IIT Madras Expands ‘School Connect’ to 10 Certificate Courses
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IIT Madras has significantly enhanced its flagship School Connect outreach initiative by expanding its online certificate offerings from just two to 10 eight-week courses, aiming to engage Class X–XII students across India. The program, led by the Institute’s Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), is designed to bridge the gap between school curricula and higher education, helping students explore diverse fields early in their academic journey.
Building on the earlier successes of ‘Introduction to Data Science and AI’ and ‘Electronic Systems’, the expanded curriculum now includes:
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Architecture & Design
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Fun with Math and Computing
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Math Unplugged: Games & Puzzles
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Ecology
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Engineering Biological Systems
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Law
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Aerospace Fundamentals
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Humanities Unplugged.
The program will run three batches during the 2025–26 academic year—starting in August, with subsequent sessions in October and January—allowing schools to enroll students in up to three courses annually. Registration for the August batch is open, with a deadline of 25 July 2025.
With over 2,300 partner schools and more than 50,000 students already impacted, IIT Madras aims to further democratize access to emerging fields, fostering curiosity and informed career choices. According to Director Prof V Kamakoti, this early exposure to cutting-edge disciplines is crucial for building a future-ready nation.
Each eight-week course combines pre-recorded lectures, weekly live sessions, assignments, and an optional project, all culminating in an official certificate issued by CODE, IIT Madras. By offering hands-on experiences across a broad spectrum of subjects, the program supports students in making well-informed educational and career decisions long before they enter college.
