IIT Madras Launches 10 Online Courses for School Students Under School Connect Program
IIT Madras in a major step toward nurturing future innovators, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has expanded its flagship School Connect Program to include 10 diverse online certificate courses for school students across India. Open to students of Classes 10, 11, and 12, these hands-on short-term courses are designed to provide early exposure to emerging fields, bridge the gap between school and higher education, and equip students with foundational knowledge for their future careers.
Previously, the School Connect Program offered just two courses—Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Electronic Systems. Now, the initiative has grown into a broader, more inclusive academic offering with a total of 10 online courses, each running for eight weeks. Registration for the August 2025 batch is currently underway, with schools invited to enroll their students by July 25, 2025, via the official website: code.iitm.ac.in/schoolconnect.
Empowering Young Minds
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, highlighted the institute’s vision behind the initiative. “At IIT Madras, we believe that early exposure to emerging fields can ignite curiosity and help shape the next generation of thinkers and creators. By introducing students to these areas at a young age, we are investing in a future-ready India,” he said.
The program is spearheaded by the Center for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), which focuses on extending the benefits of IIT Madras’ academic resources beyond the traditional classroom. Through this effort, CODE hopes to encourage school students to explore subjects beyond their regular curriculum and make more informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
Courses Offered in Three Batches
The School Connect Program will be rolled out in three batches each academic year—in August, October, and January—giving students the flexibility to enroll in up to three courses annually. Each course combines theoretical learning with practical assignments and optional projects, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen subjects.
List of Available Courses (August 2025 Batch)
Students enrolling in the August 2025 batch can choose from the following courses:
- Overview of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Overview of Electronic Systems
- Overview of Design and Architecture
- Having Fun with Computing and Math
- Unplugged Math: Puzzles and Games
- Overview of Ecology
- Overview of Biological Systems Engineering
- An Introduction to Law
- Aerospace Fundamentals
- Unplugging Humanities
These topics have been carefully curated to offer a balanced blend of STEM and non-STEM subjects, appealing to students with a variety of interests and aspirations. Whether a student is inclined towards mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or the humanities, there is something for everyone.
Looking Ahead
IIT Madras has also announced plans to further expand the program in the coming months. Additional short-term courses across a wider range of disciplines are expected to be introduced soon, allowing students even more opportunities to explore academic fields they might not typically encounter in school.
“These courses are not just about acquiring certificates,” an official IIT Madras statement reads. “They’re about opening doors to new interests, building foundational skills, and helping students see the possibilities of what they can pursue in the future.”
This initiative is particularly valuable for students in remote or underserved areas who may not have access to such specialized learning resources. With just an internet connection, they can now benefit from IIT-level instruction and content—an opportunity that was once reserved only for a privileged few.
As the deadline approaches, schools are encouraged to act swiftly and register their students to make the most of this opportunity. By taking part in the School Connect Program, students can expand their horizons, engage with expert faculty, and start preparing early for a successful academic and professional journey.
Also Read: DU Offers Special Exams for Students Affected by Operation Sindoor
Also Read: Summer Vacations Extended In Degree Colleges Falling In Winter Zone Till July 5