Established in 1959, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is one of India’s most prestigious public technical and research universities. Identified as an Institute of Eminence, IIT Madras is the third IIT founded by the Government of India and operates as an autonomous institution known globally for its academic excellence, research output, and innovation-driven environment.
Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IIT Madras offers 100+ full-time, part-time, and online programs at the UG, PG, and doctoral levels across Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Management. With 16 academic departments, 4 national research centres, and 10 institute research centres, IIT Madras has developed into one of the country’s top knowledge hubs. Notably, OpenAI has selected IIT Madras for its first Learning Accelerator in India, further strengthening the institute’s global academic footprint.
The institute hosts India’s first university-based Research Park— the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) —which fosters a world-class innovation ecosystem connecting industry, academia, and startups. The IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, funded by the Government of India, is another major research initiative focusing on interdisciplinary cyber-physical systems.
IIT Madras consistently ranks among the top institutions in India and worldwide. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, IIT Madras is ranked 180 globally, while in the QS Asian Rankings, it holds major positions including 70th in Asia and 4th in Southern Asia. In the NIRF Rankings 2025, IIT Madras retains its dominant position with:
1st in Overall
1st in Innovation
1st in Engineering
2nd in Research Institutions
13th in Management
1st in SDG Institutions
IIT Madras is known for introducing India’s first online B.Sc. in Programming and Data Science, and continues to expand its academic offerings with new programs like B.S. Chemistry, M.Tech in Electric Vehicles, B.Tech in Computational Engineering & Mechanics (CEM), and B.Tech in Instrumentation & Biomedical Engineering (iBME).
The institute provides a fully residential campus spread across 617 acres, featuring modern hostels, advanced laboratories, libraries, auditoriums, sports complexes, and lush green surroundings. Students benefit from a vibrant cultural and technical community with major annual fests such as Shaastra and Saarang, along with over a dozen innovation clubs housed under the Centre for Innovation (CFI). Students regularly represent IIT Madras in global competitions and research initiatives.
IIT Madras continues to drive impactful research, including the development of a low-cost chip device capable of detecting antibiotic resistance in under three hours. The institute has also introduced new admission pathways for Olympiad achievers and distinguished candidates in fine arts and sports.
With 591 faculty members, strong industry partnerships, and recent collaborations such as the one with LSU Health New Orleans, IIT Madras remains at the forefront of global technological education and research.
