IIT Madras to Host a Three-Day Open House for Students and Public
IIT Madras is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors early next year as it opens its campus for a three-day public event that will showcase its research, laboratories, and student innovations. The event, titled Institute Open House 2026, will take place from January 2 to January 4, 2026.
Event Overview
The Institute Open House is an annual outreach initiative designed to give visitors an in-depth look at the institute’s research and innovation ecosystem. This event is open to a wide audience, including school and college students, teachers, researchers, industry professionals, and anyone with an interest in science and technology.
Registration Details
Registration for the event is currently open and will remain available until December 5, 2025. The institute anticipates a significant turnout, expecting over 95,000 registrants and around 60,000 visitors during the three-day event.
What to Expect
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore:
- More than 100 advanced laboratories across the campus.
- Around 80 exhibition stalls showcasing student and faculty-led research.
- Live demonstrations and ongoing development projects.
The event will feature four National Research Centres, 11 Institute Research Centres, and 15 Centres of Excellence spanning 18 academic departments.
Inclusivity and Outreach
Professor V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the institute’s commitment to inclusivity. He stated, “Our Institute Open House is organised with the main aim for ‘anaivarukkum IITM, IIT Madras for all.’” Over the past two years, nearly 100,000 school and college students have visited the campus, showcasing the success of the institute’s outreach programs.
In the 2026 edition, the institute aims to welcome students from all corners of the country, including those from rural and village schools and colleges. Professor Kamakoti expressed hope that these students would return as IIT Madras students in the future.
Previous Editions
The previous edition of the Open House, held in 2025, saw a remarkable turnout with nearly 35,000 visitors, doubling participation from the prior year. More than 550 schools participated, including around 130 from rural regions. Students came from 250 cities across India, showcasing the extensive reach of this initiative.
The event’s website also received over 20,000 visits, and more than 200 student and staff volunteers contributed over 4,000 man-hours to manage logistics and outreach activities.
Partnerships and Collaborations
This year’s Open House is being held in conjunction with Shaastra 2026, the annual technical festival of IIT Madras. This collaboration aims to demonstrate how research conducted on campus translates into real-world solutions.
Opportunities for Visitors
Professor Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), highlighted the unique opportunity for everyone to visit IIT Madras and experience the innovative research being conducted there. He believes this event will serve as a motivation for the younger generation, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
Additionally, Professor Murugaiyan Amirthalingam, Advisor – Co-curricular, invited aspiring students and their parents to gain a better understanding of IIT education through this Open House. He stated, “We welcome everyone, including aspiring school children, college students, professionals, and technology enthusiasts, to visit our beautiful green campus.”
Conclusion
The Institute Open House 2026 at IIT Madras promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, showcasing the institute’s commitment to education, innovation, and inclusivity. It is an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with cutting-edge research and explore the possibilities of science and technology.
Note: The details provided in this article are based on the latest information available as of November 2025.
