IIT-Madras is setting ambitious goals to rank among the world's top 50 universities, fueled by comprehensive expansion plans encompassing education, research, and global outreach. A key element of this strategy involves establishing a medical college integrated with its engineering and science departments. This move aims to foster interdisciplinary research and address the absence of medical programs, which IIT-Madras Director V. Kamakoti believes is crucial for attaining a higher global ranking.
IIT-Madras is also focusing on expanding its global footprint through research centers in Dubai, Malaysia, and Germany, as well as a sustainability-focused campus in Puducherry. These initiatives will enhance the institute's international presence and contribute to addressing global challenges. The Puducherry campus will serve as a "living laboratory" for research related to climate, water, and energy. Recognizing the importance of sustainability in global rankings, IIT-Madras has established a School of Sustainability under the School for Interdisciplinary Studies, aligning its projects with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to these expansions, IIT-Madras is taking unconventional steps to support its students, such as formalizing a platform called Pragati to assist students preparing for civil services exams. This initiative aims to guide and support UPSC aspirants on campus, encouraging them to start early with structured preparation and peer interaction.
IIT-Madras has set its sights on being among the top 50 institutes globally in at least five disciplines. The institute has demonstrated strong subject-wise rankings and is implementing strategic plans to enhance global academic and research excellence before 2030. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, IIT Madras jumped 47 positions to rank 180th. IIT Madras aims to achieve a top-50 ranking in at least five disciplines in the upcoming QS rankings. While a specific timeline for achieving this target has not been provided, it is expected to be reached well before 2030.
IIT Madras was ranked 31st globally in petroleum engineering, 66th in mechanical, aeronautical & manufacturing engineering, 84th in electrical & electronic engineering, and 91st in mathematics in the QS 2025 rankings. It also secured positions within the top 100 in mineral & mining engineering, civil & structural engineering, and data science & artificial intelligence. Other areas where IIT Madras ranked high include computer science & information systems, materials sciences, chemistry, physics & astronomy, and chemical engineering.
IIT-Madras has a strategic plan for 2021-2027 (SP 2027), which reiterates the vision to be among the top 50 institutes globally in at least five disciplines. The key pillars to achieve this vision include hybrid pedagogy, multidisciplinary undergraduate options, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, faculty development, internationalization, and a focus on campus environment. The institute aims to build a research endowment corpus of approximately ₹1,000 crores to support cutting-edge research.
IIT Madras Alumni Association (IITMAA), founded in 1964, connects alumni with each other, the institute, and current students. With over 53,000 alumni worldwide, IITMAA supports social and academic projects to contribute to IIT Madras's growth as a world-class institution. The IIT Madras Foundation aims to raise $100 million in endowment to support the institute's mission to be a Global Top 50 institution.
