IITM Pravartak invites applications for free 10-week OOBT through Mathematics course; apply by Aug 6

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation has opened registrations for the latest batch of its Out of the Box Thinking (OOBT) through Mathematics course. The initiative aims to nurture creativity, critical thinking, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills among school and college students, educators, working professionals, and lifelong learners.

The OOBT course has been designed and is led by Sadagopan Rajesh, a mathematics educator and the founder and director of the Aryabhatta Institute of Mathematical Sciences. It aims to enhance mathematical thinking.

The last date to apply for the upcoming batch is August 6, 2026, and classes will commence on August 7, 2026. Interested candidates can register and check the eligibility criteria for each level on the official website, iitmpravartak.org.in.

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IITM Pravartak OOBT course details, eligibility

The course is entirely free and offered online, making it accessible to students, parents, and working professionals alike. Through this initiative, IITM Pravartak aims to reach a wide range of learners across India, including college students, researchers, and educators.

The OOBT programme is structured across four progressive levels, with each level spanning 10 weeks and including periodic assignments with guided solutions. It is offered by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a Section 8 company of IIT Madras funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Learners also have the option to appear for an in-person, proctored examination at select centres across India for a nominal fee, based on which they will receive a Grade Certificate issued by IIT Madras Pravartak.

V Kamakoti, director, IIT Madras, said, “The ‘Out of the Box Thinking’ through mathematics is very important in solving real-world problems through an innovative approach. Applying out-of-the-box thinking in mathematics fosters creativity and encourages thinking beyond standard formulae and methods, leading to novel approaches and unique solutions”.

Sadagopan Rajesh, the course instructor, added that the programme is aimed at helping learners build logical reasoning, creativity, and confidence in problem-solving through multiple approaches, emphasising that mathematics is as much about exploring different ways of thinking as it is about finding the right answer.

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Partnering with IITM Pravartak: A guide for schools

IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation is strengthening its collaboration with schools across India by inviting institutions to nominate teachers as institute coordinators for the OOBT programme. To support this outreach, the foundation has partnered with BodhBridge Education. IITM Pravartak also plans to recognise schools and coordinators that actively contribute to expanding the initiative's reach.