IIT Madras opens School Connect applications for Classes 9 to 12

IIT Madras has opened School Connect applications for the October 2026 cohort, extending eligibility to Class 9 students for the first time. The eight-week programme offers 17 disciplines and aims to help students explore academic and career pathways early.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has opened applications for the October 2026 cohort of its School Connect programme, expanding the initiative to include Class 9 students for the first time. The programme, implemented through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), is designed to give school students early exposure to emerging academic disciplines and potential career pathways.

The October 2026 cohort is open to students in Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12. Applications will remain open until September 30, while courses will begin on October 5. According to IIT Madras, the programme is intended to help younger students explore their interests before making important academic decisions, including selecting streams for Classes 11 and 12.

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School Connect offers courses across 17 disciplines, covering areas such as data science and artificial intelligence, aerospace, cyber security, 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.

The courses are delivered online over eight weeks and combine pre-recorded lectures, live interactive sessions, assignments and computer-based assessments. Students who complete the prescribed requirements receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE. The courses are currently available in English and Hindi, with modules in seven additional regional languages under development.

The programme also aims to support students at different stages of school education. For Classes 9 and 10, the courses can provide exposure to fields that may influence future stream choices, while students in Classes 11 and 12 can use the programme to explore possible undergraduate disciplines and career pathways. Class 12 students can additionally explore IIT Madras’ non-campus BS degree programmes.

Since its inception, School Connect has partnered with more than 4,900 schools, including over 60 schools outside India, and reached more than 1.75 lakh students. IIT Madras CODE has set a target of expanding the programme to 25,000 schools across India.

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The institute has also invited schools to partner with the initiative and encourage eligible students to participate. Students can enrol through partnered schools, with the programme positioned as an early career-exploration platform connecting school education with emerging fields and higher education opportunities.