The Central Library of IIT Madras is decked with most course books one can look for. The unavailable books can be easily procured in the form of PDFs. There are some courses, especially in the first semester that are common in all the departments. For someone who is opting for Metallurgy, the following books will prove to be highly knowledgeable

The college will provide you reference for the Physics Lab. however, going through these books is not necessary as paying attention in classes and studying the teacher's notes is more than enough.

IIT Madras does not offer B.Tech ECE. Instead, it offers B.Tech in Electrical Engineering. The Electrical Engineering department is one of the oldest at IITM. 

1. Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras: Students in the Electrical Engineering department of IITM secure an admission to top universities like Stanford, UCB, Harvard, Georgia Tech, and The University of Michigan. The highest package offered to Electrical Engineering students of IITM during 2023 placements was INR 68.5 LPA, and the median package is INR 35.89 LPA. 
2. B.Tech ECE at IIIT H: ECE at IIIT Hyderabad revolves around signal processing. It also includes applied areas such as computer vision and speech, communications, VLSI/embedded systems, robotics, IoT, etc. The highest package offered to B.Tech ECE students of IIIT H was INR 45 LPA during the 2023 placements. The average package for the same year was INR 27.24 LPA for B.Tech ECE.

Both these institutions are highly reputed in the field of engineering, and they offer equally good academics and placements. But I would recommend you opt for Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras since it has a bigger brand name and a richer legacy. Moreover, Electrical students at IITM receive even better packages as compared to ECE students at IIIT Hyderabad. 

As a student of IIT Madras, you will have to travel to the Main Gate, Velachery gate, and your classes in the Class Room Complex located at a distance of 4,2, and 1 km respectively from your hostel. Some common ways of commuting inside the campus are

• Walking: Some health freaks may prefer walking to and fro from the hostel to the CRC which is in reality a difficult task considering the hot climate.
• Shuttle service: These buses are helpful if you need to get to the main gate or the Velachery gate in time or if your department is Engineering design or Naval Architecture and you don't have a cycle. These are known for their exceptionally high speed.
• Bicycles: This is the most preferred means of transport inside the campus and is considered a blessing when you look at the long waiting lines for buses. The problem arises when it's time to repair these bicycles but is the IITians we are talking about here, who have a solution to every problem. Some enthusiastic students launched an app called CAVAL. Under this app, one needs to register on the app or the website and input their location or the location where their cycle is and a mechanic will come and he will repair their cycle.
• Olas and Cabs: These are rarely seen inside the campus and are very expensive.

The most preferred means of transport for someone not owning a bicycle is the bus.

If you are preparing for the written test and interview for MS(R) in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, here are some tips that can help you:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Before starting your preparation, make sure to understand the syllabus of the written test. The syllabus typically covers topics from mechanical engineering such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, manufacturing, and design.
2. Brush up on Fundamentals: Since the written test is likely to cover the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, it is essential to brush up on the basic concepts and principles of the field.
3. Practice Previous Years' Papers: Practicing previous years' papers can give you an idea of the types of questions that are asked in the test and help you gauge your level of preparation.
4. Use Standard Textbooks: Refer to standard textbooks in mechanical engineering to get a deeper understanding of the concepts and solve problems.
5. Prepare for the Interview: In addition to the written test, there will also be an interview for the selection process. Prepare for the interview by revising your basics, practicing technical questions, and being up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
6. Showcase your Projects and Research: The interview panel may ask you about your past projects and research work. Make sure to prepare a summary of your work and be ready to explain your contributions.
7. Be Confident and Calm: Finally, it is essential to be confident and calm during the written test and interview. Keep a positive attitude, stay focused, and answer questions to the best of your abilities.

Preparing for the written test and interview requires a thorough understanding of the syllabus, brushing up on fundamentals, practicing previous years' papers, using standard textbooks, preparing for the interview, showcasing your projects and research, and being confident and calm.

The interview process for admission into the MS Electrical Engineering program at IIT Madras usually involves a panel of faculty members and experts in the field. The interview is typically conducted to assess your understanding of the subject, research potential, communication skills, and motivation for pursuing a higher degree in the field.

The questions asked during the interview vary based on the candidate's academic background and research interests. However, some of the general questions that are asked during an interview for admission into the MS Electrical Engineering program at IIT Madras include:

• What are your research interests in the field of Electrical Engineering?
• How have you prepared for this interview and the program?
• What motivated you to pursue a higher degree in Electrical Engineering?
• What specific skills or knowledge do you bring to the program?
• Can you describe a research project or coursework that you completed during your undergraduate studies?
• Can you explain a challenging problem you faced and how you solved it?
• How do you plan to use your degree after graduation?
• What do you hope to achieve through your research?

It is important to note that these are just some general questions that may be asked during an interview. You should be prepared to answer questions related to your academic background, research interests, and professional goals. It is recommended to thoroughly review your application materials, research interests, and past experiences to prepare for the interview process.