Building a Professional Network in an Online Degree Like IITM BS

Yes, you can build a real network in an online degree, but it will not happen on its own. The IITM BS gives you official places to meet people: your house, your region, more than 30 student societies, the Paradox fest, and later the IIT Madras alumni association. The students who get the most from these are the ones who show up, help others and take on small roles.

Where IITM BS students actually meet

The official student life page describes these. None of them are part of your courses or grades.

Societies worth a look

The student life page lists each society by name. A few that help with a career network:

• CodeCrafters Coding Society, Tech Society and the AWS Cloud Club for coding.
• RaSoR, the Ramanujan Society of Research, for research talks and projects.
• JITSIE for entrepreneurship, and Amartya, the finance society.
• Business.io, the business analytics club.
• Women in Tech Society, for mentoring and community.

There are also societies for debate, quizzing, drama, music, sport, travel and more. Friends made there can become professional contacts later.

Paradox

The page says every term ends with a Paradox edition. Paradox in Sāvan and Paradox in Mārgazhi are held online. The annual summer fest is on the IIT Madras campus, with more than 70 events. The page expected over 5,000 students in 2026. It is a good place to meet seniors in person. See Paradox, the BS students' fest.

How to turn contacts into a network (our advice)

1. Be useful first. Answer questions on the course forum, share good notes, or explain a tough week's topic. People remember who helped them.
2. Meet in person when you can. Your region brings students together around exam days. If you travel for an exam, stay for the meetup.
3. Build something together. The student life page lists wins at Smart India Hackathon 2024 and the PanIIT Hackathon 2025, and Google Summer of Code 2025 selections. A shared project builds closer ties than chatting.
4. Take a role. Houses elect secretaries, deputy secretaries and regional coordinators. Societies need organisers. A small role puts you in touch with many people. See houses and societies.
5. Follow up. After an event or project, send a short message. Mention what you did together.

Using LinkedIn the right way

LinkedIn helps you stay in touch with the people you meet. Use it carefully:

• Describe the programme accurately. Write the programme name, your level and "in progress" if you are still studying. Do not call yourself an IIT Madras alumnus before you finish the BSc or BS. See how to list IITM BS on LinkedIn.
• Watch the research rule. The handbook says you may use IIT Madras as your affiliation only for work guided by an IITM faculty member.
• Write a real note when you connect with a senior. One line on why, and one specific question, works better than a blank request.

Staying safe while you connect

• The ES and MG FAQs say there are no official WhatsApp or Telegram groups. Official news comes from the programme itself. Student groups are run by students.
• Never share your portal password or an OTP with anyone.
• Be careful with anyone offering paid "internships" or placement help.
• Every student must complete POSH training. Report harassment through a support ticket.

More in staying safe in IITM BS groups.

After you graduate

When you finish the BSc or BS and exit, you become an alumnus and take the alumni card. The handbook lists what it opens up: alumni discussion groups, the alumni expert series, reunions, global chapter events, a job portal, and a chance to mentor students through CLIC (Career and Life Coaching for Students). You also keep access to the Discourse forum with your alumnus email. Your network does not end at the convocation.

Common questions

How do I contact other students in my course?

Start with the course discussion forum and the live sessions, which are open to everyone in the course. Your house and region are the next step. Do not post your phone number or address in large open groups.

I study alone from a small town. Can I still build a network?

Yes. The regions cover whole states, two Paradox editions are online, and the page mentions virtual leagues and online tournaments. Start with one society and one course forum, and grow from there.

Does any of this count towards my grades?

No. No official source links houses, societies or Paradox to grades or credits. Keep your coursework and checkpoints first.

Is it worth becoming a TA for networking?

A TA works closely with the course instructor and many students, so it builds real contacts. IIT Madras has not published selection criteria. See how to become a TA or intern.