New for 2026 · Department of Mathematics
BS Mathematics
at IIT Madras
A rigorous four-year programme built for students who love mathematical thinking — combining theoretical depth, computational skills, and broad career pathways in industry, research, and beyond.
→ 4-year BS in Mathematics
→ Optional 5th year: BS-MS dual degree
→ JoSAA + Olympiad admissions
Programme Overview
What is the BS Mathematics programme?
Starting 2026, IIT Madras introduces a four-year BS Mathematics programme designed for students drawn to rigorous mathematical thinking and quantitative problem-solving. Unlike programmes that treat pure and applied mathematics separately, this curriculum builds theoretical depth and computational fluency together — preparing students for careers across AI, finance, research, and engineering.
Five defining keywords: Fundamental · Quantitative · Research-oriented · Computational · Problem-solving. The department has identified Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Numerical Optimisation, Probability, and Statistics as the core pillars of the curriculum.
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Rigorous Foundations
Build deep expertise in Algebra, Analysis, Combinatorics, Topology, and Differential Equations — the mathematical core that powers modern science and technology.
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Computational Mathematics
Apply numerical methods, optimisation, and probability to real-world problems. Learn the mathematics behind AI, data science, and algorithmic systems.
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Research Opportunities
Engage with IITM's research groups in Algebra, Number Theory, Geometry, Topology, Combinatorics, and Probability — with options for internship and thesis projects.
Curriculum
Four years, structured to go deep
The programme builds from foundations to advanced specialisation, with flexibility built in — six free electives, three humanities electives, and the option to earn minors in complementary streams like CS, Data Science, Physics, Economics, or Finance.
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Year 1 — Foundations
Mathematics, One Variable Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and core general courses to build broad scientific grounding.
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Year 2 — Core Mathematics
Introductory courses in Algebra, Analysis, Combinatorics, Topology, and related areas — the theoretical heart of the programme.
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Years 3–4 — Depth & Electives
Advanced electives, one internship semester, and an optional two-semester project or thesis. Free electives let you range into CS, Finance, Statistics, and more.
Industry-focused courses on offer: Cryptography · Computational Mathematics · Quantitative Finance · Financial Engineering · Actuarial Science · Data Analytics · AI-Enabled Manufacturing · Quality Engineering
BS-MS dual degree option: Students who wish to continue after four years can stay on for a fifth year and graduate with a combined BS-MS degree in Mathematics.
After Graduation
Where does a BS in Mathematics take you?
Modern systems are becoming more algorithmic and mathematically intensive. Graduates with strong quantitative foundations are sought across industry, academia, and research.
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Industry
Quantitative finance, data science, cryptography, operations research, optimisation, and AI-enabled technology roles.
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Higher Studies
MS programmes in Mathematics, Mathematics & Computing, Data Science, or Quantitative Finance at top institutions worldwide.
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Research & PhD
PhD programmes in Mathematics and allied fields, at IITs, IISc, and leading global universities. Strong students from IITM's Maths department regularly go on to top research careers.
The Department
One of India's strongest Maths departments
The Department of Mathematics at IIT Madras has 49 faculty members and is ranked among the top 120 Mathematics departments globally (QS World Rankings). With 50 ongoing research projects, 350+ publications in the last five years on MathSciNet, and a Silver-Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society, it punches well above its weight.
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Algebra & Number Theory
Groups, rings, algebraic geometry, and number-theoretic structures — deep theoretical mathematics with connections to cryptography and CS.
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Analysis & Linear Algebra
Real and complex analysis, functional analysis, operator theory — the rigorous backbone of modern mathematics and physics.
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Combinatorics & TCS
Discrete mathematics, graph theory, algorithms, and theoretical computer science — bridging mathematics and computation.
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Differential Equations & Applied Maths
PDEs, ODEs, optimisation, and mathematical modelling of physical and engineering phenomena.
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Geometry & Topology
Differential geometry, algebraic topology, manifolds — abstract structures with applications in physics and data science.
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Probability, Statistics & Stochastic Processes
Rigorous probability theory, statistical inference, and stochastic modelling — essential for finance, AI, and data science.
Admissions
How to get in
Admissions to the BS Mathematics programme take place through two routes. Visit the official programme website for the latest details on seats and the application process.
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JoSAA Counselling
Through JEE Advanced rank, via the regular JoSAA counselling process. This is the first year admissions are happening — no historical cutoff data exists yet.
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Olympiad Admission Mode (OAM)
For students with exceptional performance in Mathematics Olympiads and related competitions.
Apply via OAM ↗