Chennai: Students from Class 9 onwards can now get an early exposure to the academic and career opportunities offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) through its School Connect Programme.
The initiative has been designed for students from Classes 9 to 12 and introduces them to emerging and interdisciplinary fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Electronic Systems and Chemical Engineering. A notable feature of the latest programme is the inclusion of Class 9 students, giving them an opportunity to explore potential areas of interest at an early stage.
Unlike the regular route to IIT undergraduate programmes, which requires students to qualify through entrance examinations such as JEE Main and JEE Advanced, the School Connect Programme allows school students to learn directly from IIT Madras faculty and experts without being part of a degree programme.
Applications Open Until September 20
Applications for the October 2026 batch are currently open, with students able to apply until September 20, 2026. According to IIT Madras, the programme is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
The institute says the initiative has already connected with more than 4,900 schools and over 1.75 lakh students, with the broader objective of helping schoolchildren understand higher education pathways and future career possibilities.
What is the School Connect Programme?
The IIT Madras School Connect Programme aims to bridge the gap between school education and higher education by giving students an opportunity to explore subjects beyond their regular curriculum.
Through exposure to different academic disciplines, students can identify their interests and strengths and make more informed decisions about their future studies and careers.
17 Future-Oriented Fields on Offer
Students participating in the programme will be introduced to 17 fields that are expected to offer significant academic and career opportunities in the future.
These include:
- 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
- Engineering Biological Systems
The wide range of disciplines allows students to explore options extending beyond conventional science and engineering streams.
Eight-Week Online Programme
The School Connect Programme will run for eight weeks and will be conducted online. Participants will have opportunities to learn from IIT Madras faculty as well as experts from other leading institutions.
The programme will include lectures, live interactive sessions, assignments and assessments. This format is intended to provide students with both conceptual exposure and opportunities to evaluate their understanding.
E-Certificate on Successful Completion
Students who successfully complete the programme will receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras, providing formal recognition of their participation and completion.
Students Should Check School Eligibility Before Applying
Students interested in joining the programme are required to apply through the official IIT Madras School Connect platform. Before submitting an application, students should check whether their school is already a partner institution.
The school name can be checked through the School Connector portal’s list of partner schools. If a school is not listed, students can approach their teacher or principal and request that the institution be registered as a programme partner.
The initiative is expected to give school students an opportunity to explore emerging academic fields well before they begin making decisions about higher education, helping them gain greater clarity about possible study and career pathways.
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