IITM BS ES Lab Registration Rules (From May 2026)

From May 2026, the IITM BS in Electronic Systems has a set policy for registering foundation labs. You must take the 5 foundation labs in approved groups, so that you come to IIT Madras at most twice during the foundation level. Two labs need an earlier lab first, each lab is tied to a theory course, and you cannot register for just one lab in a term. The handbook section was last updated on 1 July 2026.

What the policy is for

The policy has two aims. It cuts down the number of trips to campus. It also keeps students moving through the labs in a sensible order. The result is a fixed set of lab groups, called tracks.

It covers these 5 foundation labs:

• C Programming Laboratory
• Electronic Systems Thinking and Circuits (ESTC) Lab
• Linux Systems Laboratory
• Electronics Laboratory
• Embedded C Programming Laboratory

Diploma and degree labs are not part of this policy.

Lab prerequisites

Two labs cannot be taken until another lab is passed:

• The Electronics Laboratory needs the ESTC Lab.
• The Embedded C Programming Laboratory needs the C Programming Laboratory.

So the ESTC Lab and the Electronics Lab can never be in the same visit. The same is true for the C lab and the Embedded C lab.

Which theory course each lab needs

A prerequisite must be done before the lab term. A corequisite can be taken in the same term as the lab.

The policy also says there is no lab in Term 1. You study the theory first and register for labs later.

The two allowed tracks

The policy calls these visits "Term 1" and "Term 2". Since there is no lab in your first term, read them as your first and second lab terms. Visit timing and planning are covered in ES campus visits.

The single lab restriction

You cannot register for only one lab in a term. If you do, you will not be allowed to come to campus that term. You get an I (Incomplete) grade for that lab, and you must finish it later along with another lab. Details are in why you cannot register for only one lab.

Where the handbook contradicts itself

Several lines in this part of the handbook do not agree. Check these with support before you register:

• Embedded C course and lab. The policy calls the Embedded C course a prerequisite of its lab. But all three study plans in the same policy show the Embedded C course and the Embedded C lab in the same term.
• Linux course and lab. The pairing list calls the Linux course a corequisite. A note in the same section says you must complete the Linux course before registering for its lab. The study plans show them in the same term.
• ESTC and C labs. The policy calls their theory courses prerequisites. The older course tables in the handbook list them as corequisites.
• Option B. After the tracks, the handbook says students must visit first for the ESTC, C and Linux labs, then for the Electronics and Embedded C labs. That is Option A only.

The term by term plans are in ES study plans. For all course prerequisites, see ES course prerequisites.

Common questions

Does this policy apply if I joined before May 2026?

The handbook says the policy is effective from May 2026. It does not say whether older students follow it or keep the old rules. If you joined earlier and still have foundation labs left, ask support which rules apply to you.

Can I do all 5 foundation labs in one visit?

No. The Electronics Lab needs the ESTC Lab first, and the Embedded C Lab needs the C Programming Lab first. So at least two visits are needed, and neither track allows more than two.

What happens if I pass the theory but miss a lab visit?

The policy does not cover this case. It only covers who may register and which labs go together. Ask support before the term starts if you think you cannot travel.

Why are the tracks called standard and accelerated?

The handbook gives the names but no explanation. Option A puts three labs in the first visit. Option B moves the Linux lab to the second visit, which gives you more time for the Linux course.