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SemExperiences: A Venture into the World of Sem-Ex

In the hustle and bustle of insti life, it’s easy to forget that there is a whole world out there, waiting to be explored. Embarking on a sem-ex is more than just an academic detour – it’s the chance to immerse yourself into a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and friendships that last a lifetime. Not sure if it’s worth it? Join T5E as we speak to students who have personally taken the plunge, and hear what they have to say about their journeys!

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Report – SLC 08

The eighth SLC meeting of the academic year, held on March 10, 2025, was packed with critical discussions ranging from the contentious derecognition of the I&AR sphere to an impeachment motion and major rulebook amendments. Tensions ran high as legislators debated the future of student governance, but with time running out, several key issues remained unresolved and were pushed to the next meeting, held on March 17. Read the article for a complete breakdown of the key debates.

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Report – SLC 07: Budget Discussion

The budget discussion for the January-May 2025 semester was marked by heated debates. Concerns over a ₹23 lakh deficit from the previous semester set the stage for a tense session, with multiple spheres exceeding their allocated budgets. Overspending, particularly on travel expenses and event funding, and financial mismanagement sparked some of the most intense arguments. Due to low attendance and the lack of quorum, the voting process for the individual spheres’ budgets was postponed.

Disclaimer: The voting process is ongoing. The article includes the results that are out, and is being updated as the remaining results are released.

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The Pea Grade Tragedy – To Pea or Not to Pea

The dreaded W grade is gone, but its kinder (?) cousin, the P grade, is here to shake things up. With biometric attendance and strict cutoffs, students scramble to stay above 75%. In this article, T5E takes you through the comical saga of how a tiny Pea turned into a giant serving of chaos, confusion, and creative attendance calculations.

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Governance & A Samosa: The SLC Parliament Trip

The SLC Parliament Trip 2024 was conducted from 7th to 12th December, with an itinerary packed with dignitary interactions, panel discussions with think tanks and various organisations, and visits to iconic monuments in Delhi. The delegation of 40+ students comprised of legislators, GSB members, members of the Public Policy club and more. T5E brings you exclusive coverage of the trip, including interactions with Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon. Minister of Industry, and Shri Rahul Gandhi, Hon. Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha.

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Exit Survey 2024: Lifestyle and Mental Health

Last semester, T5E conducted its annual Exit Survey — capturing the journey of the graduating batch to understand how life at IIT Madras was for those crossing the finish line. In this section, the fourth of 5 articles, we turn to lifestyle and mental health, exploring the often-hidden side of campus life. We asked the graduating students about their sleep and dietary routines, their experiences managing stress, and their thoughts on the mental health resources available at IIT Madras. From satisfaction with support services to how students balanced rest, diet, and academics, this section sheds light on the daily routines and mental health journeys of our seniors.

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Exit Survey 2024 – Career and Decision Making

Last semester, T5E conducted its annual Exit Survey — capturing the journey of the graduating batch to understand how life at IIT Madras was for those crossing the finish line. In this section, the third of 5 articles, T5E explores the pivotal choices and career decisions made by the newest graduates of IIT Madras. Through their responses, the graduating class offers a glimpse into their aspirations, challenges, and the factors influencing their career paths.

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Exit Survey 2024: Academics

Last semester, T5E conducted its annual Exit Survey — capturing the journey of the graduating batch to understand how life at IIT Madras was for those crossing the finish line. From study routines and course choices to their thoughts on workload and grading, this article, the second of 5 parts, is a dive into the academic habits and patterns of the graduating batch.

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Exit Survey 2024: Extracurriculars

Last semester, T5E conducted its annual Exit Survey — capturing the journey of the graduating batch to understand how life at IIT Madras was for those crossing the finish line. In the first of 5 parts, we dive into the world beyond academics — the extracurriculars and Positions of Responsibility (PoRs) that define the ‘insti experience’.

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On the First Pan IIT Student Governance Summit

On the 26th of October, IIT Madras hosted the first ever Pan-IIT Student Governance Summit hosted by the Student Legislative Council. The Summit spanned over 2 days, with panels conducted on a diverse array of student-centric topics including research, academics, mental health and more. T5E brings you exclusive insights from on-ground interviews, and round-table briefings with the delegates.

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What’s Your Insti Fashion Persona?

In an undercover exploration of IITM’s fashion scene, correspondent Abhinav R reveals distinct student styles that reflect campus life, from the utilitarian RG Look to the effort-sparing Professional Squatter. Each persona, from Gym Bros to Fashionistas, showcases the unique survival strategies and quirks of student culture and participate in a BuzzFeed quiz to discover your own Insti Fashion Persona.

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Report – IIT Madras at the Inter-IIT Aquatics Meet 2024

At the Inter-IIT Aquatics Meet 2024, held in IIT Indore, the IIT Madras women’s team earned the second position and the men’s team the fifth, alongside a third place in men’s waterpolo. This report delves into the team’s performance, challenges, and their plans to build on this season’s experiences.

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Insti at Night

When the campus sleeps, some of us come alive. In this article, Shailesh writes about the life that unfolds on campus after dark. From the chaos of PoR meetings to the comforting buzz of midnight eateries, insti’s population does its best to navigate the fine line between sleep and productivity…until the first light of dawn signals the end of another sleepless adventure.

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Gunning for Gold – How the Tech Guilds are preparing for Inter-IIT

Despite being a pillar of IIT life alongside culturals and sports, our achievements in the Inter-Tech Meet often fly under the radar. Why hasn’t our reputation been reflected in our Inter IIT Tech achievements? With major changes in the tech sphere this year, IITM is set for a resurgence. T5E brings you exclusive insights from Tech Contingent Leads Sreejaa and Chahel.

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Interview with Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia

On 5th September, 2024, the Extra Mural Lectures (EML) team hosted Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia, renowned bansuri exponent, for a lecture-demonstration. Known for his expertise in Hindustani classical music and his innovative collaborations across genres, Pt. Chaurasia is a Grammy award winner and a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan. The Fifth Estate had the opportunity to interview him before his talk.

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Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI – Interview with Prof. Balaraman Ravindran

The newly established Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras, led by Professor B. Ravindran, aims to address interdisciplinary data-driven challenges and advance the AI field. It offers specialized B.Tech courses and minors, prioritizes applied AI, and provides ample research opportunities. Future upgrades include more computing resources and new research centers.

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Where is Physics Girl?

In today’s digital world, platforms like YouTube play a key role in breaking boundaries and spreading knowledge globally. In this article, Haricharan writes about Dianna Cowern, host of the popular YouTube channel Physics Girl, and her debilitating illness. “It would be an understatement to say that Dianna and other science content creators are the reason for my degree in physics.”

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Harassment and Invasion: The story of Moral Policing

Those who engage in moral policing are generally motivated by delusions of enacting some noble purpose, soldiering tirelessly for the well-being of society. Instead, moral policing should be seen for what it is, that is, an infringement of individual rights, freedom, and privacy, and harassment. The ethical codes of a few shouldn’t be forced on the many. Those who partake in moral policing need to understand that culture evolves, and traditions change, instead of stubbornly clinging to the last vestiges of archaic beliefs and morals that lend them power and authority.

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Wellness beyond the Physicality: Admin’s response to the mental health crisis

Especially after the pandemic, mental health challenges among students have reached an unprecedented rate, and often students find it difficult to socialise with others. And the stigma around viewing mental health crises as not a real problem made the situation worse.

Of Materials and Mindsets

In a world where universities around the globe are strategizing to offset the colossal carbon footprints left by corporations and fossil fuel dependence, we have our own personal responsibilities to contribute to the cause. At IIT Madras, our role lies in what we create—a culture rooted in sustainability, shaped by diverse courses that empower students to transform ideas into impactful projects. The course on the Life of Ubiquitous Materials offered an avenue for students to learn, as well as get involved in sustainability on campus. Read the article by Rosana here.