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What the School Connect Programme Offers
The School Connect Programme is designed to give school students early exposure to emerging academic fields before they make higher education choices. Courses span Data Science and AI, Electronic Systems, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Engineering, Architecture and Design, Product Design, Law, Economics and Finance, Humanities, Ecology, Digital Humanities, Game Technology, Mathematics and Computing, and Engineering Biological Systems, along with the Fundamentals of Aerospace.
Each course runs for eight weeks and combines pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments, and computer-based assessments. Courses are available in both English and Hindi, and IIT Madras has said development is underway to bring these modules to seven more regional languages.
Registration Dates and Course Timeline
Interested students can register through the IIT Madras CODE portal. The registration window remains open until September 30, 2026, and the new batch of courses is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
| Activity | Date |
| Registration window closes | September 30, 2026 |
| New batch of courses begins | October 5, 2026 |
| Course duration | 8 weeks |
The Programme runs in three batches each academic year, in August, October, and January, allowing schools and students to explore up to three courses annually.
Scale of the Programme So Far
IIT Madras has said the School Connect Programme has already partnered with over 2,300 schools and impacted more than 50,000 students. Students who successfully complete the required course activities receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE, and the courses are developed and delivered by faculty from IIT Madras and other leading institutions.
Why This Initiative Matters
According to IIT Madras, exposure to fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, design, and computing can help students understand how different disciplines connect with higher education and emerging careers. Since the courses are entirely online, students can participate from any location without needing to travel to a physical campus, making the Programme accessible to schools across the country, including those in smaller towns and cities.
Top-performing schools and students in the Programme are also invited to the IIT Madras campus for a felicitation ceremony and an interaction with faculty and institute members.
What This Means for Students in Classes 9 to 12
For students still deciding on their academic direction, the School Connect Programme offers a low-commitment way to sample subjects like data science, aerospace, or law before committing to a specific stream or entrance exam path later on. With the registration window open till September 30, interested students and schools have a few weeks to sign up before the October batch begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which classes are eligible for the IIT Madras School Connect Programme?
The Programme is now open to students in Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12, with Class 9 being included for the first time.
Q2. What is the last date to register for the October 2026 batch?
The registration window remains open until September 30, 2026.
Q3. How long does each School Connect course run?
Each course runs for eight weeks, combining pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, and assessments.
Q4. Do students receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, students who complete the required course activities receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
