As of 2023, the Department of Mathematics broadly encompasses eight major domains: Algebra & Number Theory, Analysis & Linear Algebra, Computing, Combinatorics & Theoretical Computer Science, Differential Equations & Applied Mathematics, Geometry & Topology and Probability & Statistics. The Department offers M.Sc in Mathematics, M.Tech in Industrial Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Ph.D and Postdoctoral programmes. Currently, the Department has 42 faculty members, with the publication count (on MathSciNet) over the last five years about 400 (which is, approximately, 80 publications/year). The Department has IoE Research Centre for Operator Algebras, Geometry, Matter and Space time and DST sponsored FIST project to facilitate High Performance Computing and Centre for Data Mathematics. In addition, the Department has various DST-SERB sponsored projects, SPARC projects, MATRICS projects and some Industrial Consultancy projects. A number of faculty members of the Department collaborate with various universities across the globe. Colleagues and collaborators from India and abroad visit the Institute and share their knowledge and expertise via seminars, workshops, thematic lecture series and group discussions. Such visits have evolved into joint-Ph.D programs. The Department has MoU with several prestigious Universities such as ERASMUS, TU-Kaiserslautern, Copelands, RWTH-Aachen and University of Obuda, Hungary to mention a few. The Department has organized many GIAN courses (in collaboration with Foreign Faculty).

To harness the potential of the expertise in pure and applied mathematics and theoretical computer science towards scientific, technological, and societal improvement, thereby making an impact in the sectors of education, research and industry.

To make the Department of Mathematics at IIT Madras as the foremost centre of excellence in emerging areas of Mathematics through research, teaching, training, and manpower development activities. In addition, the Department would strive to create a global reputation through international collaborations, outreach, alumni engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship.

To build and strengthen a strong centre of global repute for advanced research, education, and training so that the Department reaches the top 50 in QS ranking. To improve holistic development of Department personnel at all levels through scientific engagement, manpower development, and administrative support.