If you find beauty in numbers, enjoy solving challenging problems, and are curious about the mathematics behind technology, science, finance, and artificial intelligence, the Department of Mathematics at IIT Madras might be the perfect place for you.
Department of Mathematics at IIT Madras
Established in 1959, the Department of Mathematics has played a foundational role in the academic ecosystem of IIT Madras. The department provides mathematical training to students across B.Tech., Dual Degree, M.Tech., M.Sc., and PhD programmes while also conducting research in several cutting-edge areas of pure and applied mathematics.
Academic Excellence and Research
The department's faculty members actively contribute to research across diverse fields, including:
Algebra and Number Theory
Analysis and Linear Algebra
Geometry and Topology
Differential Equations and Applied Mathematics
Probability and Statistics
Combinatorics and Theoretical Computer Science
Mathematical Physics
Students regularly engage with research through projects, seminars, internships, and collaborations within IIT Madras and with institutions across India and abroad.
The department aims not only to teach mathematical techniques but also to develop rigorous analytical thinking, abstraction skills, and problem-solving abilities that are valuable across disciplines. The areas of research and related information can be found here.
Undergraduate Mathematics Courses
Students at IIT Madras encounter mathematics through a wide variety of courses, including:
Functions of Several Variables
Series and Matrices
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
Probability, Statistics, and Stochastic Processes
Differential Geometry
These courses provide the mathematical foundations that support engineering, science, computing, finance, and research.
Programmes Offered
BS Mathematics (New Undergraduate Programme)
One of the most exciting recent additions to the department is the four-year BS Mathematics programme.
Designed for students who enjoy rigorous mathematical thinking and quantitative problem-solving, the programme combines strong theoretical foundations with computational and interdisciplinary exposure.
The curriculum progressively develops expertise in:
Algebra
Analysis
Combinatorics
Topology
Probability
Numerical Analysis
Differential Equations
Students also have the flexibility to take electives from departments such as Computer Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Physics, Economics, Finance, and Statistics.
The programme places equal emphasis on:
Fundamental mathematical understanding
Quantitative reasoning
Computational methods
Research exposure
Real-world problem solving
Students can pursue internships, undergraduate research projects, and an optional thesis under faculty supervision.
M.Sc. Mathematics
The four-semester M.Sc. programme provides students with advanced mathematical training while allowing specialization in major areas of pure and applied mathematics.
M.Tech. in Industrial Mathematics and Scientific Computing
This two-year programme offers intensive training in computational science, mathematical modelling, scientific computing, and statistics, preparing students to solve industry-oriented quantitative problems.
PhD Programme
The department offers doctoral research opportunities across a broad spectrum of mathematical disciplines. Research scholars work closely with faculty members, complete advanced coursework, and participate in seminars by leading mathematicians from around the world.
Interested in the newly launched BS Mathematics programme? Take a look at this article What's the new BS Mathematics programme at IITM?
Have doubts? Drop a question at AskIITM Community Page!