Record Placement at IIT-Hyderabad: Student Receives Rs 2.5 Crore Package
On January 5, 2026, a remarkable achievement was recorded at the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IITH) when Edward Nathan Varghese, a final-year Computer Science student, received the highest-ever placement offer in the institute’s history. The offer, amounting to Rs 2.5 crore per annum, was made by Optiver, a Netherlands-based multinational firm, marking a significant milestone in IITH’s 17-year placement journey.
Details of the Placement
Edward Varghese’s placement follows a successful two-month internship with Optiver, which culminated in the job offer. This unprecedented package is particularly notable as no student from IITH had ever received a salary exceeding Rs 1 crore in the previous 17 years. Edward is set to begin his career as a software engineer in July 2026, shortly after completing his graduation.
Other Notable Placements
This year has been fruitful for other students at IITH as well. Two additional students secured packages exceeding Rs 1 crore, with offers of Rs 1.1 crore per annum from various firms. Furthermore, four students received pre-placement offers ranging from Rs 75 lakhs to Rs 1 crore during the first phase of the placement drive.
Placement Statistics
The first phase of the placement drive, which commenced in the first week of December, saw a total of 304 students receiving job offers out of 487 who registered. This translates to a placement rate of over 62% for students who opted for placements this year. Among these, 24 students received international offers, showcasing the global reach and appeal of IITH graduates.
Average Package Increase
The average salary package offered to students this year has nearly doubled, rising from Rs 20.8 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. This significant increase reflects the growing demand for skilled engineers in the job market.
Department-wise Placement Performance
Placement rates varied across different departments, with the following statistics highlighting the performance:
- Artificial Intelligence: 83.33% placement rate
- Computer Science and Engineering: 83.05% placement rate
- Mathematics and Computing: 77.78% placement rate
The average cost-to-company (CTC) packages for these departments hovered around Rs 40 lakh per annum, indicating a strong demand for graduates in these fields.
Core Engineering Branches
In addition to software-focused departments, core engineering branches such as Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering also demonstrated robust placement outcomes. This balance between software and core engineering placements underscores the comprehensive skill set of IITH graduates.
Upcoming Placement Drives
The second phase of the placement drive has already commenced, indicating continued opportunities for students. In parallel, the B.Tech 2027 internship season has seen 279 internship offers, including 15 international internships. Stipends for these internships have reached as high as Rs 7.5 lakh per month, providing a promising outlook for the upcoming placement cycle.
Conclusion
The record-breaking placement of Edward Nathan Varghese at IIT-Hyderabad not only sets a new benchmark for the institution but also reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector. As IITH continues to produce competent graduates, the future looks bright for both the students and the institute.
Note: This article is based on information available as of January 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the current placement scenario at IIT-Hyderabad.
