IIT Hyderabad Student Sets Record with Rs 2.5 Crore International Job Offer
In a remarkable achievement, a 21-year-old student from the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has made headlines by securing an international job offer worth Rs 2.5 crore per annum. This record-breaking placement comes at a time when hiring on campuses across India has shown signs of slowing down, making it a significant milestone for the institute.
Edward Nathan Varghese: The Record Holder
Edward Nathan Varghese, a final-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) student specializing in computer science engineering, has been offered a prestigious role as a software engineer at Optiver, a global trading firm based in the Netherlands. What sets this opportunity apart is that it was secured through a pre-placement offer (PPO) following a summer internship rather than through the traditional campus interview process.
A Historic Placement Milestone
According to officials at IITH, this salary package is the highest ever recorded for the institute, surpassing the previous record of approximately Rs 1 crore set in 2017. Varghese expressed his excitement, stating, “This was the first and only company I interviewed for. I was ecstatic when my mentor indicated that the firm would be extending me an offer. So were my parents.”
Background of Edward Varghese
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Varghese completed his schooling in Bengaluru from Class 7 to Class 12. He attributes his success to a combination of early preparation and exposure to campus opportunities. “I knew that the IIT tag would draw companies to our campus and that the effect of the present job market would be minimal,” he explained. His passion for competitive programming, which he pursued since his first year of engineering, also played a crucial role in his success. “Since the first year of engineering, I was into competitive programming and among the top 100 in the country. That too helped me crack the interview,” Varghese added.
Impact on IITH’s Placement Scenario
Varghese’s achievement has positively influenced the overall placement scenario at IITH this year. Another computer science student from the institute secured a package of Rs 1.1 crore, further raising the bar for offers on campus. The 2025 placement season has marked a significant rebound for IITH, with the average salary package rising by about 75% compared to 2024, increasing from Rs 20.8 lakh to Rs 36.2 lakh.
Strong Global Opportunities
During the first phase of placements, 24 students received international offers, indicating the strong global opportunities available for IITH graduates. Faculty members emphasized that while high-profile packages attract attention, the primary focus remains on ensuring consistent and equitable outcomes for all students. “More than packages, our target is to ensure that all students who want to get placed receive a good offer,” stated Mayur Vaidya, faculty-in-charge at the Office of Career Services.
Placement Process and Statistics
As the placement process moves into its second phase, postgraduate students continue to receive offers, with 196 out of 650 PG students already placed, achieving an average package of Rs 22 lakh. Among undergraduates, approximately 62% of the 487 registered students have secured placements so far, reinforcing IITH’s growing reputation for producing highly sought-after talent.
Conclusion
Edward Nathan Varghese’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the rigorous training and opportunities provided by IIT Hyderabad. As the institute continues to attract top companies and offers, it solidifies its position as a leading engineering institution in India. The success stories emerging from IITH highlight the potential of its students and the positive trends in campus placements, even amid challenging market conditions.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports available as of January 2026.
