IIT Madras Extends School Connect Programme to Include Class 9 Students

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has taken a new step in school education outreach by including Class 9 students in its School Connect Programme for the first time. The programme is open to students from Classes 9 to 12 and is currently accepting applications for the October 2026 cycle.

According to the institute, applications can be filed until September 20, 2026. The course, which will be delivered entirely online, is scheduled to start on October 5, 2026. More than 4,900 schools and over 1.75 lakh students have already joined the initiative since its launch, reflecting its wide reach.

The School Connect Programme is a flagship initiative of IIT Madras's Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE). Its primary objective, as stated by the institute, is to bridge the gap between school education and higher education. Students get an opportunity to explore subjects beyond the traditional curriculum and identify their strengths and career interests early in life.

The programme covers 17 future-focused disciplines. These include Data Science and AI, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Economics and Finance, Law, Design, Humanities and Game Technology. The institute said the curriculum has been developed by faculty members at IIT Madras and other premier educational institutions, ensuring academic rigour.

The learning format consists of an eight-week online experience. It includes recorded lectures, live interactive sessions, assignments and assessments. The structure is designed to give school students a clear understanding of subjects that are often not taught at the school level, along with a taste of higher education pedagogy.

On the social media platform X, IIT Madras wrote: "Explore 17 future-focused disciplines - from Data Science & AI, Aerospace and Cybersecurity to Economics & Finance, Law, Design, Humanities, Game Technology and more." The platform also noted that participants will "Learn from faculty at IIT Madras and leading institutions through an 8-week online learning experience featuring lectures, live sessions, assignments and assessments."

The institute has emphasised the positive response to the School Connect Programme, stating that it is "helping young learners make more informed choices about their future." Successful students will be awarded an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE, providing formal recognition for their participation in the course.

This is the first time that Class 9 students have been eligible for the School Connect Programme. By welcoming them, IIT Madras aims to help younger learners discover their interests and strengths earlier, so they can make more informed choices about their future education and careers.

The programme is conducted fully online, which removes geographical barriers and allows students from any state to enrol. Since the course starts in October, interested students and their parents should act before the deadline of September 20, 2026.

This initiative reflects the growing role of India's premier technical institutions in democratising access to advanced knowledge. IIT Madras has been offering various online courses through CODE, and the School Connect Programme is one of its key outreach efforts targeting school students.