Imagine landing a job straight out of college that sets you up for life – a package worth a staggering Rs 2.5 crore! That's precisely what happened to Edward Nathan Varghese, a bright 21-year-old computer science engineering student at IIT Hyderabad. But here's the kicker: this isn't just a great salary; it's the highest ever offered at the institute since its founding in 2008, absolutely shattering previous records.
Edward's remarkable offer comes from Optiver, a prominent global trading firm based in the Netherlands. He'll be joining them as a software engineer starting in July, a dream scenario many students only aspire to. His path to success wasn't just luck, though. He transformed a two-month summer internship into a coveted pre-placement offer, demonstrating exceptional skills and dedication. Interestingly, he reportedly outperformed another talented student vying for the same internship.
So, what's the secret sauce behind Edward's success? He credits the prestigious IIT tag, a flexible curriculum that allowed him to explore his interests, and, crucially, a relentless focus on coding and competitive programming from the very beginning of his engineering studies. As media reports suggest, Optiver was the only company he interviewed with during the entire placement process, highlighting how impressive his profile was.
Edward's journey began in Hyderabad, where he was born and raised, before moving to Bengaluru for his schooling from class 7 to 12. He demonstrated academic excellence early on, securing an impressive AIR 1100 in JEE Main and AIR 558 in JEE Advanced in 2022. Adding another feather to his cap, he achieved a remarkable 99.96 percentile in the 2025 Common Admission Test (CAT), ranking 120th.
And this is the part most people miss... Edward's LinkedIn profile reveals a strong commitment to leadership and community involvement. He served as the Overall Head at the Office of Career Services at IIT Hyderabad, leading a team of eight student managers and a whopping 250 coordinators. This role involved driving placements and internships across various departments, showcasing his organizational and interpersonal skills. Before that, he spent eleven months as an Internship Cell Coordinator, further solidifying his experience in career development.
"My interests span algorithms, competitive programming, finance, and management," Edward states, revealing a diverse range of passions. "I'm eager to explore these domains and connect with like-minded individuals." It's clear that his thirst for knowledge and networking contributed significantly to his achievements.
Both of Edward's parents are engineers, and understandably, they are immensely proud of his accomplishment. Their support and encouragement surely played a vital role in his journey.
Now, let's put this into perspective. Until now, the highest package ever received by an IIT Hyderabad student was Rs 1.1 crore back in 2017. In the 2023-24 academic year, the highest package stood at Rs 90 lakh, and in 2024-25, it dropped to Rs 66 lakh. Edward's Rs 2.5 crore offer completely rewrites the record books.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that such high salaries are unsustainable or contribute to income inequality. Others might see it as a testament to the quality of education and talent at IIT Hyderabad. What do you think? Does this achievement inspire you, or does it raise concerns about the direction of the tech industry? And what role do you think IITs play in shaping the future of India's workforce? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
