Previously asked questions

We’ve already answered hundreds of questions submitted by aspirants like you. Read the answers to a few here:

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How big are the hostel rooms? Do we have to share rooms? Do the rooms have attached restrooms?

First year UG students stay in comfortable double occupancy rooms. Restrooms are common and shared by around 8 rooms.

How big are the hostel rooms? Do we have to share rooms? Do the rooms have attached restrooms?

First year UG students stay in comfortable double occupancy rooms. Restrooms are common and shared by around 8 rooms.

Do students in IITM have to stay in the college hostel or can stay at home?

Students have the option of being residential students or day scholars.

What's the city of Chennai like?

Large, beautiful and cosmopolitan! The food, culture and sights are noteworthy, and exploring the city is be a wonderful experience.

Is it difficult to be at IIT Madras if you're not fluent in Tamil?

Not at all. Almost all students speak English. In addition, you'll hear Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and more.

How many people are accommodated in one room of hostel? What are the facilities?

In the fresher's hostel Mandakini, each room is shared by two people.

Is Chennai safe for women students?

Yes, it has the lowest crime rate against women as compared to 19 other metro cities in India. This extends to the IITM campus too.

Will North Indian students face difficulties in adapting to life at IIT Madras?

Not at all. From language to food to culture, life at IITM and Chennai is cosmopolitan & multicultural.

What is the climate of Chennai like?

Hot and humid, like other coastal cities like Mumbai and Panaji (Goa). The IIT-M campus is within a forest - so cooler than outside.

Is it difficult to be at IIT Madras if you're not fluent in Tamil?

No, people from all areas of the country are here. English is the main spoken language.

Are there convenience stores inside campus? Do students need to go out of the institute to buy what they need?

There are many shops to buy groceries, stationery, items of daily use, and even multiple restaurants. IITM is a city within a city!

How far is IITM from the city?

It's in the heart of the city, close to the airport, railway stations and metro stations. It's also well connected by public transport.

What kind of food is served at the mess? Is Jain food available?

There is SO much variety, including North Indian, South Indian, Jain and global cuisines in the many messes, canteens, and restaurants!

Between CS, Electrical, Mechanical - Which branch is always safe for guaranteed placement and longstanding job security?

All of these IIT-M degrees offer great job security. Pick the one you want based on your interests!

What are the placements like at IIT Madras?

The 2021-22 placement season saw 1491 offers from 480+ companies including Microsoft, Qualcomm and Goldman Sachs. Read the full report!

Can students from other colleges attend IITM placements?

No, they cannot.

How is IIT Madras ranked nationally and internationally?

Pick a ranking and you'll find IITM right on top. #1 in NIRF. #1 in the ARIIA rankings. #17 as per the QS BRICS rankings.

What are the UG programs unique to IIT Madras?

This includes Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Design, Naval Architecture, Engineering Physics, Electric Vehicles and Energy Systems.

I've heard that IIT Madras is a centre for EV excellence. Is that true? What does that mean?

It's true! IITM is leading the EV revolution with its EV master's program and the Centre of Battery Engineering and Electric Vehicles.

What are some of the successful startups incubated in IIT Madras?

More than 200 have been incubated here, including 11 unicorns! This includes Ather Energy, DocsApp and Cygni.

What is the IIT Madras Research Park?

It's a hotbed of innovation for IITM and the industry. It has incubated ~200 startups with its infrastructure, faculty and resources.

What is the IITM Centre For Innovation? What does it do? Can students join?

It's India's largest student-run innovation lab. It has many technical clubs under it and hosts many renowned competitions.

Are there any restrictions against going outside campus?

There are no restrictions unless enforced by the administration for health or safety reasons. But you should always carry your ID card!

What are the IITM hostels like?

Comfortable, clean, and full of camaraderie. The hostels at IITM have all the facilities you need.

What is the IIT Madras library like?

Large, comprehensive, and fully stocked with all sorts of resources, including over 2 million books spread over 5 storeys!

What measures does IITM take to safeguard the mental health of its students?

IITM has counsellors and well-being bodies to help students. These include the SAATHI platform, the MITR body and the Wellness Centre.

What are the different festivals organized by IIT Madras?

Our Cultural fest is Saarang and Technical fest is Shaastra, but there are also many many departmental fests in various fields.

What are the different cultural and technical clubs on the campus? How many can we join? What kinds of activities are conducted by them?

So many options! From drama, music, comedy, media, design, to 3D printing, Electronics and Aero... read on for more details.

Is there a curfew?

There may be an evening curfew for freshers for a short while but apart from that there is none.

If I want to play sports on campus, are there any facilities available?

IITM's sporting culture is strong with facilities like swimming pools, weightlifting arenas, athletics stadiums, & even skating rinks.

How to apply for sem-ex at IIT Madras?

Here is a list of all that you need to do to attend a semester exchange program from IITM.

Where can I go to pray within campus?

IITM is a secular space, with temples, Chapels and Islamic Prayer halls all within easy reach of students, faculty and staff.

What are some scenic localities around the campus?

The whole campus is gorgeous but some student favourites are Bonn Avenue, NAC rooftop and the campus lake (in the middle of a forest!)

What is the Open Air Theatre used for?

It's used for Saturday night movie screenings and many pro-shows during our tech and cultural fests for live music performances.

Are there any online courses provided by IITM to other university students for a short period of time with a certification of completion?

Yes, IIT Madras offers short-term courses on NPTEL.

Will there be minor online courses for cyber security like there is for in data management (B Sc)?

Currently, there is a 14 week online course on cybersecurity.

Are there any courses similar to MIT OCW to learn all courses from IITM

Yes! IIT Madras has NPTEL, a platform to upskill students.

Does IIT Madras have B.Tech AI?

No, but there are several related courses.

What does NIRF look at?

NIRF looks at multiple metrics across 5 different categories in learning, research, outcomes, inclusivity & perception

Why should parents care about NIRF rankings and parameters?

NIRF Reports reveal the best institutions based on desired outcomes

What is TLR?

Teaching, Learning and Resources, a criteria under the National Institutional Ranking Framework.

What is Perception?

Perception is a criteria under the National Institutional Ranking Framework.

What is RP?

Research and Professional Practice looks into the quality of the research output from an institute.

What is OI?

Outreach and Inclusivity, under NIRF, looks at the demographic diversity in the institute

What is GO?

Graduation Outcomes , a criteria under NIRF, grades institutions based on the available opprtunities for students after graduation.

What is the online BSc program in Data Science? What are the benefits? What are the job prospects?

IITM offers an online BSc program in Programming and Data Science. It is an unique program that is open to students from all streams.

Will I be able to handle another college along with IIT-M BSc Data Science or will it be difficult? Moreover if I complete BS after 4 years I this can I do MS in IITM in offline?

You should be able to do the IIT-M BSc Data Science program with another college course.

I want to join IITM's BS degree program - please share details on fees, scholarship and placement for the same

The fees depend on the number of courses the student signs up for

I'm currently pursuing BS in Data Science and Application from IITM and I want to know about the opportunities that you get in this field. Does bachelors from IITM give any extra edge to the students? What packages should I expect?

The BS degree program provides students with several opportunities for career advancement.

Previously asked questions

Search or select a category

How is IIT Madras ranked nationally and internationally?

How much is the total fee for a UG course at IIT Madras?

How big are the hostel rooms? Do we have to share rooms? Do the rooms have attached restrooms?

What are the placements like at IIT Madras?

I want to join IITM's BS degree program - please share details on fees, scholarship and placement for the same

Will I be able to handle another college along with IIT-M BSc Data Science or will it be difficult? Moreover if I complete BS after 4 years I this can I do MS in IITM in offline?

Does IIT Madras have B.Tech AI?

I'm currently pursuing BS in Data Science and Application from IITM and I want to know about the opportunities that you get in this field. Does bachelors from IITM give any extra edge to the students? What packages should I expect?

What is GO?

What is the online BSc program in Data Science? What are the benefits? What are the job prospects?

What is OI?

What is Perception?

What is RP?

Distinguished Alumni: Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

Programs Offered: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Programs Offered: Mechanical Engineering

Programs offered: Aerospace Engineering

What is Metallurgical and Materials Engineering?

What is TLR?

Does IIT Madras offer PG Diploma courses?

What is Aerospace Engineering?

Are there any courses similar to MIT OCW to learn all courses from IITM

Programs Offered : Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

What is Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering?

I aspire to be in DRDO in future. But right now I don't think there is any stream in "Defence Technology" in the institute. Is this correct?

Will there be minor online courses for cyber security like there is for in data management (B Sc)?

What's the city of Chennai like?

How to apply for sem-ex at IIT Madras?

Can students from other colleges attend IITM placements?

What measures does IITM take to safeguard the mental health of its students?

Are there any online courses provided by IITM to other university students for a short period of time with a certification of completion?

What are some of the successful startups incubated in IIT Madras?

Are there convenience stores inside campus? Do students need to go out of the institute to buy what they need?

Does IIT Madras have B.Tech AI?

Is it difficult to be at IIT Madras if you're not fluent in Tamil?

What is the IIT Madras library like?

Does IITM offer Biotechnology UG courses? What is the scope for it?

Do IIT Madras students get opportunities for global semester exchanges?

Does IITM offer minor programs and how useful are they?

What research is happening at IIT Madras?

Between CS, Electrical, Mechanical - Which branch is always safe for guaranteed placement and longstanding job security?

Why should parents care about NIRF rankings and parameters?

How many people are accommodated in one room of hostel? What are the facilities?

What does NIRF look at?

Do students in IITM have to stay in the college hostel or can stay at home?

Is branch change facility available in IIT Madras?

What are the IITM hostels like?

I've heard that IIT Madras is a centre for EV excellence. Is that true? What does that mean?

Are there any restrictions against going outside campus?

Is there a curfew?

Do we need to buy our own fan and mattress?

Where can I go to pray within campus?

What is the IITM Centre For Innovation? What does it do? Can students join?

What is the IIT Madras Research Park?

What are some scenic localities around the campus?

If I want to play sports on campus, are there any facilities available?

What is the Open Air Theatre used for?

What are the different festivals organized by IIT Madras?

What are the different cultural and technical clubs on the campus? How many can we join? What kinds of activities are conducted by them?

What kind of food is served at the mess? Is Jain food available?

Does IIT Madras foster entrepreneurs?

How flexible is the curriculum?

How difficult is the IITM curriculum?

What are the IDDD programs offered?

What are the UG programs unique to IIT Madras?

What is the Engineering Design course offered?

What does the Engineering Physics course offer?

What is the Dual Degree upgrade option offered?

How far is IITM from the city?

Are there any scholarships available for students at IIT Madras?

Is it difficult to be at IIT Madras if you're not fluent in Tamil?

Will North Indian students face difficulties in adapting to life at IIT Madras?

What's the city of Chennai like?

What is the climate of Chennai like?

Is Chennai safe for women students?

How big are the hostel rooms? Do we have to share rooms? Do the rooms have attached restrooms?

How is IIT Madras ranked nationally and internationally?

Is branch change facility available in IIT Madras?