Indian Institute of Technology Madras, one of the foremost institutes of national importance in higher technological education, basic and applied research, is an autonomous statutory organization functioning within the Institute of Technology Act. It was the dawn of a new era  in 1956, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, was on an official visit to West Germany and was offered assistance by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, to set up a higher technological institute in India. This resulted in the signing of the first Indo-German Agreement in Bonn in 1959, for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology at Madras. The first Indo-German Agreement provided for the services of German professors and 5 foremen, training facilities for 20 Indian faculty members and the supply of scientific and technical equipment for the establishment of the Central Workshop and 20 laboratories at IIT Madras.

In 1959, the Institute was formally inaugurated by Prof. Humayun Kabir, Union Minister for Scientific and Cultural Affairs. Dr. A. Lakshmanaswamy assumed office as the first Chairman of the Board of Governors and Dr. B.Sengupto as the first Director of the Institute. In 1961, the Institute was declared as an 'Institute of National Importance' by the Parliament of India.The visit of Dr. Heinrich Lubke, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, in 1962 marked the beginning of the Indo-German Technical Assistance Program. In 1973, Shri C.Subramaniam, Minister for Industrial Development and Minister for Science and Technology, inaugurated the Industrial Consultancy Centre. The same year, the first IBM System 370 Model 155 digital computer was dedicated to the Institute.

The year 974 witnessed the commencement of the fourth Indo-German Agreement. It aimed to set up inter-university partnerships in R&D projects, strengthen the industrial consultancy service and establish a post-graduate programme in Television Engineering. The Employees Welfare Scheme was introduced in 1975, and evening D.I.I.T courses were started for the benefit of engineers in and around the city.

In 1976, an agreement was signed with the Government of France for collaboration and assistance to the Aeronautics Department. Five years later, the fifth Indo-German agreement was signed with the continuation of inter-university projects and exchange visits, as well as the strengthening of the Micro Processor Laboratory, Low Temperature Laboratory and High Polymer Laboratory as its principal objectives. The credit system of evaluation for B.Tech. programmes was introduced in 1979.

Since 1973, the Institute, recognising world-class talent,  has conferred honorary degrees of Doctor of Science and Doctor of Technology (honoris causa) to eminent personalities like Nobel Laureate (Physics) Dr. John Bardeen (1973), former Minister for Foreign Affairs (FRG) Mr. Hans Dietrich Genscher (1973) and former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Dr.Raja Ramanna (1983) among others. Prominent in the academic calendar of the Institute is the Institute Convocation Day, the convocation address being delivered usually by the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister of India. President Shri Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan addressed the first convocation of the Institute. The 35th convocation address (in 1998) was delivered by the Honourable Vice-President of India, Shri Krishna Kant.

The IIT system has seven Institutes of Technology located at Kharagpur (estb. 1951), Mumbai (estb. 1958), Chennai (estb. 1959), Kanpur (estb. 1959), Delhi (estb. 1961), Guwahati (estb. 1994) and Roorkee (estb. 1847),  and became joined IITs in 2001.

IIT Madras is situated on Sardar Patel Road and is flanked by Adyar, Taramani and Velachery. The campus is opposite to the Central Leather Research Institute and Anna University. The campus is spread over 250 hectares of lush green forest, which is midway between the Chennai Airport and Central Railway station, and is well connected by buses and local trains.

IIT Madras is a residential institute, known both nationally and internationally for excellence in technical education, basic and applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial consultancy, with around 550 faculty, 8000 students and 1250 administrative & supporting staff,  It is a self-contained campus located in a beautiful wooded land of about 250 hectares.  The Institute has established itself as a premier centre for teaching, research and industrial consultancy in the country. There are sixteen academic departments and a few advanced research centres in various disciplines of engineering and pure sciences, with nearly 100 laboratories organised in a unique pattern of functioning. A bevy of Eminent faculty of international repute, a highly motivated and brilliant student community, excellent technical and supporting staff and an effective administration have all contributed to the pre-eminent status of IIT Madras. The Institute offers Undergraduate and Post - graduate programs leading to the B.Tech., M.Sc., M.B.A., M.Tech., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of specialisations.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras, A technological enterprise at the service of the Nation,  belongs to the new-generation institutes of national importance in higher technical education. Located in South Chennai, in a beautiful campus spanning 630 acres, the Institute is nearly self-contained and houses students as well as the families of faculty and staff members. The Institute has grown from strength to strength ever since it obtained its charter from the Parliament of India in 1961, and has since established itself as a premier centre of research, consultancy and technological development.

IIT Madras has been the top-ranked engineering institute in India for four consecutive years as well as the ‘Best Educational Institution’ in Overall Category in the NIRF Rankings of 2019 put out by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Any visitor to IIT Madras who spends a few minutes in the campus will find themselves in the midst of conversations that are happening in a different tongue. This is its very own Insti lingo – the IIT Madras lingo – which include words that extend beyond the realm of the bulkiest Oxford Dictionaries or the most exhaustive Websters.  Over the years, the students have developed their own indigenous vocabulary that symbolises the two traits of an IITian that distinguish him from the average guy next door—creativity and brevity.  The Institute is proud to bear the laureate of being No.1 Engineering University in India. More recently, IIT Madras has been given the title of Institute of Eminence.

Globally Recognised Institution

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is one of India's premier institutions for higher education, research and technological innovation. Its strong academic reputation attracts students and researchers from across India and abroad.

Strong Academic Excellence

IIT Madras offers a rigorous academic environment that encourages students to develop strong conceptual understanding, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The institute provides programmes across engineering, technology, science, humanities, management and other interdisciplinary areas.

Wide Range of Programmes

Students can pursue programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, including B.Tech, Dual Degree, M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, Ph.D. and other specialised programmes. The institute also offers interdisciplinary and technology-oriented learning opportunities.

Outstanding Faculty and Research

The institute has a large community of experienced professors, researchers and academic experts. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, innovation activities and advanced academic work under faculty guidance.

Strong Research Ecosystem

IIT Madras is known for its emphasis on research, innovation and technology development. Its research activities cover areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, biotechnology, energy, robotics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and several emerging technologies.

Excellent Infrastructure

The campus provides extensive academic and research infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, libraries, computer centres, research centres, classrooms, innovation facilities, sports infrastructure and student amenities. These facilities support both academic learning and research.

Industry Interaction

The institute maintains strong connections with industry and research organisations. Students can gain exposure through internships, industry projects, technical events, research collaborations and professional interactions, helping them understand real-world applications of their education.

Strong Placement Opportunities

IIT Madras has a well-established placement ecosystem that connects students with leading companies across technology, engineering, consulting, finance, research and other sectors. The institute's placement activities provide students with opportunities to interact with recruiters and explore diverse career paths.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Students are encouraged to transform ideas into products and businesses through entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. The institute supports startups, technology development and entrepreneurial activities through its innovation ecosystem.

Vibrant Campus Life

The IIT Madras campus provides opportunities to participate in student clubs, technical festivals, cultural events, sports, competitions and social initiatives. These activities help students develop leadership, teamwork, creativity and communication skills.

Alumni Network

IIT Madras has a strong alumni community working across technology, academia, research, industry, entrepreneurship and public service. This network provides students with valuable professional connections and inspiration for their future careers

Vision

The vision of Indian Institute of Technology Madras is to be a globally recognised institution that advances knowledge, innovation, education and research while contributing significantly to technological and societal development.

Mission

IIT Madras aims to provide high-quality education and conduct impactful research while promoting innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration. The institute seeks to develop technically competent, socially responsible and ethical professionals who can address complex challenges and contribute to India's development and the wider global community.

IIT Madras admissions are offered to the courses. Students can pursue both offline and online degree courses from IIT Madras in several disciplines. Students have to fulfil the basic eligibility criteria to apply for IIT Madras admission. For admission to the B.Tech course, students have to qualify the JEE Advanced exam followed by a counselling process. For the M.Tech course, students have to appear and qualify the GATE examination. Students willing to apply for the IIT Madras online degree programme, can visit the official website and fill the application form. 

Admission Criteria

B.E / B.Tech

Admission Process

·         Admission to B.Tech programmes at IIT Madras is primarily through JEE Main followed by JEE Advanced.

·         Candidates must first qualify in JEE Main and then appear for JEE Advanced.

·         Students who secure a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced can participate in JoSAA counselling and select IIT Madras and their preferred       programme based on rank, category and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination.

• Must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

• Must qualify JEE Main and appear for JEE Advanced.

• Must satisfy the applicable JEE Advanced eligibility and age requirements.

• Admission is based on JEE Advanced rank and JoSAA seat allocation.

M.E / M.Tech

Admission Process

·         Admission to M.Tech programmes at IIT Madras is generally based on a relevant engineering or technology qualification and GATE performance.

·         Eligible candidates can apply through the institute's postgraduate admission process. Candidates are shortlisted according to the applicable admission criteria,

·         GATE score and programme requirements. Selected candidates must complete document verification and fee-payment formalities.

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree such as B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

• Candidates should satisfy the academic requirements prescribed for the selected M.Tech programme.

• A valid GATE score is generally required for eligible applicants.

• Specific programmes may have additional subject or academic requirements.

M.Sc

Admission Process

·         Admission to M.Sc programmes at IIT Madras is generally through the IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters) examination.

·         Candidates who qualify JAM can participate in the applicable admission process and indicate their preferred programmes and institutes.

·         Admission is based on JAM performance, eligibility, programme requirements and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree in the required or relevant discipline from a recognised institution.

• Candidates must have studied the subjects required for the selected M.Sc programme.

• Must qualify IIT JAM, where applicable.

• Must satisfy the programme-specific eligibility conditions prescribed by IIT Madras.

MBA

Admission Process

·         Admission to the MBA programme at IIT Madras generally involves the CAT (Common Admission Test) followed by the institute's selection process.

·         Eligible candidates submit an application to the Department of Management Studies (DoMS), IIT Madras.

·         Shortlisted candidates may be called for further evaluation, which can include interview and other selection components as prescribed for the admission cycle.

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised university/institution.

• Candidates must satisfy the prescribed minimum academic percentage or CGPA.

• A valid CAT score is generally required for the regular MBA admission process.

• Final selection is based on the applicable admission criteria, academic record, entrance-test performance and subsequent selection stages.

Ph.D

Admission Process

·         Admission to Ph.D programmes at IIT Madras generally begins with submitting an online application for the relevant research department or interdisciplinary programme.

·         Eligible candidates are shortlisted based on their academic qualifications, entrance examination requirements and research interests.

·         Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend a written test and/or interview conducted by the respective department or admission committee.

Eligibility

• A relevant master's degree or an appropriate bachelor's degree, depending on the Ph.D category and programme.

• Candidates must satisfy the minimum academic requirements prescribed by IIT Madras.

• Qualification in examinations such as GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, INSPIRE or equivalent may be required or considered for applicable categories.

• Candidates should demonstrate aptitude and interest in research.

• Department-specific eligibility requirements may apply.

B.Tech + M.Tech (Dual Degree)

Admission Process

·         Admission to the B.Tech + M.Tech Dual Degree programme at IIT Madras is generally through JEE Advanced followed by JoSAA counselling.

·         Students select the applicable dual-degree programme during the counselling process based on their JEE Advanced rank, category and seat availability.

·         After admission, students undergo an integrated academic programme leading to both B.Tech and M.Tech degrees.

Eligibility

• Passed Class 12 or equivalent with the required subjects.

• Must satisfy the eligibility requirements for JEE Advanced.

• Must qualify JEE Advanced.

• Admission is based on JEE Advanced rank and JoSAA counselling.

• Programme-specific academic and subject requirements may apply.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras provides more than  25 scholarships which are based on the financial situation of the students or their academic performances. Students who want to avail of the scholarship benefits and are eligible can download the respective application forms through the official website of IIT Madras and submit the same to the academic section. Below table shows the top scholarships offered by IIT Madras:

Other IIT Madras scholarships including the scholarships offered by the government/ organisations are mentioned below. Students are eligible to apply for any one of the following:

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Ministry of Minority Affairs
• MHRD scholarship for single girl child
• Pratibha Scholarship of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
• Aditya Birla Scholarship
• Inlakhs Scholarship
• OPJEMS

IIT Madras graduates outstanding students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels every year. Our alumni have a proven track record of professional success, and we expect to keep this going with the 2025-2026 batch. Our students are well trained on fundamental concepts and engineering applications by top-notch faculty and staff. In addition to the well-established academic programmes, IIT Madras has started novel Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programmes in domains such as Advanced Materials and Nano Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Energy Systems, Robotics and TechMBA. This would ensure that IIT Madras graduates well-trained manpower in both traditional academic disciplines and upcoming new ones. The Placement office at IIT Madras serves as a link between two important stakeholders: our students and you, our valued recruiter. On behalf of the IIT Madras Placement team, I invite you to the 2025-2026 placement process and look forward to working with you in enabling you to hire the best talent for your organization. My best wishes to you and the students for a successful placement process.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is one of the most reputed institutes for technological education and research in India. Known for its strong relations with the industry, the Institute has always been a favourite destination of recruitment for many firms.

The Placement and Internship Office is the nodal point of contact for companies seeking to establish a fruitful relationship with IIT Madras. As our logo says, "Siddhirbhavati Karmaja" - Success comes through hard work.

Placement and Internships are the most important festivals of IIT Madras. There are great expectations from recruiters, parents, and students. I am sure the students would be very excited and surely dream of being hired by the absolute best in the country and the world. IIT Madras has been blessed to always have support from the corporate world and their interest in both hiring our students and many other collaborations. I am confident that our placements and internships will be lucrative and fulfilling for both recruiters and students. Wishing my best to all of you who are appearing for and recruiting through IIT Madras placement and internships! We remain thankful to our esteemed recruiters and cherish the continuing association and welcome the new recruiters into our fold.

The Central Library provides information services and access to bibliographic as well as full-text digital and printed resources to support the scholarly and informational needs of the Institute community.

Well-equipped with modern facilities, the five-storey airconditioned and WiFi enabled facility contains a myriad of resources including CD- ROMs, online databases, audio-video cassettes, books, e-journals, patents, e-standards, theses, reports, monographs, full-text and bibliographical databases among others. The library is divided into different sections - Textbook/Reference, General Stacks, Reading Halls, Journals and Current Periodicals, Media Research Centre (which regularly screens educational and scientific videos), a Book Bank, among many others.

Security is paramount for an institution located in a metropolis, in a sprawling campus which also happens to be a reserve forest. With this in mind, IIT Madras has developed an efficient security system. The Security Wing of the Institute has laid down a set of rules and regulations all residents and visitors on campus have to adhere to. The Security Wing is headed by the Chief Security Officer and has a duty room functioning round-the-clock to prevent any breach of security.

There are three temples on campus. The Shree Durga Peeli Amman Temple on Delhi Avenue is the site of processions during Navratri. The Jalakandeswarar Temple near the Adyar Gate hosts Mahashivaratri and other festivals, as well as occasional classical artiste performances. The Vinayagar Temple behind Taramani Guest House is the site of Ganesh Chaturthi and Saraswati Pooja celebrations.Excellent facilities including an Olympic-standard swimming pool, a well-equipped gymnasium, the impressive IIT-Chemplast cricket ground, a vast stadium and a high-tech wood-floored multipurpose indoor stadium are available in the Students' Activities' Center.s

IIT Madras is a residential institute and provides accommodation to students in the hostels. There are 20 hostels, all named after the mighty rivers of India. Of the hostels, 5 are for female and 15 are for male students.

The first-year undergraduate students are accommodated in a sharing style accommodation. In subsequent years, single/double/triple rooms are allotted depending on the hostel. Postgraduate students are accommodated in a sharing/single room. Internet and Local Area Network (LAN) facilities are provided in every room and there is a computer room in the hostels.

Hostel Facilities

Hostel facilities include a garden and a library from which students can borrow books. Every hostel has washing machines, some sports facilities, music/tech/television rooms. Most hostel-level meetings take place in common rooms. The students celebrate festivals such as Holi, Pongal, Onam, Diwali, and New Year’s Eve. The hostel night is organised annually by each hostel, where the entire hostel celebrates with food and music. This occasion also commemorates the graduating seniors of that hostel.

Hostel Administration

Each hostel functions as an independent unit with respect to its internal administration under the overall supervision of the Council of Wardens and the Hostel Management. Each hostel has a Warden, a faculty member, and a resident Assistant Warden. The Hostel Office is located within each hostel, where the office staff and wardens handle the administration of the hostel. The Hostel Council comprises the Warden and a number of elected student secretaries from the hostel that look into hostel-related issues. The Hostel Council plans the students' activities for the year, prepares the budget for sports, recreational and other social activities through the respective student secretaries, and runs individual messes alongside the Mess Committee.

The General Secretary of the Hostel Council ensures proper maintenance of the hostel premises and coordinates the activities of the other secretaries. The Mess Secretary works in conjunction with the Mess Committee and mess staff for procuring food items, planning the menu and maintaining hygiene in the kitchen and mess hall.There are general rules for all hostels – and in certain cases, rules for specific facilities within the hostel – that all residents have to abide by.

IT is around 12 km from Chennai Central Railway Station. Important Landmarks are landmarks include the Guindy Snake Park near the IIT main gate and the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) campus opposite the IIT campus. If you have luggage, an auto-rickshaw or taxi would it would be the most comfortable option. The fare will be about Rs. 120 for an auto-rickshaw and Rs. 250 for a taxi. If you arrive at Egmore Station, you could take buses to IIT, Gandhi Mandapam or Adyar from where there are number of buses to the IIT. Current auto- rickshaw and taxi fares from Egmore are approximately Rs.100 and Rs.200 respectively.

The Institute operates buses and mini autos connecting the main gate to different parts of the campus, including the Hostel and Academic zones at frequent intervals. Students are encouraged to traverse the vast campus on bicycles or on foot. Use of powered vehicles by students is not permitted.