Every Major IITM BS Rule Change Since 2024, and Who It Affects

Yes, the IITM BS rules have changed many times since 2024. But most of the big changes apply only to students who joined after a set term, and the handbook dates each one. If you joined earlier, many of the strictest rules do not touch you.

Below is every major change we found, mostly from the Data Science (DS) handbook as it reads in September 2026. Electronic Systems (ES) rows are marked. Where the handbook gives only an "Updated on" date, we use that date.

The timeline

Most changes spared students who had already joined

The biggest changes were tied to a joining term:

• Fees. Students who joined up to September 2025 stay on the old fee structure. Only those joining foundation from January 2026 pay the new fees. See the 2026 fee revision.
• Checkpoints. The DS foundation and diploma checkpoints do not apply to students who entered in January 2024 or before. The details are in the foundation checkpoints and the diploma checkpoints.
• The 15-term rule. Only students who joined from May 2026 must finish foundation and diploma within 15 terms. Earlier students need the CGPA rules alone. See degree level entry rules.

Changes that did reach existing students

Some rules apply to everyone, whenever you joined:

• Grade improvement. From January 2026, you can improve a grade only while you are still in that level. It matters most if you planned to improve foundation grades after starting the diploma. Read the grade improvement rules.
• The 9-term foundation limit applies to all students.
• Registration blocks since May 2026 can stop you registering in a term where a checkpoint is already out of reach.
• Medical certificate and POSH training are required of all students.

Not every change made life harder. The diploma got 3 extra terms, CCC at foundation stopped limiting how many courses you take, and diploma students with projects pending now get an Advanced Certificate.

Two changes we cannot fully confirm

• The grading change. The zero weight for graded assignments at foundation comes from the January 2026 grading document, not the handbook. Grading documents are issued each term. See the January 2026 grading change.
• ES checkpoint dates. The ES handbook says its checkpoints cover students admitted from May 2026, and in the next line says they do not cover students who entered in May 2026 or before. Ask support if you joined in May 2026.

How to keep up with changes

1. Read the handbook at the start of every term. It says its policies can change without notice. Most sections carry an "Updated on" date, so look for recent ones.
2. Read every alert. Registration blocks and checkpoint warnings come by email, WhatsApp and system alerts. Warnings about checkpoints start from term 3.
3. Note your joining term. Many rules depend on it. Keep your admission letter and first fee receipt.
4. Ask before you act. If a rule is unclear, raise a support ticket before registration closes.

Common questions

Can a new rule apply to me after I have joined?

Yes. Some rules, like the January 2026 limit on grade improvement and the POSH training, apply to all students. Others, like the checkpoints and the new fees, apply only from a certain joining term.

Why does IIT Madras keep changing the rules?

The handbook gives reasons for some changes. The checkpoints are meant to keep students progressing and finishing on time. CCC became advice so students can catch up after breaks. The income check was added because a significant number of students had not submitted adequate income documents.

Do the new fees apply if I joined before 2026?

No. The revised fees are for students who join the foundation level from January 2026. Students who joined up to September 2025 stay on the old structure.

Where do I find the exact wording of a rule?

In the current student handbook for your programme, linked from the official website. Look for the "Updated on" date next to each section.