AI/ML/Research/LAB FACILITIES/STARTUP/

Academics
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1

I am very passionate about computers and started programming at an early age.

(1) Let’s say if I don’t get CS or other related branches. Then What can IITM offer to me(like LABS, COMPUTING POWER, INCUBATION,…) if I am in other branch. Can I access CS/AI/ML related labs if I am in other branch.

(2) Is it easy to reach professors of CS dept from other branch to get some guidance in AI/ML fields.

(3) Do companies hiring for AI/ML/Data science/Research/SDE/SWE role open to other branch students also? If I satisfy the required knowledge criteria.

(4) HFT firms only hire exclusively CS/MATH students. Can a nonCS student apply for Quant research roles(IF I AM HAVING REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE).

2

Hello,

  1. You could take electives in the CS department and pursue a minor in CS. Yes, all students can access the High-Performance Computing (HPC) facilities, irrespective of their branch.
  2. Yes, IITM professors are always open to speaking to students.
  3. Yes, some companies hire for these roles from other branches too. You can check the Placement report 2022-23 for more information.
  4. Yes, non-CS students can apply for quant roles.

Hope that helps!

1 Like
3

It was very helpful. Thank you.

4

A few more placement related links:

5

Do HFT firms hire for quant researcher or other quant roles from the M.Tech DSAI branch, or can those students sit for placements with quant firms?

6

Do I need to complete electives or is it enough to pick up coding and programming on my own?

7

Yes, students from the M.Tech in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) at IIT Madras are eligible to sit for placements with quant and high-frequency trading (HFT) firms, provided the job listings do not restrict by department. Many top quant firms such as Jane Street, Quadeye, Tower Research, and Optiver visit IITs for roles like Quant Researcher, Quant Developer, and Trading Analyst. While some firms may prefer backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, or electrical engineering, the DSAI curriculum’s strong foundation in statistics, machine learning, and programming makes its students well-suited for these roles. Ultimately, eligibility depends on the specific job description, and performance in coding tests and interviews plays a crucial role in selection.

8

If you’re aiming for quant or HFT roles, completing electives related to probability, statistics, optimization, machine learning, and programming can definitely help, but it’s not mandatory if you’re confident in learning these on your own.

What truly matters is your problem-solving ability, coding skills, and a solid grasp of mathematical thinking. Many successful candidates self-study topics like C++, Python, probability, and numerical methods, and then practice intensively on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Codeforces, and Project Euler.

So, while electives are helpful for structure and GPA, self-driven learning and competitive prep are more crucial for landing a quant job.