IIT Madras Introduces Game Technology, Data Science, Aerospace Programmes For Class 9-12 Students
IIT Madras has invited Class 9 to 12 students to study Data Science, AI, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Game Technology, Finance, Humanities and other courses. More than 1.75 lakh students have already applied for the programme.
Students from Classes 9 to 12 can now join and study at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras under its October 2026 School Connect Programme. The programme offers several courses, including Game Technology, Economics, Aerospace, Data Science, Law and others. The courses will begin on October 5, while registrations will close on September 20, 2026.
Through the initiative, IIT Madras’s Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) aims to help school students explore different academic fields and make more informed decisions about their future education and careers.
IIT Madras School Connect Programme: Courses Offered
Under the programme, students can explore 17 future-focused disciplines, including Data Science and AI, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Economics and Finance, Law, Design, Humanities and Game Technology, among others.
The courses will be delivered through an eight-week online learning programme. The learning experience will include recorded lectures, live sessions, assignments and assessments. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive an official IIT Madras CODE e-certificate.
IIT Madras School Connect Programme: What IIT Madras Said
Announcing the October 2026 cohort on 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.”
“Learn from faculty at IIT Madras and leading institutions through an 8-week online learning experience featuring lectures, live sessions, assignments and assessments.”
Highlighting the reach of the initiative, IIT Madras added: “With 4,900+ schools and 1.75 lakh+ students already reached, School Connect is helping young learners make more informed choices about their future.”
The institute’s social media announcement also posed the question:
“What if students could explore their future before choosing it?”
It said that the October 2026 cohort welcomes students from Classes IX to XII and highlighted that Class IX students can participate for the first time, allowing them to start exploring their interests, strengths and possible career pathways at an earlier stage.
Apply Here For IIT Madras School Connect Programme
IIT Madras School Connect 2026: Important Dates
The applications for the October 2026 cohort are open until September 20, 2026, while the programme is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
The initiative has already reached more than 4,900 schools and 1.75 lakh students, according to IIT Madras. The expansion to Class 9 students gives younger learners an opportunity to gain exposure to specialised fields well before they have to make major subject and career choices.
