IIT Madras Software Developer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

IIT Madras invites applications for the position of Software Developer in 2026. The Indian Institute of Technology Madras, one of India's premier technical institutions, is recruiting talented software developers to support its various digital initiatives, research projects, and administrative systems. This is a direct recruitment for contractual/project positions at IIT Madras campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Selected candidates will work on developing and maintaining software applications, web platforms, databases, and IT infrastructure for the institute. This position offers an opportunity to work in an academic research environment with exposure to cutting-edge technology projects. The role is suitable for engineering graduates with programming skills and knowledge of modern software development frameworks.

Typical / Indicative Timeline

Typical / Indicative Vacancy Distribution

Educational Qualification

• Essential: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics and Communication Engineering from a recognized university/institution
• OR MCA (Master of Computer Applications) from a recognized university
• Desirable: M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science/IT or related fields
• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in qualifying degree (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, PHP
• Experience with databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB), web frameworks, and version control systems (Git)

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative Age Criteria

Age Relaxation:

Age calculated as on the closing date of application.

Nationality

• Candidate must be a Citizen of India
• Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees may apply as per Government of India rules

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit the official IIT Madras recruitment portal at https://www.iitm.ac.in or the careers/recruitment section
2. Click on "Software Developer Recruitment 2026" notification link
3. Read the detailed advertisement and eligibility criteria carefully
4. Click on "Apply Online" or "New Registration" button
5. Complete the registration process by providing basic details (name, email, mobile number) and create login credentials
6. Login using registered email/mobile and password
7. Fill the online application form with personal details, educational qualifications, work experience, and other required information
8. Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates, experience certificates, caste certificate if applicable) in prescribed format and size
9. Pay the application fee online through Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI
10. Review the filled application form thoroughly before final submission
11. Submit the application form and take a printout of the submitted application for future reference
12. Note down the application/registration number for tracking purposes

Application Fee Structure:

Typical / Indicative Fee

Selection will be conducted through the following stages:

1. Screening of Applications: Initial screening based on educational qualifications, experience, and eligibility criteria. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for further selection process.

1. Written Test / Technical Test: Computer-based or written test assessing programming knowledge, aptitude, logical reasoning, and technical skills in software development, data structures, algorithms, databases, and web technologies. Duration typically 90-120 minutes.

1. Practical/Coding Test: Hands-on coding assessment where candidates will be required to write programs, debug code, or develop small applications to demonstrate their programming proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

1. Personal Interview/Technical Interview: Face-to-face or virtual interview with a panel of experts assessing technical competence, project experience, knowledge of latest technologies, communication skills, and suitability for the role.

1. Document Verification: Original certificates and documents (educational qualifications, experience letters, caste certificate, age proof, etc.) will be verified. Candidates must produce all original documents along with self-attested copies.

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates may be required to undergo a medical fitness examination to ensure they are physically fit for the position as per institute norms.

Written Test Pattern

Typical / Indicative Exam Pattern

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 to 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer in objective type questions. No negative marking in descriptive/coding questions.

Practical/Coding Test Pattern

Note: Coding test may be conducted on platforms like HackerRank, CodeChef, or custom IIT Madras platform. Languages allowed: C, C++, Java, Python.

Programming Languages

• C programming: pointers, structures, file handling, memory management
• C++: OOP concepts, classes, inheritance, polymorphism, templates, STL
• Java: core Java, collections framework, exception handling, multithreading, JDBC
• Python: data types, functions, modules, file I/O, libraries (NumPy, Pandas)
• Web technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, AJAX, React/Angular basics

Data Structures

• Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues
• Trees: binary trees, BST, AVL trees, heap
• Graphs: representation, traversal (BFS, DFS), shortest path algorithms
• Hashing techniques and hash tables
• Sorting and searching algorithms

Algorithms

• Time and space complexity analysis (Big O notation)
• Divide and conquer, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming
• Recursion and backtracking
• String matching algorithms
• Algorithm design and optimization techniques

Database Management Systems

• Relational database concepts and ER modeling
• SQL queries: SELECT, JOIN, aggregate functions, subqueries
• Normalization (1NF to BCNF)
• Transactions, ACID properties, concurrency control
• Indexing and query optimization
• NoSQL databases basics (MongoDB, Redis)

Operating Systems

• Process management and scheduling algorithms
• Memory management: paging, segmentation, virtual memory
• File systems and directory structures
• Deadlock handling and prevention
• Linux/Unix commands and shell scripting basics

Computer Networks

• OSI and TCP/IP models
• Network protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, TCP, UDP, IP
• IP addressing, subnetting, routing basics
• Network security fundamentals
• Client-server architecture

Software Engineering

• Software development life cycle (SDLC)
• Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Version control systems (Git, GitHub)
• Testing: unit testing, integration testing, test cases
• Design patterns and best coding practices

Web Development

• Front-end: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design
• Back-end: server-side programming (PHP, Node.js, Django)
• RESTful APIs and web services
• Database integration with web applications
• Web security: authentication, authorization, HTTPS

General Aptitude & Reasoning

• Quantitative aptitude: number systems, percentages, ratios, time-work problems
• Logical reasoning: puzzles, pattern recognition, series
• Verbal ability: comprehension, grammar basics
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving

Typical / Indicative Salary Structure for Software Developer at IIT Madras

Additional Benefits: Medical facilities, leave encashment, provident fund (PF), gratuity, professional development opportunities, subsidized canteen facilities, and access to IIT Madras campus amenities. Salary may vary based on experience and whether position is contractual or regular.

Software Developers at IIT Madras can progress to Senior Software Developer, Team Lead, Project Manager, or Technical Architect positions based on performance and experience. The institute provides opportunities for skill enhancement through training programs, workshops, and exposure to research projects. Regular employees may also become eligible for higher administrative and technical positions within the institute's IT department and computer center.

Admit cards for the written test/interview will be released approximately 10-15 days before the examination date on the official IIT Madras recruitment portal. Candidates should login to their application account using registered credentials to download the admit card. The admit card contains important details like exam date, time, venue, reporting time, and instructions. No hard copy will be sent by post; candidates must carry a printed copy along with valid photo ID proof to the examination center.

Results will be declared in multiple stages - written test results, practical test results, and final selection list - on the official IIT Madras website. Shortlisted candidates after each stage will be notified via email and SMS. The final merit list will include roll numbers or application numbers of selected candidates. Individual scorecards may be made available through the candidate login portal. The entire selection process typically takes 2-3 months from application closing date to final result declaration.

Typical / Indicative Cutoff Marks: Cutoff scores vary based on difficulty level, number of applicants, and vacancies. Generally, candidates need to score 50-60% marks in the written test to qualify for the next stage. Category-wise typical cutoffs: General/EWS - 55-65%, OBC - 50-60%, SC/ST - 45-55%. For the practical coding test, successful completion of at least 1-2 problems with 40-50% overall score is usually required. Final selection depends on cumulative performance across all stages including interview.

Typical Exam Centers by Region:

• South: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mysuru, Visakhapatnam
• North: Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Dehradun
• West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal
• East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi, Guwahati
• Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal

Note: IIT Madras being located in Chennai may conduct most tests at its campus or nearby centers in Chennai. Remote/online tests may also be conducted depending on circumstances.