostels for boys and girls with furnished rooms and attached bathrooms.

41. Is on-campus residency mandatory?

Yes, all full-time Master's students are required to stay in the campus hostels.

42. Does the campus have Wi-Fi?

Yes, the entire campus, including the hostels, is Wi-Fi enabled.

43. What medical facilities are available?

The campus provides medical counseling, daily doctor visits, and free medical advice to students.

44. What sports facilities are provided?

There are facilities for table tennis, carom, chess, and an outdoor playground.

45. What are the top recruiting sectors?

Recruiters include government agencies, international NGOs, healthcare consultancies, and pharmaceutical firms.

46. Name some top recruiters at IIPS.

Major recruiters include WHO, UNICEF, NITI Aayog, ICMR, IQVIA, Novartis, and NielsenIQ.

47. What is the highest package recorded recently?

Technical courses like Survey Research and Data Analytics have seen packages as high as ₹12-14 LPA.

48. What is the institute's IIRF ranking for 2025?

IIPS Mumbai is ranked 32nd overall in the IIRF Deemed University Ranking for 2025.

49. Where does IIPS rank in the social science/research category?

It holds the 6th position in the IIRF category for "Top Deemed Universities for Arts, Science, Research, and Humanities".

50. Which international universities have tie-ups with IIPS?

Collaborations exist with institutions like Harvard, Rutgers, the University of Southern California, and the University of Groningen.