Who is IIT Hyderabad student Edward Nathan Varghese, who bagged a Rs 2.5 crore job?

Edward Nathan Varghese, a final-year computer science engineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, has made headlines by securing a job offer worth Rs 2.5 crore per annum from Optiver, a global trading firm based in the Netherlands. This remarkable achievement marks the highest placement package in the history of IIT Hyderabad.

Record-breaking Offer

Varghese’s job offer from Optiver is notable not only for its financial value but also for the significance it holds within the context of the institute. Since its establishment in 2008, IIT Hyderabad has seen various successful placements, but Varghese’s offer stands as a milestone for future students and the institution itself.

Internship Experience

Edward’s journey to this impressive job offer began with a summer internship at Optiver last year. The internship consisted of two weeks of training followed by a six-week project, which ultimately led to a pre-placement offer. This experience highlights the importance of internships in securing high-paying job offers, especially in competitive fields like software engineering and finance.

About Optiver

Optiver is a global trading firm that specializes in high-frequency trading and software development roles. The firm is known for its rigorous hiring process, seeking candidates with strong backgrounds in algorithms and competitive programming. The Rs 2.5 crore package reflects the increasing demand for skilled software engineers in global financial firms.

Background of Edward Nathan Varghese

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Edward completed his schooling in Bengaluru from Classes 7 to 12. He comes from a family with a strong engineering background, which likely influenced his academic and career choices. Throughout his educational journey, Varghese has consistently excelled in competitive exams.

Academic Achievements

• Secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 1100 in JEE Main.
• Achieved an AIR of 558 in JEE Advanced in 2022.
• Scored a 99.96 percentile in CAT 2025, with an all-India rank of 120.

Leadership Roles at IIT Hyderabad

At IIT Hyderabad, Varghese has taken on significant leadership roles. He served as the Overall Head of the Office of Career Services, where he managed a team of eight student managers and nearly 250 coordinators responsible for placements and internships. Prior to this role, he also worked as an Internship Cell Coordinator for close to a year, showcasing his commitment to helping fellow students navigate their career paths.

Interview Experience

In a statement to the media, Varghese mentioned that Optiver was the first and only company he interviewed with during the placement season. He expressed the emotional moment of receiving the job offer, which he learned about from his mentor. This experience underscores the significance of mentorship and guidance in the career development of students.

Competitive Programming

Edward has been actively involved in competitive programming since his first year of engineering. His dedication to this field has earned him a place among the top 100 programmers in the country. This achievement not only reflects his technical skills but also his commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Flexible Curriculum at IIT Hyderabad

Varghese credits IIT Hyderabad’s flexible curriculum for allowing students to choose from a wide range of courses. This flexibility enables students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals, which can be particularly beneficial in fields that are rapidly evolving, such as technology and finance.

Future Plans

Edward Nathan Varghese is set to join Optiver’s Netherlands office as a software engineer in July 2026. As he prepares for this new chapter in his career, he represents the potential of IIT Hyderabad students to excel on a global stage and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance.

Conclusion

Edward Nathan Varghese’s achievement serves as an inspiration to many aspiring engineers and students across India. His journey from a competitive exam ranker to securing a record-breaking job offer exemplifies the hard work, dedication, and opportunities available at premier institutions like IIT Hyderabad. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, stories like Edward’s highlight the importance of education, internships, and mentorship in shaping successful careers.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports and statements available as of January 2026.