One in 3 Firms Visiting IIT-M for Placement This Year is a Startup
Chennai: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is set to witness a significant influx of companies for its campus placement phase starting December 1, 2025. Approximately 320 companies have registered for the first phase of placements, with more than 100 of these being startups. This marks a notable increase of 15% in startup participation compared to the previous year.
Growth in Core Companies
In addition to the rise in startups, there has been an encouraging trend with more core companies and public sector undertakings (PSUs) participating in this year’s placement phase. The director of IIT-M, V Kamakoti, expressed optimism regarding the job opportunities available for students, stating, “We received about 200 job profiles from core companies and more than 100 job profiles for research and development, which is encouraging.”
Student Registration and Job Profiles
Around 2,000 students have registered for placements this year, indicating a robust interest in securing job offers. The variety of job profiles being offered includes roles in software development, finance, consulting, and analytics. This diversification reflects the evolving job market and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in various sectors.
Encouraging Trends in Job Offers
Kamakoti noted that there has been a growth in the number of jobs offered by core companies over the past two years. The institute’s proactive outreach to its alumni and established startups has contributed to this increase in participation. “We are expecting a similar trend like last year in campus placement. There could be 100 more companies visiting during the second phase of placement, which will be held from January to May,” he added.
Placement Success Rate
Last year, IIT-M achieved an impressive placement rate, successfully placing 93% of eligible students. This high success rate underscores the institute’s reputation and the effectiveness of its placement strategies.
Support for Diverse Career Paths
IIT-M is not only focused on traditional placements but is also actively supporting students who are pursuing alternative career paths, such as civil services and entrepreneurship. The institute is aligning elective courses offered by its humanities departments to better suit civil service aspirants. Kamakoti mentioned, “We have created an external advisory board with alumni, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to give a global perspective to students on placements.”
Engagement with Civil Service Aspirants
To further assist students preparing for civil services, IIT-M is inviting civil service officers to give talks and share their experiences. This initiative aims to provide students with insights and guidance as they navigate their career options.
Placement Coordinators for Student Guidance
In a bid to enhance student support, the institute has appointed a placement coordinator in every department. These coordinators are tasked with advising students based on their individual aptitudes and career interests, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the job market.
Conclusion
The upcoming placement season at IIT-M showcases a dynamic shift towards startup participation and a diverse array of job opportunities. With a strong support system in place for students, the institute is poised to continue its legacy of high placement success rates. The focus on alternative career paths and personalized guidance further enhances the prospects for students as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025 and aims to provide an overview of the placement trends at IIT Madras.

