Can IITM BS Students Visit or Use the IIT Madras Campus?

No, not in general. The official FAQ for both Data Science (DS) and Electronic Systems (ES) says IITM BS learners do not get access to IIT Madras campus facilities. The reasons it gives are limited campus facilities and students living all over the country. You do get an ID card in electronic form, with conditions on its use. There are a few clear cases when BS students come to campus: lab courses in ES and Aeronautics, some optional courses and upgrades, the Paradox fest and the convocation.

What the official FAQ says

• Campus facilities: not open to learners in the programme. This line appears in both the DS and ES FAQ.
• ID card: you get an ID card in electronic format, "subject to conditions" on how you use it. The FAQ does not list those conditions.
• Classes: lectures are pre-recorded and online. There are no regular classes on campus.
• Exams: quizzes and end term exams happen in person at exam centres in many cities. An exam centre is not the IIT Madras campus.

The DS handbook adds one warning. If you cannot meet a checkpoint milestone and your registration is blocked, your student ID card is revoked in the same term. See checkpoints and removal for how that happens.

When BS students do come to campus

Lab visits in Electronic Systems

ES lab courses are hybrid. You do experiments at home with a lab kit. Then you must travel to IIT Madras to show your work and finish the lab. The IIT Madras website says ES students visit for lab work for 1 to 2 weeks every semester. The ES handbook gives three usual windows: December to January, May to July and September to October.

From May 2026, the five Foundation labs are grouped so that you visit at most twice during the Foundation level. The ES FAQ is clear that you must arrange your own stay. There is no accommodation inside the campus during lab sessions. Details are in ES campus visits.

Lab visits in Aeronautics and Space Technology

The Aeronautics academics page says you will travel to IIT Madras for some lab courses at the Diploma and Degree levels. Labs are held in person on pre-announced dates. The page also offers a choice at the Degree level: study all Degree courses on campus in person, or continue in a hybrid mode. How often Aeronautics students visit is not published yet.

Taking courses on a campus for credit

This is optional and only for strong students. The DS handbook rules are:

• You must finish the Foundation and both diplomas with a CGPA of 8 or more.
• Courses come from partner institutes such as IIT Madras, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Palakkad, CMI, IIT Ropar and IIIT Hyderabad.
• You attend in person, unless the course has a hybrid option.
• You can earn at most 24 credits this way.
• You pay Rs 2,500 per credit to the programme, plus the host institute's own fee.

The ES handbook has a similar section. See campus courses for credit.

Paradox and the convocation

Paradox is the student-run fest of the BS programmes, held on the IIT Madras campus. The 2024 edition ran from 30 May to 2 June 2024. Read what Paradox is.

The convocation for BS graduates is also held on campus. The June 2025 ceremony took place there on 8 June 2025. See the IITM BS convocation.

After you graduate: the alumni card

Students who finish the BSc or BS register with the IIT Madras Alumni Association and get an alumni card. The handbooks list it as the card you need for entry to the campus, and to apply for library, Gymkhana and swimming pool membership. It is also needed to book the Taramani Guest House. A diploma exit does not give alumni status. More in alumni status and the alumni card.

Common questions

Can I use the IIT Madras library while I am a BS student?

The FAQ says learners do not have access to campus facilities. Library membership appears in the handbooks only as an alumni card benefit. So it is for BSc and BS graduates who hold the card.

Will I get a hostel room during ES lab visits?

No. The ES FAQ says you must make your own arrangements for stay during lab sessions. Budget for travel, food and a room for about 1 to 2 weeks per visit.

Do Data Science students ever have to come to campus?

Not for regular courses. DS exams are at exam centres. The campus trips in DS are optional: campus courses for credit, the MS upgrade, Paradox and the convocation.

Can I visit the campus just to look around?

The FAQ and handbooks do not give BS students a general right to visit. They also do not describe visitor entry rules. Ask the support team before you plan a trip.