IIT Madras School Connect 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has opened applications for the October 2026 cohort of its School Connect programme, which gives school students early exposure to emerging academic and career fields through short online courses. For the first time, the programme — run through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) — will include Class IX students, alongside those in Classes X, XI and XII.
Key Dates and Eligibility
Applications for the October 2026 cohort will remain open until September 30, with courses set to begin on October 5. The programme is open to students from Classes IX to XII, and courses are offered in English and Hindi, with modules also being developed in seven additional regional languages.
Courses on Offer
School Connect spans 17 disciplines, giving students a broad range of fields to explore beyond their regular school curriculum, including:
- Data Science and AI
- 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
Each course runs for eight weeks in a fully online format, combining pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments and computer-based assessments. Students who complete the requirements receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
Why the Programme Now Includes Class IX
Until this cohort, School Connect was open only to Classes X, XI and XII. The expansion to Class IX is aimed at giving students a longer runway to explore different academic fields before they choose their stream for Classes XI and XII — a decision that often shapes their subsequent career path.
For senior students in Classes XI and XII, the programme is positioned differently: it’s meant to help them understand potential degree and career pathways ahead of higher education. Class XII students specifically can also use the programme to explore IIT Madras’ non-campus BS degree programmes while still completing their school education.
Programme Reach So Far
Since its launch, School Connect has partnered with over 4,900 schools, including more than 60 schools outside India, reaching over 1.75 lakh students. IIT Madras CODE has set a target of scaling the programme to 25,000 schools across the country.
As an added incentive, students and teachers from top-performing participating schools will be invited to the IIT Madras campus for a felicitation ceremony and interaction with faculty and institute members.
How to Apply
- Students: Apply through the IIT Madras CODE School Connect portal before September 30. Parents can also approach their child’s school to explore participation.
- Schools: Institutions interested in partnering with the programme can register directly through the School Connect portal.
Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | IIT Madras School Connect |
| Run by | Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) |
| Cohort | October 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Courses begin | October 5, 2026 |
| Eligible classes | IX, X, XI, XII (Class IX added for the first time) |
| Number of disciplines | 17 |
| Course duration | 8 weeks, online |
| Languages | English, Hindi (+7 regional languages in development) |
| Schools partnered so far | 4,900+ (60+ outside India) |
| Students reached | 1.75 lakh+ |
| Target | 25,000 schools |
FAQs
Question: Who can apply for IIT Madras School Connect October 2026?
Answer: Students from Classes IX to XII can apply; this is the first cohort to include Class IX students.
Question: What is the last date to apply?
Answer: Applications close on September 30, 2026, with courses starting October 5.
Question: Do students get a certificate after completing the course?
Answer: Yes, students who meet the course requirements receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
