It's OursIIT Madras School Connect Program 2026: Eligibility, Courses, Fee, Registration, Certificate and Important Dates
IIT Madras School Connect Program 2026: Students studying in Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12 can explore future-focused subjects through the IIT Madras School Connect Program. The initiative, offered through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), II...
IIT Madras School Connect Program 2026: Students studying in Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12 can explore future-focused subjects through the IIT Madras School Connect Program. The initiative, offered through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras, provides online certificate courses designed to introduce school students to emerging academic and career fields.
The programme offers 8-week online certification courses, with classes delivered through pre-recorded lectures, weekly live sessions, assignments and assessments. Students who successfully complete the course requirements receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
For the October 2026 cohort, registration is scheduled to close on September 30, 2026, while courses are scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
IIT Madras School Connect Program 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | IIT Madras School Connect Program |
| Conducting Institution | IIT Madras – Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) |
| Eligible Classes | Classes IX, X, XI and XII |
| Mode | 100% Online |
| Course Duration | 8 Weeks |
| Student Course Fee | ₹500 per course |
| School Partnership Fee | ₹0 |
| Learning Format | Pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments and assessments |
| Certificate | Official E-Certificate from IIT Madras CODE |
| October 2026 Registration Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Classes Begin | October 5, 2026 |
| Course Completion | November 27, 2026 |
| Final Examination | December 13, 2026 |
What is the IIT Madras School Connect Program?
The IIT Madras School Connect Program is an outreach initiative of the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras. It is intended to help school students explore emerging disciplines and understand potential career areas at an early stage.
Students from partnered schools can participate in online certificate courses developed with academic expertise from IIT Madras and other premier institutions.
The programme is particularly useful for students who want to gain exposure to areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Electronic Systems, Cybersecurity, Aerospace, Law, Forensic Sciences, Humanities and Economics.
Who Can Apply for IIT Madras School Connect?
The programme is available to students studying in:
- Class 9
- Class 10
- Class 11
- Class 12
Students must belong to a school partnered with IIT Madras School Connect to register for the active courses. Individual independent registration is not permitted under the programme structure.
IIT Madras School Connect Program Fee
The school partnership is free of cost. Schools do not have to pay a partnership fee to participate in the programme.
For students, the course fee is ₹500 per course, which is paid online during enrollment.
Students interested in multiple courses should check the applicable enrollment rules and course availability before registering.
IIT Madras School Connect Course Duration and Learning Mode
Each certification course is designed as an 8-week online programme.
The learning structure includes:
- Pre-recorded weekly video lectures
- Weekly live interactive sessions
- Bi-weekly assignments
- Computer-based assessments/projects
- Final online assessment
The source states that pre-recorded lectures are released on Mondays and live interactive sessions are generally conducted on Saturdays.
IIT Madras School Connect Courses List
The programme offers a range of introductory courses covering future-oriented disciplines.
Some of the courses listed in the source include:
- Introduction to Data Science and AI
- Introduction to Electronic Systems
- Humanities Unplugged / Digital Humanities
- The Fundamentals of Aerospace
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Molecular Science and Chemistry
- Civil Engineering for Sustainable Infrastructure
- Fun with Math and Computing
- Introduction to Law
- Introduction to Forensic Sciences
The programme information indicates that the overall offering includes 17 future-focused certificate courses.
Course Areas and Faculty
| Course | Teaching Faculty / Institution |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Data Science and AI | Prof. Arun Rajkumar – IIT Madras |
| Introduction to Electronic Systems | Prof. Janakiraman Viraraghavan – IIT Madras |
| Humanities Unplugged / Digital Humanities | Prof. Merin Simi Raj – IIT Madras |
| The Fundamentals of Aerospace | Prof. Ranjith Mohan – IIT Madras |
| Introduction to Cybersecurity | Prof. Chester Rebeiro – IIT Madras |
| Molecular Science and Chemistry | Prof. Edamana Prasad – IIT Madras |
| Civil Engineering for Sustainable Infrastructure | Multiple Faculty – IIT Madras |
| Fun with Math and Computing | Prof. Neeldhara Misra – IIT Gandhinagar |
| Introduction to Law | Prof. Satya Prasoon – NALSAR University of Law |
| Introduction to Forensic Sciences | Dr. Deepak J. Mashru – National Forensic Sciences University |
What Will Students Learn?
The courses are designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and introductory exposure to different fields.
For example, the Introduction to Data Science and AI course covers foundational concepts, simple datasets, decision trees and the role of machine learning in interactive platforms.
The Introduction to Cybersecurity course introduces internet infrastructure, password security, cryptography and protection against common cyber threats.
Students opting for Humanities Unplugged / Digital Humanities can explore areas such as AI ethics, digital storytelling, media literacy, cultural analysis and mapping.
The Introduction to Law course provides exposure to areas including Constitutional history, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Law of Torts and emerging areas such as Cyber Law.
The Introduction to Forensic Sciences course includes concepts related to fingerprint processing, DNA tracking and digital evidence analysis.
IIT Madras School Connect Certificate
Students who successfully complete the required course components can receive an official e-certificate from the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education, IIT Madras.
The source states that certification is linked to successful completion of the weekly assignments and the final online assessment.
The certificate can provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their early exposure to an IIT Madras academic programme.
IIT Madras School Connect October 2026 Important Dates
The October 2026 cohort has the following schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | August 24, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 30, 2026 |
| Classes Begin | October 5, 2026 |
| Classes End | November 27, 2026 |
| Final Examination | December 13, 2026 |
Students should complete the registration process before the deadline and confirm the latest schedule through the official programme portal.
How to Register for IIT Madras School Connect Program?
Students cannot register completely independently. The school must first be part of the IIT Madras School Connect partnership network.
Step 1: School Partnership
The school can register through the IIT Madras School Connect partnership process. Schools can partner with IIT Madras at no cost and nominate a teacher as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC).
Step 2: Check the Partnered Schools List
Students should check whether their school is already listed among the partnered schools.
If the school is already partnered, students can contact the school administration or SPOC teacher for the student enrollment details.
Step 3: Student Enrollment
After the school is verified, the student can access the designated enrollment process provided through the school.
Students are required to provide their details, upload the required school identification document, select the course and pay the applicable ₹500 course fee online.
Documents and Requirements for Registration
Students should keep the following ready while completing the registration process:
- Current school ID card
- Active individual email ID
- Computer, laptop or tablet
- Stable internet connection
- Online payment facility
The source specifically mentions that a clear copy or photograph of the current school ID card may be required during registration.
IIT Madras School Connect Online Examination
The certification assessment includes an online final test. According to the supplied information, the examination is conducted through the designated course portal and includes Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
The source states that the test is mapped to 50 marks and has no negative marking. It also describes automated online monitoring and browser restrictions during the assessment.
Students should therefore ensure they have a suitable device, updated browser and stable internet connection before attempting the assessment.
School Partnership for IIT Madras School Connect
Schools interested in joining the programme can submit an expression of interest through the IIT Madras School Connect portal.
The partnership is described as non-commercial and free for schools. A teacher is nominated as the SPOC to coordinate student participation.
This makes the programme accessible to schools that want to provide students with additional exposure to emerging academic and career areas.
Why Should School Students Consider the Program?
The IIT Madras School Connect Program can help students:
- Explore future career fields at an early stage
- Learn from IIT Madras faculty and other academic institutions
- Understand emerging areas such as AI, cybersecurity and aerospace
- Gain experience with online academic learning
- Complete an IIT Madras CODE certificate course
- Identify subjects they may want to study after Class 12
For students who are still deciding on their future academic direction, exposure to different disciplines can help them understand their interests before making higher-education choices.
IIT Madras School Connect Program – Key Points
- The programme is meant for Classes 9 to 12.
- Students must belong to a partnered school.
- Each course runs for approximately 8 weeks.
- Courses are conducted online.
- The student fee mentioned in the source is ₹500 per course.
- School partnership is free.
- Several future-focused courses are available.
- Successful students receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
- The October 2026 batch is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
- The registration deadline mentioned for the October 2026 cohort is September 30, 2026.
IIT Madras School Connect Program 2026: FAQs
What is IIT Madras School Connect Program?
It is an IIT Madras CODE outreach programme that provides online certificate courses for school students in Classes 9 to 12 through partnered schools.
Who can apply for IIT Madras School Connect?
Students studying in Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12 from partnered schools can apply.
What is the IIT Madras School Connect course fee?
The information provided states that the student course fee is ₹500 per course.
Is the school partnership free?
Yes. The supplied information states that the school partnership is ₹0 and non-commercial.
How long is the course?
Each certification course is designed for 8 weeks.
Is the IIT Madras School Connect Program online?
Yes. The programme is conducted online through video lectures, live sessions, assignments and online assessments.
Will students receive a certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the course requirements receive an official e-certificate from IIT Madras CODE.
Can students register individually?
No. Students need to belong to a partnered school and follow the enrollment process provided through the school.
What are the October 2026 batch dates?
Registration is scheduled to close on September 30, 2026, and classes are scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
Conclusion
The IIT Madras School Connect Program 2026 gives school students an opportunity to explore emerging fields through structured online learning. With courses covering areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Aerospace, Electronic Systems, Law and Forensic Sciences, the programme can help students understand different academic and career possibilities before entering higher education.
Students interested in the October 2026 cohort should first check whether their school is a partnered institution and then complete the enrollment process through the school within the specified deadline.