CHENNAI — Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will host its Institute Open House 2026 from January 2 to 4, 2026 . This three-day event offers public access to the Institute’s research facilities, innovation hubs, and student-developed technology projects. Registration for the Open House closes on December 5, 2025 .
Event Access and Activities
The IIT-M Open House 2026 invites a broad audience, including school and college students, educators, researchers, industry professionals, and the general public. Visitors can explore a wide range of academic and research environments.
Attendees will observe practical demonstrations. They can also interact directly with researchers and faculty. This interaction provides insight into the Institute’s ongoing work in science, engineering, and technology.
Research Facilities Showcase
The event grants access to over 100 advanced laboratories. These facilities include four National Research Centres, 11 Institute Research Centres, and 15 Centres of Excellence. These centres operate across 18 distinct academic departments.
These laboratories conduct pioneering research. They address a variety of scientific and technological challenges. The Open House allows a firsthand look at this cutting-edge work.
Approximately 80 exhibition stalls will showcase research and innovations. Students and faculty will lead live demonstrations. These displays will highlight current projects and technological advancements developed at IIT Madras.
Registration and Expected Attendance
Prospective visitors must register online atshaastra.org/open-house. The deadline for registration is December 5, 2025 .
IIT Madras anticipates high attendance. Over 95,000 individuals are expected to register. The Institute projects around 60,000 visitors will attend the campus over the three days.
“Annaivarakum IITM” Initiative
The Open House is a key component of the “Annaivarakum IITM” initiative. This translates to “IIT Madras for All.” The program aims to broaden access to the Institute’s academic and research environment for all segments of society.
This year’s Open House will be held in conjunction with Shaastra 2026. Shaastra is IIT Madras’s annual technical festival, drawing participants from across the nation.
Review of Previous Edition (2025)
The 2025 Open House saw close to 35,000 visitors. Participants represented a wide geographical and institutional spread. The event was deemed a significant success.
| Metric | 2025 Data | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Visitors | ~35,000 | Individuals exploring the campus. |
| Schools Represented | >550 | Educational institutions across India. |
| Rural Institutions | ~130 | Specific focus on broadening access. |
| Cities of Origin | 250 | Visitors from diverse urban centers nationwide. |
| Volunteer Support | >200 | Ensured smooth logistics and accessibility. |
| Volunteer Contribution | >4,000 man-hours | Dedicated effort in event organization. |
The institute highlighted the broad reach of the previous event. Students from Chennai, other major cities, and rural areas attended. This participation underscored the initiative’s effectiveness in reaching diverse communities.
Director’s Perspective
V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the event’s core mission. “Our Institute Open House is organised with the main aim for ‘anaivarukkum IITM, IIT Madras for all’.”
Kamakoti referenced the positive impact of previous editions. “Close to 1 lakh school and college children visited our campus over the past two years. They were inspired by the innovations happening in our campus laboratories.” He further stated, “In this 2026 edition, we welcome students from all corners of the country, including rural and village schools and colleges.”