Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has expanded the number of courses being offered through its ‘School Connect’ Program.

While two courses, ‘Data Science and Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Electronic Systems’, were offered earlier, the program now includes 10 online Hands-on Certificate Courses for Class X, XI & XII Students from schools all over the country. These courses will be for a duration of 8 weeks.

Registration has already begun for the August 2025 batch, with the last date being 25th July 2025. Schools can register and enrol their students - code.iitm.ac.in/schoolconnect/

Highlighting the institute’s broader vision for school engagement, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “At IIT Madras, we believe that early exposure to emerging fields can spark curiosity and shape future innovators. By empowering students at a formative stage, we are investing in a future-ready nation.”

The School Connect Program is a flagship outreach initiative by Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) at IIT Madras, aimed at bridging the gap between school education and higher education.

Elaborating further, Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Chair, Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras, said, “We see this as our social responsibility – to empower young minds with early exposure to various disciplines. We are inviting more schools to join us in this mission and help students make informed career choices.”

This initiative empowers school students—especially those in Class X, XI and XII—to explore emerging fields and make well-informed decisions about their future academic and career paths. The courses will also include assignments and an optional project for a hands-on experience.

These programs will be held in three batches this academic year in August, October, and January, allowing schools and students to explore up to three courses annually.

With over 2,300 schools already partnered and more than 50,000 students impacted, the institute is now expanding the program to offer 10 diverse programs designed specifically for Class X, XI, and XII students. Each course gives students a taste of real-world disciplines before they make higher education choices.

The Courses being offered include:

1. Introduction to Data Science and AI

2. Introduction to Electronic Systems

3. Introduction to Architecture & Design

4. Fun with Math and Computing

5. Math Unplugged: Games & Puzzles

6. Introduction to Ecology

7. Introduction to Engineering Biological Systems

8. Introduction to Law

9. The Fundamentals of Aerospace

10. Humanities Unplugged

As India’s No. 1 institute, IIT Madras is committed to helping young minds make informed decisions about their higher education choices. The Institute will be launching more short-term programs across various disciplines in the coming days to introduce students to diverse fields of study. These programs will offer a unique opportunity for students to explore different career paths and gain practical insights into their future academic journeys.