Discover IIT Madras

Student Governance

IITM embraces a unique space that encourages students to express freely, creating an inclusive environment like no other.

In India, there are very few colleges that offer a supportive environment where students can express their concerns and thoughts. But IIT Madras is distinct from other universities. The respect accorded to student voices, which has been codified in the form of the Students Constitution, is one distinct feature of our institute that distinguishes it from other colleges.

The Student Government at IIT Madras plays a crucial role in representing, supporting, and empowering the entire student body. The mission of the Student Government is to facilitate meaningful interactions among students, faculty, and administration. It operates at three levels: Institute level, Hostel level, and Department level. With a democratic structure, the Student Government constantly works towards enhancing the accessibility of institute structures through responsible and principled representation of students' interests.

Legislative body

The legislative body of IITM comprises the Student Legislative Council (SLC), the Executive Council, and the Student Ethics and Constitution Council.

SLC

Executive

The SLC (Student Legislative Council) is the supreme governing body for students at IIT Madras, functioning under the authority of the Institute Senate. Consisting of around 60 student legislators from diverse hostels and departments, it holds jurisdiction over all student-related matters. Moreover, it offers advisory support to the Institute Senate through the Board of Students.
A Speaker is elected by the Student Legislative Council to preside over meetings and supervise its daily operations. The Speaker acts as a bridge between the Student Legislative Council and the Executive Wing. Additionally, nine secretary members are also appointed to contribute to the efficient functioning of the council.

The Executive Council consists of student representatives who are directly elected by the general student body and is the most visible face of the Institute's Student Governance process. The executive positions are:

The Student General Secretary
The Hostel Affairs Secretary
The Sports Secretary
The Co-curricular Affairs Secretary
The Academic Affairs Secretary
The Research Affairs Secretary
The International and Alumni Affairs Secretary
The Cultural Affairs Secretary (Literary)
The Cultural Affairs Secretary (Arts)
Speaker, Student Legislative Committee

Department Council

Hostel Council

The core pillars of our institute revolve around its departments, which hold a prominent position in shaping the academic journey of students. Essential events like freshmen orientation and placements are overseen and managed by these departments. To assist with these tasks, each department appoints a team of student representatives in various roles, including:

Department Legislators
Research Councillors
Research Legislators

Furthermore, some departments also have their respective associations, where Department Secretaries are appointed or elected to organize engaging Department Fests. These events and student representatives play a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and enriching academic environment within our institute.

In each hostel, there are specific requirements and daily operations that students need to manage. To cater to these needs, student representatives are elected to oversee various aspects of dormitory life. These student delegates, along with the Hostel Warden and Assistant Warden, form the Hostel Council. The Hostel Council comprises individuals who represent the students' interests and concerns.

Hostel General Secretary
Hostel Legislator
Sports Secretary
Social Secretary
Literary Secretary
Technical Affairs Secretary
Health and Hygiene Secretary

Their collective efforts ensure the smooth functioning and well-being of students within the hostel, as they actively work to address and manage various aspects of hostel life.