Who is Edward Nathan Varghese?
Edward Nathan Varghese, a 21-year-old final-year computer science student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, has made headlines by securing the highest job offer in the institute’s history, amounting to Rs 2.5 crore. This remarkable achievement comes from Optiver, a Netherlands-based trading firm, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the institution’s placement records.
Background and Education
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Edward later moved to Bengaluru, where he completed his schooling from Class 7 onwards. His academic journey has been characterized by a strong commitment to excellence and a passion for technology. Both of his parents are engineers, which may have influenced his career path in the field of computer science.
Path to Success
Edward’s confidence during the placement season was not built overnight. He attributes it to years of hard work and dedication. From his first year at IIT Hyderabad, he immersed himself in competitive programming, eventually ranking among the top 100 coders in the country. This experience, combined with the diverse curriculum offered at IIT, allowed him to explore a wide range of topics and skills, preparing him for the competitive job market.
Internship Experience
During his internship with Optiver, Edward underwent two weeks of intensive training followed by a six-week project that tested both his technical skills and decision-making abilities under pressure. Out of two IIT Hyderabad students selected for the internship, he was the only one to receive a pre-placement offer (PPO) from the company.
Job Offer and Future Plans
Edward will join Optiver as a software engineer at its Netherlands office starting in July. He expressed his excitement about receiving the offer, stating, “This was the first and only interview. When my mentor told me they were extending an offer, I was thrilled. My parents were just as excited.”
Placement Trends at IIT Hyderabad
The placement season at IIT Hyderabad has shown remarkable improvement this year. The overall metrics indicate a significant rise in average annual compensation. According to reports, the average package increased by approximately 75% compared to the previous year, rising from Rs 20.8 lakh in 2024 to Rs 36.2 lakh in 2025.
International and Domestic Offers
In the first phase of placements, which concluded in December, students secured 24 international offers. Among postgraduate students, 196 out of 650 registered candidates have been placed so far, with an average package of Rs 22 lakh. At the undergraduate level, around 62% of the 487 registered students received job offers.
Comparison of Package Trends
The contrast in placement packages over the past three years is striking. The highest package stood at Rs 90 lakh in 2023-24, dropped to Rs 66 lakh the following year, and then surged to Rs 2.5 crore in 2025-26. Optiver topped the list of international offers, while Databricks made the highest domestic offer at Rs 1.58 crore. Other notable recruiters included Uber, Oracle, D. E. Shaw, and Accenture.
Conclusion
Edward Nathan Varghese’s achievement is not just a personal victory but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of job opportunities for engineering graduates in India. His journey from a student at IIT Hyderabad to securing a lucrative job offer serves as an inspiration for many aspiring engineers. As the job market continues to grow and change, stories like Edward’s highlight the potential for success through hard work, dedication, and a passion for technology.
Note: This article was first published on January 2, 2026, and reflects the latest updates regarding Edward Nathan Varghese’s achievements and IIT Hyderabad’s placement statistics.
