When people talk about IIT Madras, they usually bring up the academics, the research, or even the campus culture. But there’s one thing that quietly makes a huge difference—our alumni network.
And no, it’s not just about LinkedIn requests or batch reunions. At IITM, alumni relations are about real conversations, hands-on guidance, and a genuine will to give back to a place that nurtured you so much. Let’s walk through some of the ways this alumni network comes alive for students, both inside and outside the classroom.
ACR, IAR and ARC, and IITMAA
To keep things running smoothly, IIT Madras has these bodies:
- ACR (Office of Alumni and Corporate Relations): They’re the main team coordinating all alumni programs—think of them as the institutional memory-keepers.
- IITMAA (IIT Madras Alumni Association) is a vibrant global network that connects IITM graduates, fostering lifelong engagement through events, mentorship, and support initiatives. It plays a key role in strengthening ties between alumni and the institute.
- IAR (International and Alumni Relations): A student-run body working closely with the ACR to plan cool events and initiatives.
- ARC (Alumni Relations Cell): A sub-cell under IAR, full of enthusiastic students who connect current batches with alumni.
These bodies ensure there’s always a bridge between the institute’s past and present. And they come up with the following programs, which facilitate alumni-student interactions.
YAARI: Where Mentorship Feels Like Friendship
YAARI (Yours Always Alumni Relations at IIT Madras) is more than just another mentorship program. It’s a buddy system, where students are paired with alumni not just for academic or career advice, but also for those random, late-night “what-am-I-doing-with-my-life” questions.
The vibe? Chill, helpful, and sometimes even life-changing. Many students end up forming long-lasting friendships through this initiative.
Freshie-Alumni Meetups: Breaking the Ice
Imagine being a first-year student, nervous about hostel food, lectures, and everything in between. Now imagine talking to someone who’s already been through it all—and made it.
That’s what Freshie-Alumni Meetups are for. These are gatherings where first-year students are connected with graduates in relaxed, supportive settings. These sessions help new students settle in, hear real stories from alumni, and feel like they truly belong here.
Leadership Lecture Series: Real Talk from Real Achievers
Ever wondered what happens after IITM? The Leadership Lecture Series brings accomplished alumni back to campus to share exactly that.
These talks aren’t just about success stories—they’re about failures, weird career switches, and lessons learned. You’ll hear from founders, artists, researchers, and everything in between. These speakers embody the excellence and purpose that our institution seeks to instil in all its students.
Winter Internships (ARC): A Professional Foundations
Every December, ARC runs a Winter Internship Program. The twist? These internships are offered by IITM alumni.
This means the people guiding you actually get where you’re coming from. Whether it’s startups, research labs, or NGOs, you get hands-on experience and a mentor who speaks “the insti lingo”.
Mentorship, Tailored for You
Beyond YAARI, there’s a structured Alumni Mentorship Program. You fill out a form, mention your interests, and get matched with alumni who’ve walked similar paths.
There’s also STEWARD, an exclusive mentorship initiative for women in STEM, especially PhD scholars. It’s focused on solving real challenges and providing role models where we need them the most.
Placement Season = Alumni to the Rescue
Ask any senior, and they’ll tell you—placement prep is intense. But thanks to alumni, it doesn’t have to be scary.
Many departments formally facilitate support from alumni for reviewing your resume to conducting mock interviews, and giving practical advice and insider tips. Some departments even coordinate formal support from alumni working in relevant industries.
A Community of Giving Back
The alumni network at IIT Madras isn’t just about big names and achievements. It’s about people who’ve been through the grind and are now reaching back to help someone else.
Whether you’re figuring out which course to pick, struggling with placements, or wondering what your degree can lead to, there’s probably an alum who’s been there and is happy to help.
And it doesn’t stop at mentorship or talks—many alumni also give back through generous contributions. These funds have helped build hostels, research facilities, and even student amenities across campus. Whether it’s supporting a new lab or renovating an old mess, alumni donations continue to shape the spaces that future IITM students will call home.
That’s the real strength of IITM alumni relations. Not just connections. Community.