What is the IIT Madras School Connect Programme?

The School Connect Programme is an outreach initiative for students studying in Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12. It gives school learners an opportunity to explore academic areas that may not form part of their regular syllabus.

Through introductory and interdisciplinary courses, students can gain exposure to different fields, identify areas that interest them and develop a better understanding of possible academic paths after school.

The initiative is led by the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) at IIT Madras and is designed to make learning opportunities more accessible to school students.

17 subjects students can explore

The programme currently features courses across technology, science, design, humanities, social sciences and other disciplines.

1. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – An introduction to data science and AI concepts and applications.
2. Electronic Systems – An entry-level exploration of electronic systems and their fundamentals.
3. Architecture and Design – An introduction to architectural concepts and design thinking.
4. Engineering Biological Systems – An exploration of the relationship between engineering and biological systems.
5. Math and Computing – Introducing mathematical ideas through computing and problem-solving.
6. Law – An introductory look at legal concepts and the field of law.
7. Math Games and Puzzles – Using puzzles and games to make mathematical problem-solving engaging.
8. Aerospace – An overview of fundamental concepts and opportunities in aerospace.
9. Ecology – Introducing students to ecosystems and important ecological concepts.
10. Humanities – An introduction to ideas and disciplines within the humanities.
11. Chemical Engineering – Exploring the fundamentals and applications of chemical engineering.
12. Economics, Finance and Money – Covering introductory concepts related to economics, finance and money.
13. Game Technology – Exploring the interaction between people, machines and games.
14. Product Design – Introducing students to product development and design principles.
15. Molecular Engineering – Exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with molecular engineering.
16. Cybersecurity – Introducing the fundamentals of digital security and cybersecurity.
17. Digital Humanities – Exploring the use of digital methods and tools in humanities-related fields.

How does the programme work?

Students from schools participating in the School Connect initiative can register for the courses offered through the programme.

The courses include academic requirements such as assignments and examinations. Participants who successfully complete the prescribed requirements can receive an e-certificate.

This allows students to gain introductory knowledge of a subject while also receiving formal recognition for completing the course.

Thousands of schools and students have participated

The School Connect initiative has established a substantial network of participating schools. According to the programme information, 4,920 schools have partnered with the initiative, while 1,75,270 students have enrolled.

With 17 courses currently available, students have several options for exploring subjects that may eventually influence their higher-education choices.

Important dates for the 2026 course cycle

Why early exposure to different fields can help

Choosing a higher-education path can be challenging when students have only limited knowledge of the disciplines available to them. School students often become familiar with a relatively small group of traditional subjects, while many specialised fields remain unexplored.

The School Connect Programme gives students an opportunity to discover disciplines such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, molecular engineering, cybersecurity, product design, law and digital humanities before they make major academic decisions.

Early exposure can help learners identify subjects they enjoy, understand different areas of study and develop foundational knowledge that may be useful when considering future educational and career options.

Overall, the initiative provides students with an opportunity to explore different academic fields before choosing a specialised path.