Academics at IIT Madras

Departments

18 departments spanning science, engineering & humanities

From Aerospace Engineering to the brand-new Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, IITM covers more ground than most universities in the country. Every department has active research groups, funded labs, and faculty who have actually worked in industry.

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Engineering Disciplines

Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Ocean, and more — each with research labs and industry ties.

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Science & Maths

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology — strong fundamentals with paths into research and industry.

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AI & Data Science

IITM's newest department — the Wadhwani School — offers BTech, MTech, and PhD in AI and Data Science.

Flexibility

40% of your courses are yours to choose

Unlike many IITs, IITM gives students genuine flexibility. Nearly 40% of your credits can be electives from any department. Minors let you formally specialise in a second field, and IDDDs let you pursue two degrees simultaneously.

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Free Electives

Take courses from any department across the institute — chemistry students regularly sit in CS classes.

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Minor Degrees

Complete 5 courses in a secondary field and earn a formal Minor — popular options include CS, Management, and Physics.

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IDDD — Interdisciplinary Dual Degree

A 5-year programme where you pursue two disciplines simultaneously and graduate with two degrees from two departments.

Academics at IIT Madras

18 departments spanning science, engineering & humanities

40% of your courses are yours to choose

Watch students talk about academics

Still have questions about academics?

Academics at IIT Madras

18 departments spanning science, engineering & humanities

40% of your courses are yours to choose

Watch students talk about academics

Still have questions about academics?

Ask IITM anything!