IIT Madras opens School Connect applications; includes Class 9 students for first time

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has invited applications for the October 2026 cohort of its School Connect programme. It provides school students with early exposure to emerging academic disciplines and career options. The programme is open to students of Classes 9 to 12. Courses will begin on October 5, and interested candidates can apply online till September 30.

Implemented through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras , the programme will help students explore different fields before making important academic decisions, one of the major of which is the choice of stream after Class 10.

The courses will be offered in English and Hindi for now with the institute working on making the modules available in seven additional regional languages.

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IIT Madras: Courses across 17 disciplines

The School Connect programme offers courses across 17 future-focused disciplines, including Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, 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.

Each course is an eight-week online learning programme comprising pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments and computer-based assessments. Students who complete the prescribed requirements will receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.

Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Chair, Centre for Outreach and Digital Education, IIT Madras, said the programme will enable students to explore different fields before making academic choices.

“School Connect was built to give students an opportunity to explore, experience and understand different fields before making important academic choices,” he said.

He added that the institute was particularly keen to include Class 9 students because early exposure gives them more time to identify their interests and make informed decisions.

The programme has so far partnered with more than 4,900 schools, including over 60 schools outside India, and has benefited more than 1.75 lakh students, according to IIT Madras. The institute now aims to expand the programme to 25,000 schools across the country in the coming years.

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IIT Madras School Connect: Courses for Classes 9 to 12

The institute said the programme is designed to serve different academic stages. For students in Classes 9 and 10, the introductory courses are intended to help them understand different fields before choosing their academic group for Classes 11 and 12.

For students in Classes 11 and 12, exposure to various disciplines is intended to help them understand potential degree pathways.

Class 12 students will also have an opportunity to explore IIT Madras' non-campus BS degree programmes while still in school.

Prof. Prathap Haridas, Dean Academics, IIT Madras, said early exposure could help students better 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,” he said.

IIT Madras has also invited principals and school administrators to partner with the School Connect programme and provide their students with exposure to emerging career pathways. Students and teachers from top-performing schools will also be invited to the IIT Madras campus for a felicitation ceremony and interaction with faculty members and other members of the institute.