Do students in IITM have to stay in the college hostel or can stay at home?

At IIT Madras, students can choose between being residential students or day scholars. Generally, students seek accommodation in hostels, but, there is an option for students who wish to seek exemption from residence in the hostels.  Here's what you need to know:

Applying for Exemption

Students who want to be day scholars must apply separately each semester. The application should be submitted online in the prescribed format to the Dean of Students. You can find the application format here. 

Exemption Costs

Students who are granted exemption from hostel residency are still expected to pay Hostel Establishment "A" to the Institute. The Hostel Establishment "A" covers patient health insurance and the amount may vary from year to year.

Postgraduate Students

Married students, research scholars, and QIP scholars have the opportunity to avail quarters on the campus instead of staying in the hostels. If you fall into one of these categories, you may have to pay rental/establishment charges to the Institute. 

So, there is no compulsion to staying in a hostel. But, the benefits in doing so are many, such as having more peer interaction and easier access to institute facilities.