The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is a premier engineering and research institution located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1959, IIT Madras was the third IIT in India, following the institutes in Kharagpur (1951) and Bombay (1958). It was founded as part of the first Indo-German agreement, with significant technical and financial assistance from the West German government. Over the years, IIT Madras has grown into a global center of excellence, known for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and innovative academic programs.
Campus & Infrastructure
Spread across 617 acres, IIT Madras is one of the largest campuses among all IITs in India. The campus is unique because it is set within a protected forest area, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the spotted deer and blackbucks. The institute provides an ideal environment for academic learning with modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, hostels, and recreational facilities.
Key Infrastructure Highlights:
Academic Departments & Research Centers: The institute has 16 academic departments, several interdisciplinary research centers, and state-of-the-art laboratories.
Central Library: With over 5 lakh books, research papers, and journals, it is one of the most comprehensive engineering libraries in India.
Hostels & Residential Facilities: The institute has 20+ hostels with modern amenities, offering accommodation to students, faculty, and staff.
Research Park & Incubation Hub: The IIT Madras Research Park is India's first university-based research park, hosting startups, industries, and research-driven companies.
Digital Classrooms & Laboratories: Equipped with advanced simulation software, high-performance computing clusters, and AI-driven learning platforms.
Academics & Programs
IIT Madras offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The institute is particularly known for its engineering, technology, and management courses, as well as its emphasis on interdisciplinary research.
Popular Programs:
Undergraduate (UG) Programs:
B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) – 4 years
BS in Data Science & Applications – Online program
Postgraduate (PG) Programs:
M.Tech (Master of Technology) – 2 years
MBA (Master of Business Administration) – 2 years
M.Sc (Master of Science) – 2 years
M.A in Humanities & Social Sciences – 2 years
Doctoral Programs:
Ph.D. in Engineering, Sciences, and Management
Integrated M.Tech-Ph.D. program
Admissions & Entrance Exams
B.Tech Admissions: Based on JEE Advanced rankings.
M.Tech Admissions: Through the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).
MBA Admissions: Via CAT (Common Admission Test) scores.
M.Sc Admissions: Through IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.).
Rankings & Global Recognition
IIT Madras is consistently ranked as one of the top engineering institutions in India and globally recognized for academic excellence.
National Rankings:
Ranked #1 in Engineering category by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) every year since 2016.
Ranked #1 in Overall Category in NIRF 2023.
International Rankings:
QS World University Rankings: Top 250 universities globally.
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings: Among the top engineering schools in Asia.
ARWU Shanghai Rankings: Recognized for excellence in engineering and technology.
Placements & Industry Collaborations
IIT Madras has a stellar placement record, with graduates securing roles in leading multinational companies, research organizations, and startups.
Placement Statistics (2024):
Highest Package: ₹1.31 Crore per annum (International Offer).
Average Package: ₹20-30 LPA for core engineering branches.
Placement Rate: 85-90% in major disciplines.