Life at IIT Madras

Festivals

Saarang & Shaastra — two of India's biggest fests

Saarang is IITM's cultural festival — a massive 5-day event that brings top musicians, artists, and performers to campus every January. Shaastra is the technical festival, packed with workshops, competitions, and industry talks.

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Saarang

One of Asia's largest cultural festivals. 5 days of music, dance, theatre, literary events, and pronites with major artists.

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Shaastra

The technical festival — robotics, coding, design challenges, expert lectures, and workshops from leading companies.

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Hostel Culturals

Each hostel competes in Mardi Gras — inter-hostel culturals with music, dance, drama, and fine arts throughout the year.

Sports

One of the strongest Inter-IIT contingents

IITM consistently ranks among the top 3 at the Inter-IIT Sports Meet. The campus has world-class sports infrastructure and a culture that genuinely supports athletes.

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Inter-IIT Dominance

24+ overall podium finishes at the Inter-IIT Sports Meet. Consistently in the top 3 institutes.

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World-Class Facilities

Olympic pool, athletics track, indoor courts, gym, tennis courts — available to all students, not just athletes.

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Hostel Sports Leagues

Inter-hostel tournaments run throughout the year across cricket, football, badminton, and more.

Student Leadership

PoRs — positions that actually matter

Positions of Responsibility (PoRs) at IITM aren't just resume filler. Student general secretaries, hostel secretaries, Saarang and Shaastra coordinators run multi-crore budgets and teams of hundreds.

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Student Senate & Council

Elected student body with real authority over institute-wide decisions, policies, and budget allocation.

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Fest Coordinations

Running Saarang or Shaastra as a core team member is a full-time job during the semester — and one of the most coveted roles.

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Club Leadership

150+ clubs span music, coding, robotics, entrepreneurship, social work, and more. Most are student-run with faculty advisors.

Life at IIT Madras

Saarang & Shaastra — two of India's biggest fests

One of the strongest Inter-IIT contingents

PoRs — positions that actually matter

Watch students talk about life at IITM

Curious about student life?

Life at IIT Madras

Saarang & Shaastra — two of India's biggest fests

One of the strongest Inter-IIT contingents

PoRs — positions that actually matter

Watch students talk about life at IITM

Curious about student life?

Ask IITM anything!