What can I do aside from sitting for placements?

Aside from sitting for placements, students can explore several options after completing their degree at IIT Madras. Some of the most popular options among students are:

1. Higher Studies: IIT graduates have a wealth of options when it comes to continuing their education. Many choose to pursue postgraduate degrees (Master's in Technology, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, etc.) in India or abroad. The reputation of IITs is well-respected by esteemed universities worldwide, often granting graduates access to top programs. For those with a passion for in-depth research and a career in academia, enrolling in a Ph.D. program can be incredibly fulfilling. Ph.D. graduates can further specialise through postdoctoral fellowships, conducting advanced research with funding and support from universities or research organisations around the globe.

2. Government & Public Sector: IIT graduates have a remarkable range of career paths beyond engineering. For those driven by public service, prestigious civil service positions like IAS, IFS, and IPS offer the chance to make a lasting impact on national governance and development. Additionally, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) actively seek IIT engineers and MBAs, recruiting top talent through competitive exams like GATE. These PSUs provide fulfilling careers tackling large-scale projects that contribute to the nation's infrastructure and development.

3. Entrepreneurship: IIT Madras cultivates a prime environment for aspiring student entrepreneurs through a rigorous technical education and a vibrant innovation ecosystem. At the forefront of this ecosystem is the IIT Madras Incubation Cell, a one-stop shop for budding startups. From seed funding to dedicated workspaces, the Incubation Cell provides a comprehensive toolkit to turn ideas into thriving commercial ventures. Network with experienced mentors and tap into a vast alumni network, creating a launchpad for your journey.

4. Social Impact: Putting your engineering or business expertise to work on social challenges can be incredibly rewarding. NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) address critical issues in education, healthcare,, and rural development, and they need skilled professionals to make a difference. Contributing your talents to an NGO can be a meaningful way to connect with your passions and make a positive impact. Fellowship programs like Teach for India, the Gandhi Fellowship, etc. provide excellent pathways to launch a fulfilling career tackling social issues.

Along with these, some students also choose to defer placements by one year in order to gain experience in the professional field, work on specific entrepreneurial projects or start-ups, or even take a gap year.

What else do you want to learn about? Ask on the community!