IIT Hyderabad Student Shatters Records with Rs 2.5 Crore Offer: A Story of Passion and Excellence
New Delhi: A remarkable achievement has emerged from the halls of the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH), as 21-year-old Edward Nathan Varghese has secured a record-breaking offer of Rs 2.5 crore from Optiver, a renowned global trading firm based in the Netherlands. This staggering amount surpasses the previous highest package of Rs 1.1 crore, set in 2017, and marks a significant milestone for the institute since its establishment in 2008.
Edward, a final-year computer science engineering student, achieved this feat by converting his two-month summer internship into a pre-placement offer. His exceptional performance during the internship process set him apart from another student who was also selected for the same internship. Edward's success can be attributed to his dedication to coding and competitive programming, which he has pursued since his first year of engineering. According to media reports, Edward's impressive performance led to him being the only candidate interviewed by Optiver during the placement process.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Edward's academic journey began in his hometown before he moved to Bengaluru for his secondary education from class 7 to 12. His exceptional talent was further showcased in the 2022 JEE Main and Advanced examinations, where he secured All India Ranks (AIR) of 1100 and 558, respectively. In the 2025 Common Admission Test (CAT), Edward achieved a remarkable 99.96 percentile score, ranking him 120th overall.
Beyond his academic achievements, Edward has demonstrated leadership and organizational skills. He served as the Overall Head of the Office of Career Services at IIT Hyderabad, overseeing a team of eight student managers and 250 coordinators across various cells dedicated to placements and internships. Prior to this role, he worked as an Internship Cell Coordinator for approximately eleven months, gaining valuable experience in career development and student support.
Edward's passion lies in a diverse range of fields, including algorithms, competitive programming, finance, and management. He expresses his enthusiasm for exploring these domains and connecting with like-minded individuals who share his interests. Both of his parents, who are engineers themselves, are incredibly proud of their son's accomplishments and achievements.
The story of Edward Nathan Varghese serves as an inspiring example of the power of hard work, passion, and a flexible curriculum. It highlights the importance of a strong focus on coding and competitive programming, which can open doors to remarkable opportunities. As Edward embarks on his career at Optiver, he joins a select group of IIT Hyderabad alumni who have achieved exceptional success in their respective fields, further solidifying the institute's reputation for producing top talent.
