The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced a major expansion of its flagship School Connect Programme, opening up ten diverse online certificate courses to students across India. Aimed at Classes X, XI and XII, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between school and higher education through early exposure to emerging fields.
Previously offering two courses—Introduction to Data Science and AI and Introduction to Electronic Systems—the programme now includes eight additional hands-on certificate courses. These will be delivered over a period of eight weeks, complete with assignments and an optional project component to ensure experiential learning.
Offered under the aegis of the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), the programme is designed to help students explore real-world academic disciplines before making crucial decisions about their future studies. The courses will run in three batches during the 2025–26 academic year: August, October and January—enabling students to undertake up to three courses annually.
The new course offerings are:
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Introduction to Data Science and AI
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Introduction to Electronic Systems
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Introduction to Architecture & Design
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Fun with Maths and Computing
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Maths Unplugged: Games & Puzzles
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Introduction to Ecology
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Introduction to Engineering Biological Systems
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Introduction to Law
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The Fundamentals of Aerospace
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Humanities Unplugged
With over 2,300 schools already onboard and more than 50,000 students impacted, IIT Madras is now expanding the initiative nationwide to empower students with critical thinking skills and foundational exposure to higher education disciplines.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, director of IIT Madras, said early exposure to emerging fields can spark curiosity and shape future innovators. By empowering students at a formative stage, the institute aims to invest in a future-ready nation.
Registration for the August 2025 batch is now open, with the deadline set for 25 July 2025. Interested students and schools can enrol via the official CODE platform of IIT Madras.
This expansion marks a significant step in IIT Madras’s continued commitment to inclusive and forward-looking education, equipping the next generation with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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