IIT Madras Pravartak opens applications for 10-week OOBT online course; apply by July 31

The IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has opened registrations for its ‘Out Of The Box Thinking’ (OOBT) online course for the 2026 batch. Eligible students can apply for the IIT Madras Pravartak OOBT course on the official website, iitmpravartak.org.in, until July 31.

According to the official statement, the IIT Madras Pravartak OOBT course fee is completely free. The IITM Pravartak OOBT course is conducted fully online.

School students from Class 5 to Class 12, college students, teachers, faculty members, educators, researchers, working professionals, and other interested individuals are eligible to apply for the IITM Pravartak OOBT course. There is no age restriction for applying.

As per the foundation, more than 3,19,536 learners, including school students, college students, graduates, and working professionals, have enrolled in the course since its launch in June 2022.

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“The OOBT programme helps learners go beyond memorising and fixed methods of solving problems. It encourages them to think in creative and different ways. The programme includes puzzles, pattern-based learning, logical exercises, and real-life examples to help learners look at problems from different angles,” the IIT Madras Pravartak statement stated.

IIT Madras OOBT registration 2026

The main features of the IIT Madras OOBT programme are its four-level structure, which lets learners choose a level based on their learning stage. It covers topics like number theory, algebra, geometry, statistics, counting methods, visual maths, calendar maths, and logical puzzles.

• Level 1 is suitable for students aged 10 years and above, typically those studying in Class 5 or higher.
• Level 2 is open to learners aged 12 years and above, generally from Class 7 onwards.
• Level 3 is meant for students aged 14 years and above, usually those in Class 9 or higher.
• Level 4 is designed for learners aged 16 years and above, typically from Class 11 and above.

The four levels are independent, so learners can join any level directly without completing the previous one. This gives flexibility to choose a level based on their ability and comfort.

The OOBT course is fully online and consists of recorded video sessions. Learners in levels 1 and 2 will get about 2 hours of content each week, while levels 3 and 4 will have around 3 hours weekly. Regular assignments, evaluations, and answers will also be provided. The duration of each level is 10 weeks.

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4-level IIT Madras OOBT course

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Madras), Director V Kamakoti said the programme aims to help students think differently and solve problems in a meaningful way. He added that the initiative has been creating a positive impact among learners.

CEO of the foundation, MJ Shankar Raman, said the programme has grown steadily over the past four years. He noted that increasing participation and improved results reflect the vision behind the initiative.

Earlier this year, the foundation held an award ceremony for the 2025 batch at IIT Madras on April 15, where top performers were honoured. The top three rank holders received cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000, and Rs 2,500, along with certificates.