In a historic moment for Indian engineering education, a final-year student from Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad has secured the highest placement package ever recorded at the institute. The offer, worth ₹2.5 crore per annum, has been made by Optiver, a leading global trading firm based in the Netherlands.
The achievement has drawn nationwide attention, highlighting the growing global demand for top Indian tech talent and the rising placement performance of newer IITs.
Who Is the Student Behind the Record Offer
The student who achieved this milestone is Edward Nathan Varghese, a final-year Computer Science and Engineering student at IIT Hyderabad. Edward turned a summer internship opportunity into a full-time job offer, something that rarely happens at such a high compensation level.
According to reports, he will join Optiver as a Software Engineer starting July 2026. This offer is now the highest package ever offered to a student from IIT Hyderabad since its establishment.
Internship Performance That Changed Everything
Edward’s journey to the ₹2.5 crore offer began with a six-week summer internship at Optiver. During this period, he worked on a highly challenging project that tested his problem-solving ability, coding speed, and understanding of complex systems.
Sources familiar with the selection process revealed that Edward stood out among all interns from IIT Hyderabad. In fact, he was the only intern from the institute to receive a full-time job offer from the company this year.
His performance during the internship played a decisive role in Optiver’s decision to extend a permanent offer at such a high compensation level.
Strong Academic Background and Coding Excellence
Edward’s success is backed by a strong academic and competitive programming profile. He secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 558 in JEE Advanced, one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in the world.
At IIT Hyderabad, he was known for his excellence in:
- Competitive programming
- Data structures and algorithms
- System-level problem solving
Faculty members and peers describe him as someone who consistently demonstrated discipline, curiosity, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure.
Understanding the ₹2.5 Crore Compensation Structure
While the headline figure of ₹2.5 crore is impressive, experts point out that such international offers usually include multiple components. The total compensation may consist of:
- Base salary
- Performance-based bonuses
- Stock-linked incentives
- Foreign exchange benefits over multiple years
Industry experts caution that the annual take-home amount may vary depending on performance and market conditions. However, even after adjustments, the offer remains one of the most lucrative campus placements in India.
IIT Hyderabad’s Growing Placement Success
Edward’s record offer comes during a strong placement season for IIT Hyderabad. According to placement data, the average package at the institute rose to ₹36.2 lakh, marking an impressive 75 percent increase compared to previous years.
This growth reflects:
- Improved industry trust in IIT Hyderabad graduates
- Strong curriculum focused on real-world skills
- Increased global recruitment from finance and trading firms
Although older IITs like IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi often dominate placement headlines, IIT Hyderabad is rapidly emerging as a strong competitor.
Why Global Trading Firms Hire IIT Graduates
Companies like Optiver are known for recruiting top talent from elite universities worldwide. Their roles demand:
- Exceptional logical thinking
- Fast and accurate coding skills
- Ability to work under high-pressure environments
Indian IIT graduates, especially those strong in competitive programming, fit this profile well. Over the last few years, global trading firms have increased hiring from Indian campuses, offering compensation packages that match international standards.
Experts Urge Students to Focus on Skills, Not Just Salary
While Edward’s achievement is inspiring, education experts advise students not to chase salary figures blindly. They stress that such offers are rare and depend on years of preparation, deep technical skills, and consistent performance.
Experts also note that:
- Not all internships convert into full-time roles
- High packages often involve high expectations and pressure
- Long-term career growth matters more than first salary
Edward’s case, they say, should be seen as an example of skill-driven success, not just a lucky break.
A Proud Moment for IIT Hyderabad and India
The ₹2.5 crore offer is being celebrated across IIT Hyderabad’s campus. Students, alumni, and faculty members see it as a proud moment that places the institute firmly on the global education map.
For aspiring engineers across India, Edward’s journey sends a clear message: strong fundamentals, consistent effort, and practical exposure can open global opportunities, regardless of which IIT you study at.
A Milestone That Inspires a Generation
Edward Nathan Varghese’s record-breaking placement is more than just a personal achievement. It reflects the changing landscape of Indian technical education, where talent from newer institutions is gaining global recognition.
As IIT Hyderabad continues to grow and more global firms look toward India for top engineers, such milestones may become more common. For now, Edward’s success stands as a powerful reminder of what dedication, skill, and opportunity can achieve.
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