IIT Madras opens 17 courses for Class 9 to 12 students, from AI to Cybersecurity

IIT Madras' School Connect Programme offers Class 9 to 12 students 17 certificate courses spanning AI, aerospace, law, design and more. Applications close September 30, with courses beginning October 5, 2026.IIT Madras’ School Connect Programme offers Class 9 to 12 students 17 certificate courses (Image courtesy: Getty Images)Choosing what to study after school can be a daunting decision, especially when students are still discovering their interests and strengths. For students in Classes 9 to 12, early exposure to different academic fields can help them understand what lies beyond the subjects they study in school and make more informed choices about their future.To help bridge this gap between school education and higher education, IIT Madras has introduced its School Connect Programme, a flagship outreach initiative by the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE).The programme allows school students to explore emerging and interdisciplinary fields through certificate courses before they make important decisions about their academic and career paths.WHAT IS IIT MADRAS SCHOOL CONNECT PROGRAMME?The School Connect Programme is designed especially for students of Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12. It aims to provide students with engaging learning opportunities and help them explore subjects and career possibilities beyond their regular school curriculum. The initiative is part of IIT Madras' effort to democratise access to quality education by making introductory courses widely accessible to school students in India and beyond. IIT Madras's tweet The programme focuses on cultivating an early interest in science, technology and related fields, while helping students discover academic paths that align with their interests and future careers.STUDENTS CAN EXPLORE 17 DIFFERENT COURSES Under the School Connect partnership, students from partnered schools can enrol in certificate courses covering a wide range of subjects.The courses available include:Introduction to Data Science and AIIntroduction to Electronic SystemsIntroduction to Architecture and DesignIntroduction to Engineering Biological SystemsFun with Math and ComputingIntroduction to LawMath Unplugged: Games and PuzzlesThe Fundamentals of AerospaceIntroduction to EcologyHumanities UnpluggedIntroduction to Chemical EngineeringEconomics, Finance and Money MattersGame Tech Explorers: Understanding Human, Machine and PlayIntroduction to Product DesignMolecular Engineering: Opportunities and ChallengesIntroduction to Cyber SecurityIntroduction to Digital HumanitiesThe diverse course list allows students to explore areas ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to law, economics, humanities, ecology, aerospace and product design.HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK?Through the School Connect partnership, students from partnered schools can enrol in the certificate courses and gain knowledge and skills in their chosen areas.Students are required to complete assignments and exams as part of the courses. Those who complete the assessments will receive e-certificates.The programme therefore combines early academic exposure with a tangible outcome, allowing school students to explore a subject while earning a certificate upon successful completion.The initiative has already reached a significant number of students through its school partnerships. According to the programme details, 4,920 schools have partnered with the initiative, while 1,75,270 students have enrolled. With 17 courses currently available, students have a broad range of subjects to choose from.The programme is aimed at students across Classes 9 to 12, making it possible for learners to begin exploring different academic fields several years before they enter higher education.IMPORTANT DATESSchools can enrol their Class 9, 10, 11 and 12 students in the available certificate courses under the School Connect Programme.The last date to apply is September 30, 2026, while the courses are scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026. Students who complete the required assignments and examinations will receive e-certificates.A CHANCE TO EXPLORE BEFORE MAKING BIG ACADEMIC CHOICESFor school students, deciding on a future academic direction can often feel like choosing from a limited set of familiar options. By introducing learners to subjects such as data science, aerospace, molecular engineering, digital humanities, law and product design at an early stage, the IIT Madras School Connect Programme seeks to broaden that exposure.At its core, the initiative is about helping students explore before they decide, allowing them to discover new areas of interest, build foundational knowledge, and develop a clearer understanding of the academic and career paths that may lie ahead.- EndsPublished By: Karan YadavPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 11:07 IST