About
IIT Madras, established in 1959 with the assistance of the German Government, is widely regarded as one of India's top engineering and technology institutes. It holds the distinction of being recognized as both an Institute of National Importance and an Institute of Eminence. With 16 academic departments and numerous research centers, IIT Madras offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, science, humanities, and management. The campus life at IIT Madras is vibrant, boasting 12 student houses, various clubs, and extracurricular activities.
Sir Ardeshir Dalal, the then Member of Education on the Viceroy’s Executive Council, conceived the idea of establishing an engineering institute of higher education in India. His proposal aimed to establish four institutes of technology in different regions of the country, namely Bombay, Madras, Kharagpur, and Delhi. The first agreement between India and Germany for the establishment of IIT Madras was signed in 1959 in Bonn, West Germany. The German Government agreed to provide technical assistance, equipment, and faculty for the institute. On July 31, 1959, the institute was formally inaugurated by Prof. Humayun Kabir, the then Union Minister for Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs. The first batch of students was admitted in 1959, and the first convocation took place in 1964.
Ranking of IIT Madras
IIT Madras has consistently maintained its position as one of the leading engineering institutes in both India and the world. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2021, IIT Madras secured the top spot among engineering institutes and the second spot among all institutes in India. As per the QS World University Rankings 2022, IIT Madras was ranked 255th globally and 50th in Asia. Additionally, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 placed IIT Madras in the range of 601-800 worldwide and 201-250 in Asia. The remarkable ranking of IIT Madras can be attributed to various factors such as its exceptional academic standards, significant research contributions, highly qualified faculty, diverse student community, strong alumni network, and fruitful collaborations with industries.
The admission process at IIT Madras varies depending on the level and type of program. For undergraduate programs like B.Tech, B.Sc, and Dual Degree, admission is determined by performance in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, which is conducted by the IITs. Candidates who qualify the JEE Advanced must then participate in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counseling process, where they select their preferred institutes and programs. Seat allotment is based on the candidates' rank, category, and preferences.
For postgraduate programs such as M.Tech, M.Sc, M.A, MBA, and M.Des, admission is based on performance in respective entrance exams like GATE, JAM, HSEE, CAT, and CEED. This is followed by an interview or a written test.
For doctoral programs like Ph.D and M.S, admission is determined by performance in a written test and interview conducted by the respective departments. The candidates' academic record and research proposal are also taken into consideration.
IIT Madras provides an extensive selection of courses across different fields of engineering, science, humanities, and management. These courses aim to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, while also fostering a passion for research and innovation. IIT Madras is renowned for its diverse range of popular courses:
- B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, and Biotechnology.
- B.Sc in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech) in Aerospace Engineering, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.
- M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ocean Engineering, and Interdisciplinary Programs.
- M.Sc in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Statistics.
- M.A in Development Studies and English Studies.
- MBA in General Management, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Systems, and Human Resources.
- M.Des in Industrial Design.
- Ph.D and M.S in Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Management.
IIT Madras boasts a dedicated placement cell that facilitates the recruitment process for students by various companies and organizations. This cell arranges campus interviews, pre-placement talks, workshops, and seminars to adequately prepare students for the placement season. Typically, the placement season at IIT Madras commences in December and extends until April. Students have the opportunity to apply for their preferred companies through the placement cell's online portal. Companies then visit the campus to conduct multiple rounds of selection, including written tests, group discussions, and personal interviews. Those students who are selected receive offer letters from the companies. Notable recruiters at IIT Madras include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Flipkart, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Tata Consultancy Services, Reliance Industries, Larsen and Toubro, Hindustan Unilever, and the Indian Space Research Organization. The average salary package offered to IIT Madras students is approximately 16 lakh per annum, with the highest salary package reaching around 1.5 crore per annum.
Online Education Initiatives by IIT Madras
IIT Madras has also been at the forefront of online education in India. The institute has actively participated in numerous online education endeavors, including:
- NPTEL, short for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, is a collaborative effort between the IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to deliver online courses and certification in various fields of engineering, science, and humanities. The coordinating institute for NPTEL is IIT Madras, which oversees the NPTEL website. This website offers an extensive collection of over 2000 courses and more than 25000 hours of video lectures. Additionally, NPTEL conducts online certification exams for learners who successfully complete the courses, granting them certificates and credits. To further support learners, NPTEL has established a network of over 3800 local chapters nationwide. These chapters serve as platforms for learners to engage with mentors and peers, as well as access study materials and laboratories.
- SWAYAM, an acronym for Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds, is an online education platform introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2017. It offers a wide range of online courses from esteemed educational institutions including IITs, IISc, Central Universities, State Universities, National Institutes of Technology, and the All India Council for Technical Education. These courses cater to different educational levels such as school, undergraduate, postgraduate, and lifelong learning. Moreover, the courses are designed in accordance with the National Education Policy and the Choice Based Credit System. Upon completion of the courses, SWAYAM conducts online proctored exams and provides learners with certificates and credits. The management of the SWAYAM portal and the broadcasting of SWAYAM courses on the SWAYAM Prabha, a group of 32 direct-to-home channels, are overseen by IIT Madras.
- Online Degree: IIT Madras offers a unique online degree program in Data Science and Programming, making it the first of its kind in India. This program is a four-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree, with the flexibility to exit earlier with a diploma or a foundation certificate. It is open to individuals who have completed Class 12 or its equivalent, regardless of their age, location, or academic background. The program is specifically designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills for the rapidly growing field of data science, preparing them for both industry and research opportunities. It encompasses a range of online courses, assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams, all accessible through the online degree portal. Additionally, the program boasts a dedicated faculty and support team who provide guidance and mentorship to learners throughout their educational journey.
IIT Madras, renowned for its excellence, innovation, and impact, stands as one of India's premier institutes for engineering and technology. With a rich history, IIT Madras offers a diverse range of courses across multiple disciplines, providing students with a comprehensive and enriching learning experience. The institute boasts a remarkable placement record, attracting esteemed companies and organizations to recruit its students year after year. Moreover, IIT Madras takes pride in its pioneering efforts in online education, spearheading initiatives like NPTEL, SWAYAM, and Online Degree, which aim to democratize and elevate the standard of education in the nation. As a result, IIT Madras has become a coveted destination for aspiring learners driven by passion and the desire to achieve their goals.
