The official student media body of IIT Madras
In the midst of all the insti hubbub, we end up finding friendship in the unlikeliest of places. From 5AM awakenings to lab arguments to conversations about life, Shri Prathaa unpacks the highs and lows of insti friendships – and how the people we meet can shape us forever.
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!
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.
The SLC meeting on March 17 witnessed intense debate over the derecognition and restructuring of the I&AR Sphere, culminating in the passage of the motion. The session also saw the approval of a bill to streamline the ratification and de-ratification process for core team members.
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.
“Machesh, you’re as hot as Chennai” Prom happened recently, and you might have been lucky (or unlucky!) enough to have heard this line. If your…
Following the Sports Excellence Admissions, IIT Madras has now become the first IIT to introduce the Fine Arts and Cultural Excellence (FACE) program in the…
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.
The sixth SLC meeting of the academic year and the first meeting of 2025 was conducted on January 21, 2025. The SLC Speaker inaugurated the…
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.
Nestled in the heart of Chennai, our campus is a beautiful sanctuary for nature. It encompasses a wide range of habitats – a dry evergreen…
Key discussions from SLC Meeting 05 included election policies, women’s representation, and proposals addressing P Grades and fee timelines. Stay tuned for updates from the next meeting.
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.
As 2024 winds down to a close, the clock will soon strike midnight, heralding a new era into our lives. At least that’s what we’re…
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, T5E delves into the heart of what makes IIT Madras more than just academics and career milestones: its people.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
On the 23rd of October, IIT Madras hosted the brilliant Yann LeCun, widely regarded as the ‘godfather of AI’ due to his groundbreaking work in machine intelligence. The Fifth Estate brings to you a concise overlook of his talk at IIT Madras, and his hopes for the future.
Following the the third edition of the annual Research Conclave, of the Center for Innovation (CFI), IIT Madras, T5E brings to you behind the scenes insights from various facets of the event.
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.
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.
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.
On 29th September, 2024, the SLC organised a meeting to finalise and put this semester’s budgets to vote. The collision of big ideas and not-so-accommodating wallets can get pretty heated, and this time was no different. Spoiler alert: refreshments are always necessary.
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.
Insti gets more than a thousand job offers annually. In this hectic time of internships and placements, we shed light on the team behind the scenes. The academic affairs sphere manages job recruitments, course structures, and a number of clubs.
Do student bodies’ decisions boggle your brain?
Have you ever wished for them to be easily explained?
In your service, T5E has penned a song
Gets all the details right – not too short, not too long
Read away to your delight
Remember – knowledge is might!
The Department of Medical Sciences and Technology (DMST) at IIT Madras aims to foster collaboration between engineers and medical scientists, bringing together expertise from both…
How is it to be a teaching assistant in insti as an undergraduate student? Too much commitment or free money? Read this article to find…
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.
Disclaimer: This article is a work of satire and is meant for entertainment purposes only. T5E does not endorse any of the statements made in…
Nihar Moghe, a recently graduated Dual Degree student from the Department of Engineering Design, gives us a quick glimpse into his Master’s Project on developing a model to predict anomalies during vitrectomy to aid surgeons.
Taking a step back and relaxing are essential parts of leading a balanced life. T5E brings you a carefully curated list of recommendations that will help you relish your well-deserved break.
Edited by Kavya Swaminathan. Design by Ankita H Murthy.
As the semester commences, many students are contemplating their summer plans and considering the possibility of an international research internship. To help you make an informed decision, T5E interviewed a few seniors who took the plunge and embarked on research internships abroad.
Starting this year, IIT Madras has introduced several significant changes to its academic programs, aiming to provide greater flexibility in course selection, a balanced approach to academics and extracurricular activities, and numerous opportunities to pursue various interests. Here is the gist of all the new initiatives.
The second SLC meeting of the year took place online over two sessions on 22nd June and 29th June 2024. Detailed minutes of the meeting…
Intern season is always a time to watch out for: apart from being a valuable experience, the kind of internship you get might also play…
Discover IIT Madras’ new Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) program, offering supernumerary seats in B.Tech. programs for athletes. This opinion piece discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential impacts on students, examining how the sports quota can enhance both academic and sports culture on campus.
As intern season approaches, T5E is here to navigate you through the battlefield and share the ultimate guide on what not to do to land your dream company!
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.”
Vannam is the institute’s official LGBTQ+ support group. This Pride month, our correspondent spoke to members of the team from across its tenures to find out more about its history. Design by: Ankita H Murthy. Edited by: Kavya Swaminathan.
The Inter-IIT Meets started in 1961, with the hope of strengthening the bonds between the fellow national institutes. The Inter-IIT Sports Meet is the oldest…
In this installation of T5E’s Humans of Insti we meet the faces behind the hands preparing and serving our food every day: the mess workers. From Himalaya to Vindhya, their experiences give us a fascinating glimpse into the rich lives on the other side of the counter.
The Fifth Estate had a stimulating talk with Dr. Anil Kakodkar – nuclear physicist, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission…
We’re not ap(e)ologizing: Mr. Markatam Shanmugam on the allegations against the Macaca Radiata (Bonnet Macaques) in insti.
In recent times, the subject of ratification and the underlying politics surrounding it has become a topic of discussion in insti. While many students may find themselves in the dark about ratification, T5e aims to shed light on its intricacies and impact.
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.
Hello hello and welcome to IIT Madras! If you’re not a trust fund baby and are looking to spend an ungodly amount of money on clubs (which will undoubtedly be reimbursed) and treats, here’s a guide to saving up for the future.
In this installation of T5E’s Humans of Insti, we take a journey right outside T-Gate to delve into the popular haunts. From Jaynith to D-Diet, this article describes one of insti’s favourite locations, and gives the reader a glimpse of the faces behind their food.
The Extra Mural Lectures team of IIT Madras hosted the dynamic Dr. Manu S. Pillai on the 3rd of October for a fireside chat on…
Over the last year, Avishkar has gained a lot of attention both within and beyond insti. T5E sat down with the team to know more about where Avishkar stands today.
Disclaimer: The article contains content that might be triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised.
“There was pink, there was blue, there was red, black and white. There was laughter, there was joy, there was love, friendship and strength.
There was pride.
Disclaimer: The references and anecdotes mentioned in the article are partly based on official confirmations, hearsay and testimonials. Readers are encouraged to proceed with discretion.…
On the Evening of 15th September, The Fifth Estate got the opportunity to meet Dr. Prakash Baba Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte, doctors and social…
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.
Our feline friends aren’t just casual observers; they’re the true mirror of the insti experience, wrapped in fur, and cuteness!
Ever heard of the EMBA program and pondered upon what it was? Look no further than this article! Members from the program have come together to create a comprehensive overview of the program, including excerpts of their talented members and featuring photos of their colourful experiences.
Late morning of 18th August, two members of the Fifth Estate got the chance to meet and interview Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao, former Finance Secretary and ex-Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. T5E presents the interview featuring personal experiences at IIT, career insights and a lot of economics.
Anbu, the Inter-IIT 2023 mascot and deer friend to many, introduces the freshies to the buzzing insti club scene.
Unveiling IIT Madras’ Co-Curricular Tapestry
Interested in governance and public service in the insti or just looking for a power trip? Check out this guide on student governance
Feeling you’re all alone amidst this ocean of people? Feeling overwhelmed by all the clubs and activities in insti? Need someone to talk to and share what you actually feel? Look no further – this comprehensive guide is here to help you with all the required details about insti’s mental health support system
Dazed and confused in a giant campus? Here’s a little help.
From courts to tracks, pitches to pools: A guide to conquering the world of sports at IIT Madras and unleashing that sporting spirit.
Access to campus life, be it opportunities, events or entertainment, always comes at a cost. Is this cost deterring accessibility? Are they justified? This article takes a descriptive account of out-of-pocket expenditure and spending patterns on campus.
On 30th June 2023, several research scholars in IIT Madras assembled on the Himalaya Lawns as part of an ongoing nationwide protest. This article covers the aforementioned protest and details their demands and concerns.
IIT Madras extended its consistent run as the top institute in the nation in the rankings released by NIRF for 2023. With a score of…
Team Abhiyaan recently placed 3rd overall in the 30th Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) in Michigan, USA. T5E sat down with the team to understand their journey and look at how far they’ve come.
The general student body recently witnessed a conflict between SECC and Team Pragati. This article goes over the aforementioned issue and also deals with the concerns that were aired and addressed during T5E’s correspondence with the stakeholders.