IIT-Hyderabad Student Makes History: Rs 2.5 Crore Package Breaks Records Amid Tough Job Market
In a remarkable achievement, a final-year student from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH) has secured a record-breaking job offer of Rs 2.5 crore from Optiver, a global trading firm based in the Netherlands. This milestone not only highlights the exceptional talent emerging from IITH but also sets a new benchmark in the competitive landscape of job placements in India.
Meet Edward Nathan Varghese
Edward Nathan Varghese, a 21-year-old computer science engineering student, will join Optiver as a software engineer in July 2026. His journey to this prestigious offer began with a two-month summer internship at the company, which he successfully converted into a pre-placement offer (PPO).
Internship to Job Offer
Varghese was one of only two students selected for the Optiver internship this year, but he was the only one to secure a full-time position afterward. The internship comprised two weeks of training followed by a six-week project, culminating in the lucrative job offer at Optiver’s Netherlands office.
Background and Preparation
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Varghese completed his schooling in Bengaluru from class 7 to 12. He attributes his success to his competitive programming experience and the diverse curriculum offered at IITH. “This was the first and only company I interviewed for. I was ecstatic when my mentor informed me about the offer. So were my parents,” Varghese shared in an interview.
Record-Breaking Placement Statistics
The Rs 2.5 crore package is not only a personal achievement for Varghese but also a significant milestone for IITH, as it marks the highest package ever offered to a student since the institute’s establishment in 2008. Previously, the highest package recorded at IITH was approximately Rs 1 crore in 2017.
Overall Placement Trends
This year’s placement season has shown a remarkable increase in average packages, which have jumped by around 75% from Rs 20.8 lakh in the previous year to Rs 36.2 lakh this year. A total of 24 international offers were made during the first phase of placements, which concluded in December 2025.
Focus on Student Placement
Mayur Vaidya, the faculty-in-charge of the Office of Career Services at IITH, emphasized the institute’s commitment to ensuring that all students who wish to be placed receive good offers. “More than packages, our focus is to ensure all students who wish to be placed get good offers,” he stated. The institute is also providing core engineering students with early slots for placements with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and core firms.
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Placement Statistics
As of now, 196 out of 650 postgraduate students have received job offers, with an average package of Rs 22 lakh. For undergraduates, 62% of the 487 registered students have successfully secured placements.
Comparison of Package Trends Over the Last Three Years
- 2025-26: Rs 2.5 crore
- 2024-25: Rs 66 lakh
- 2023-24: Rs 90 lakh
Conclusion
Edward Nathan Varghese’s achievement is a testament to the quality of education and training provided by IITH. As the job market continues to evolve, the institute’s ability to produce highly sought-after talent remains evident. This record-breaking placement not only inspires current students but also sets a high standard for future graduates.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports and data available as of January 2026.
