The first year at IIT Madras is designed to give every student — regardless of branch — a common foundation in mathematics, physics, computing, and life skills before they dive into specialised coursework. From the 2024 batch onwards, the curriculum was significantly reformed.
What changed from 2024 onwards?
A few important structural changes apply to all students joining from 2024:
Total credits reduced from 432 to 400 — a deliberate move to ease academic load and give students more time for in-depth learning and extracurricular activities.
Workshops moved into the semester — previously held over the winter and summer breaks, Workshop I and II are now part of Semester 1 and Semester 2 respectively, and students gain two additional weeks of vacation in exchange.
Life Skills courses upgraded to 2 credits each — GN1101 (Life Skills I) and GN1102 (Life Skills II) were previously 0-credit pass/fail courses. From 2024, they carry 2 credits each, while remaining pass/fail. This signals the institute's formal commitment to personal and professional development as part of the degree.
A new Recreation Course (ID1300) added — a 2-credit pass/fail course in each of the first two semesters, introduced to promote a healthy work-life balance. This is entirely new and did not exist before 2024.
GN1001 POSH Training I — a mandatory zero-credit sensitisation course on prevention of sexual harassment, introduced from the 2025 batch onwards.
First Semester
While the exact first-year structure varies by department (more on that below), most B.Tech students share the following compulsory courses in Semester 1:
MA1101 — Functions of Several Variables (10 credits) An introduction to multivariable calculus and vector calculus. Builds the mathematical foundation for almost every engineering course that follows — from fluid mechanics to electrodynamics to machine learning.
PH1010 — Physics I (10 credits) Classical mechanics taught through Newtonian and Lagrangian frameworks. Most students find this a more rigorous and mathematically mature version of JEE Physics. It forms the base for PH1020 in Semester 2.
CY1001 — Chemistry I: Structure, Bonding and Reactivity (10 credits) Covers quantum chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical and inorganic chemistry. While it builds on JEE content, the treatment is considerably deeper, especially in quantum chemistry.
CS1111 — Problem Solving using Computers (12 credits) The programming course for the 2024 batch onwards, replacing the older CS1100. Covers problem-solving fundamentals using C, with lab sessions integrated. Students are typically split into basic and advanced batches based on prior exposure.
WS1301 — Workshop I (3 credits) Hands-on fabrication and manufacturing skills — previously held in the winter break, now part of Semester 1. Students work with tools, materials, and basic machining processes.
GN1101 — Life Skills I (4 credits, Pass/Fail) Covers personal development, communication, and professional readiness through weekly assignments. From 2024 this carries real credits, so attendance and submissions matter more than before.
ID1300 — Recreation Course (2 credits, Pass/Fail) A new addition from 2024. Students choose a recreational or physical activity — sports, yoga, performing arts — and participate through the semester. Graded pass/fail.Life Skills (GN1101): A pass/fail course that focuses on certain essential skills to lead a better life. The course also has fun assignments that need to be submitted every week.
NCC / NSO / NSS / NCA (2 credits) Students choose one of National Cadet Corps, National Sports Organisation, National Service Scheme, or National Cultural Activities. Participation is mandatory in the first year.
Second Semester
MA2101 — Linear Algebra via Matrices (or equivalent) Algebraic mathematics, power series, Fourier and Taylor series, and matrix methods. Directly applicable to signals, circuits, and data science coursework in later years.
PH1020 — Physics II (10 credits) Electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves, and an introduction to quantum physics. Builds directly on PH1010 and MA1101.
PH1030 — Physics Laboratory I (4 credits) A series of approximately 10 lab sessions building on theoretical concepts from PH1010 and PH1020. Develops experimental technique, observation, and academic report writing.
GN1102 — Life Skills II (2 credits, Pass/Fail) Continuation of GN1101 with a focus on interpersonal skills, group dynamics, and professional communication.
ID1300 — Recreation Course (2 credits, Pass/Fail) Continues from Semester 1. Students may continue their chosen activity or switch.
WS1302 — Workshop II (3 credits) Second workshop module, continuing fabrication and hands-on manufacturing skills.
Branch-specific Variations
While the above captures the common structure, the first year is not fully identical across departments.
Some notable differences:
Civil Engineering has its own mathematics course (CV1050 — Vector Calculus and Numerical Methods) in Semester 1 instead of MA1101, and also includes a department-introduction course (CE1010) and a drawing/visualisation course.
Chemical Engineering replaces some common courses with CH1100 (Fundamentals of Thermodynamics) and BT1010 (Life Sciences) in Semester 1, reflecting the discipline's chemistry-heavy foundation.
Biological Engineering and iBME include BT1000 (Introduction to Biological Sciences and Engineering) as a core Semester 1 course, placing biology alongside physics and maths from day one.
AIDA (AI and Data Analytics) has a distinct first-year structure through the Wadhwani School, with mathematics and computing foregrounded more than physics and chemistry.
CEM (Computational Engineering and Mechanics) and iBME are the newest programs (from 2025) and follow the Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering department's curriculum structure.
The broad principle is consistent: all students build a strong science and mathematics base, practice hands-on skills through workshops, and engage with life skills and recreational activities from Day 1.
If you have more questions on courses or the first year, please ask on our community — AskIITM community