Chennai: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Chennai, on Friday conducted a Student Chapter Orientation Programme for civil engineering students of IIT Madras, aimed at familiarising them with BIS activities and quality standards framework.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Surender Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras. Smt. Anurita Nidhi Hemrom, Scientist-C and Deputy Director, BIS, led the sessions, introducing students to the BIS CARE mobile app, Standards Clubs, Manak Manthan, Capsule Courses, Exposure Visits, Quiz Competitions, Manak Challenge, and Manak Parliament.

Students were briefed on the Standards Watch platform, encouraged to monitor draft standards, and guided on participating in sectional committees, R&D projects, and the Indian National Building Code. The BIS website's features, including the weekly Standards Bulletin, were demonstrated to promote active engagement.

The orientation also covered the National Quiz, internship opportunities, and guidelines for the BIS Student Chapter. The programme concluded with the distribution of Student Chapter badges. A total of 28 students attended, with positive feedback from both mentors and participants.

In the afternoon, BIS organised an exposure visit to its Southern Regional Office Laboratory (SROL), Chennai, where students observed specialised chemical, electrical, microbiological, mechanical, and referral fire assay laboratories. The visit offered first-hand insight into advanced testing procedures critical to ensuring product quality and safety.

BIS officials said the initiative was part of its efforts to build awareness among future engineers on the role of standards in fostering quality infrastructure and consumer protection.