21-Year-Old IIT Hyderabad Student Secures Rs 2.5 Crore Package, Highest in Institute’s History
In a remarkable achievement, a 21-year-old student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad has secured an annual salary package of Rs 2.5 crore, marking the highest placement in the institute’s history since its establishment in 2008. This achievement comes at a time when campus hiring across several top engineering institutions has been subdued, highlighting the significance of Varghese’s accomplishment.
About the Student
The student, Edward Nathan Varghese, is a final-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) student specializing in computer science engineering. He has been offered a position as a software engineer with Optiver, a global trading firm based in the Netherlands. Varghese is set to begin his full-time employment in July this year.
Record-Breaking Offer
This offer of Rs 2.5 crore surpasses the previous record held by IIT Hyderabad graduates, which was around Rs 1 crore set in 2017. Prior to this, packages in the range of Rs 60 lakh to Rs 90 lakh were considered exceptional for the relatively young IIT, making Varghese’s offer a significant milestone.
Path to Success
Varghese secured this lucrative offer through a pre-placement offer (PPO) following a two-month summer internship at Optiver, rather than through the traditional multiple campus interview process. The institute reported that only two students from IIT Hyderabad were selected for the internship program, but Varghese was the only one to receive a full-time offer after completing a short training phase and project.
Internship Experience
During his internship, Varghese demonstrated exceptional skills and commitment, which ultimately led to his full-time job offer. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating that Optiver was the first and only company he interviewed with. He received an indication of the job offer from his mentor shortly after completing the internship, a moment he described as one of great joy for both himself and his parents.
Background and Preparation
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Varghese later moved to Bengaluru, where he completed his schooling from Class 7 to Class 12. He attributes his success in navigating the recruitment process to the early preparation and exposure he received at IIT Hyderabad. Despite the cautious hiring sentiment in the market, he was able to stand out due to his long-standing interest in competitive programming.
Competitive Programming
Varghese has been involved in competitive programming since his first year of engineering. His dedication to this field has paid off, as he ranked among the top 100 programmers in the country, which significantly aided him in clearing the rigorous interview process at Optiver. His achievements in competitive programming not only honed his technical skills but also enhanced his problem-solving abilities, making him a strong candidate for the software engineering role.
Impact on IIT Hyderabad
The record placement of Varghese is a significant achievement for IIT Hyderabad, reflecting the institute’s growing reputation in the field of engineering education. This success story serves as an inspiration for current and future students, showcasing the potential for high-paying job offers even in challenging economic conditions.
Conclusion
Edward Nathan Varghese’s journey from a student to securing the highest-ever placement at IIT Hyderabad is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the quality of education provided by the institute. As he prepares to embark on his professional journey with Optiver, his story will undoubtedly motivate many aspiring engineers to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Note: This article is based on the latest news and developments surrounding the placement of IIT Hyderabad students as of January 2026.
