The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has extended a special invitation to the top 200 All-India Rankers of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2025, along with their parents, to visit its iconic Chennai campus. What sets this initiative apart is that IIT Madras is covering the airfare for all invitees, making it the first IIT to launch such a comprehensive outreach program.
The event, which kicked off this week, saw the top 200 JEE Advanced rankers and their parents flown in from across the country. The institute’s gesture is not only a testament to its commitment to academic excellence but also a strategic move to showcase its world-class infrastructure, vibrant student life, and cutting-edge research facilities.
Upon arrival, students and their families were greeted with a traditional South Indian welcome, complete with garlands and cultural performances. The campus tour included visits to state-of-the-art laboratories, innovation centers, hostels, and recreational spaces, giving prospective students a comprehensive glimpse into life at IIT Madras.
With the competition among top IITs intensifying, IIT Madras’s outreach aims to position itself as the preferred destination for India’s most talented engineering aspirants. By inviting not just the students but also their parents, the institute acknowledges the vital role families play in shaping academic choices and supporting young achievers.
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, remarked, “We want to ensure that the brightest minds of India and their families feel at home here and see firsthand the opportunities that await them. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation.”
The meticulously planned itinerary included interactive sessions with current students, faculty, and alumni, as well as workshops on research opportunities, entrepreneurship, and student support services. Parents participated in Q&A sessions addressing academic rigor, safety, and holistic development.
One of the highlights was a showcase of IIT Madras’s pioneering projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and robotics. The visiting students also had the chance to experience the campus’s lush green environment, famed deer population, and the unique blend of tradition and technology that defines IIT Madras.
The initiative has been widely praised by educationists and industry leaders. By removing financial barriers for families and providing an immersive campus experience, IIT Madras is setting a new standard in student engagement and outreach. The event also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the top rankers, many of whom are likely to become future classmates and collaborators.
Many parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the visit helped dispel anxieties about sending their children far from home. “Seeing the campus and meeting the faculty has given us immense confidence in IIT Madras,” said one parent from Delhi.
Students, too, were inspired by the exposure. “It’s amazing to see the facilities and meet like-minded peers. This visit has made me even more determined to join IIT Madras,” shared a top-10 ranker from Maharashtra.
