Indian Institute of Technology Madras Best Programs & Majors 2026

Indian Institute of Technology Madras Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

Indian Institute of Technology Madras's strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for — beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

The best and most popular majors at Indian Institute of Technology Madras include Online BS in Data Science and Applications, B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, B.Tech / Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering — below, what each is genuinely known for, its career outcomes, and which international students it suits best.

Best & most popular majors

Online BS in Data Science and Applications

Launched 2020; world's first 4-year online BS of its kind, now 36,000+ enrolled with foundation/diploma/degree exit levels, in-person proctored exams, and income-based fee waivers (up to 75%) — a flagship, globally-notable scaled innovation.

B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering

The most competitive undergraduate branch nationally; cutoff ranks among the lowest in JoSAA counselling, with elite placements in software and quant roles.

B.Tech / Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering

A historically dominant program; alumnus B. Jayant Baliga (IGBT inventor) exemplifies its global research legacy.

Aerospace Engineering

One of India's premier aerospace programs, tightly linked to ISRO, DRDO and national space and defence research.

MS / PhD via the IITM Research Park

Research-degree pathways coupled to India's first university-based research park, enabling industry-embedded thesis work and deep-tech entrepreneurship.

MBA, Department of Management Studies (DoMS)

A focused, tech-adjacent MBA leveraging the engineering brand; NIRF Management rank #13 (2025).

Compare in the same discipline

Computer Science & Engineering in India →Business & Management in India →

Common questions

What are the best and most popular majors at Indian Institute of Technology Madras?

Online BS in Data Science and Applications: Launched 2020; world's first 4-year online BS of its kind, now 36,000+ enrolled with foundation/diploma/degree exit levels, in-person proctored exams, and income-based fee waivers (up to 75%) — a flagship, globally-notable scaled innovation. B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering: The most competitive undergraduate branch nationally; cutoff ranks among the lowest in JoSAA counselling, with elite placements in software and quant roles. B.Tech / Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering: A historically dominant program; alumnus B. Jayant Baliga (IGBT inventor) exemplifies its global research legacy. Aerospace Engineering: One of India's premier aerospace programs, tightly linked to ISRO, DRDO and national space and defence research. MS / PhD via the IITM Research Park: Research-degree pathways coupled to India's first university-based research park, enabling industry-embedded thesis work and deep-tech entrepreneurship.

What kind of student fits Indian Institute of Technology Madras?

Top-percentile Indian STEM students who clear JEE Advanced and want the strongest engineering brand in the country Aspiring deep-tech founders seeking the IITM Research Park's incubation and industry network Working professionals and second-degree learners wanting a credible, affordable online BS in Data Science