Is it mandatory for all IITM students to stay in the hostel?

Hostel
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1

At IIT Madras, students can choose between being hostellers or day scholars. Generally, students seek accommodation in hostels, but there is an option for students who wish to seek exemption from residence in the hostels. Here’s what you need to know:

Day Scholars: Students who want to be day scholars must apply separately each semester. The application should be submitted online in the prescribed format to the Dean of Students. You can find the application format here.

Hostel Exemptions: Students who are granted exemption from hostel residency are still expected to pay Hostel Establishment “A” to the Institute. The Hostel Establishment “A” covers patient health insurance and the amount may vary from year to year.

Postgraduate Students: Married students, research scholars, and QIP (Quality Improvement Program) scholars have the opportunity to avail quarters on campus instead of staying in the hostels. Students from these categories may have to pay rental/establishment charges to the Institute.

So, there is no compulsion to stay in a hostel. However, the benefits of doing so are many:

  • More peer interaction.
  • Easier access to institute facilities - sports, clubs, labs, professors and more.
  • Teaches self-reliance and discipline.
  • Better study environment.
  • Friend circles, birthday parties, binge-watches, gossip, and life discussions.

College years would be incomplete without a hostel life, wouldn’t it?

2

is it possible to switch to hostel after the first semester and is it possible for day scholar students to be admitted into peers hostel rooms during night study or so even when being a day scholar?

3

Yes, it is possible to switch to a hostel after the first semester at IIT Madras, depending on availability and genuine need. You’ll need to submit a request to the Office of Hostel Management (OHM), and it’s usually reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

As for day scholars staying overnight in hostel rooms, it is not officially allowed without prior permission. However, temporary permission may be granted in certain cases (like project work or late-night study sessions) if requested formally through hostel authorities.

It’s best to check directly with your hostel warden or OHM for specific rules and permissions.

Official portal: https://hostel.iitm.ac.in
Wellness support (if needed): https://www.wellnessiitm.com