Chennai, Sep 07: Indian Institute of Technology Madras has opened applications for the October 2026 cohort of its ‘School Connect’ Program. This initiative exposes school students to various academic disciplines and is intended to guide them make informed choices about their future education and careers.
Courses are offered in English and also in Hindi, to ensure language is never a barrier to learning. Development is already underway to bring these modules to learners in seven more regional languages soon.
This initiative is implemented through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education at IIT Madras. It has been expanded to include Class IX students for the first time, alongside students of Classes X, XI and XII. Early exposure helps students discover diverse career paths ahead of time, giving them the clarity needed to confidently choose their Class XI and XII streams.
The applications for the October 2026 cohort are now open. The deadline to apply is 30th September 2026. The courses will commence on 5th October 2026 and are open to students from Classes IX, X, XI and XII.
Principals and school administrators looking to offer their students early exposure to emerging career pathways can partner with the IIT Madras School Connect Program, through https://code.iitm.ac.in/schoolconnect/
Since its inception, School Connect has partnered with 4,900+ schools, including 60+ outside India, and benefited over 1.75 lakh students. IIT Madras CODE now aims to expand the program’s reach to 25,000 schools across the country in the coming years.
Highlighting the need for such initiatives, Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Chair, Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras, said,
“School Connect was built to give students an opportunity to explore, experience and understand different fields before making important academic choices. We are particularly excited to open the program to Class IX students this year, because earlier exposure gives students more time to discover their interests and make informed decisions. Our ambition now is to take this opportunity to students in 25,000 schools across the country.”
We also invite parents to explore this initiative and help their children discover exciting career paths beyond traditional choices, thereby shaping their future with confidence. These introductory courses will help children studying in Class IX and X decide which group to take; and for those in Class XI and XII, exposure to various fields will help them choose the right degree pathway.
Parents are encouraged to reach out to their school management and request partnering with IIT Madras to bring this opportunity to their students.
Prof. Prathap Haridas, Dean Academics, IIT Madras, said,
“Early exposure can make a meaningful difference in how students understand their interests and possibilities. Through School Connect, we want to help students explore diverse fields, broaden their horizons and make informed choices about their future.”
School Connect offers 17 future-focused disciplines through courses designed and delivered by faculty from IIT Madras and other prominent institutes.
They span areas such as Data Science and AI, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Electronic Systems, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Engineering, Architecture and Design, Product Design, Law, Economics and Finance, Humanities, Ecology, Digital Humanities, Game Technology, Mathematics and Computing, and Engineering Biological Systems.
Students and teachers from top-performing schools will also be invited to the IIT Madras campus for a felicitation ceremony and an interaction with faculty and members of the Institute.
The courses are developed and delivered by faculty from IIT Madras and other leading institutions. Each course is an eight-week online learning experience, combining pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments and computer-based assessments. Students who complete the prescribed requirements receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
STUDENTS SPEAK
One of our students of the ‘Engineering Biological Systems’ course said,
“I especially liked how the program introduced different career options in biology, such as Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, which gave me a better understanding of the opportunities available in this field.”
Another student of the ‘Economics, Finance, and Money Matters’ course added,
“I really enjoyed this course because it introduced me to economics and finance in an interesting and easy-to-understand way.”
Yet another student from the ‘Humanities Unplugged’ course said,
“Thank you to everyone involved for creating a course that didn’t just teach concepts, but genuinely changed the way I look at the world. I came in expecting a certificate. I left with a slightly more curious mind…”
For Class XII students, the program also provides an opportunity to explore IIT Madras’ non-campus BS degree programs while still in school.