IITM Pravartak Opens 2026 Registrations for Free OOBT Maths Course
The 10-week online programme uses puzzles, logic and creative thinking to help students and professionals solve problems differently
INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial
IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation has opened registrations for the 2026 batch of its popular Out Of The Box Thinking (OOBT) course, a free online mathematics programme that focuses on creative problem-solving rather than rote learning. Since its launch in June 2022, the course has already drawn more than 3,19,536 learners from schools, colleges, and working backgrounds, making it one of India’s most widely accessed online math learning initiatives.
The registration window opened on 4 May 2026 and will remain open until 31 July 2026. The new batch begins on 7 August 2026 and will run for 10 weeks across four levels, allowing learners to choose a path that suits their current skill level and confidence.
Maths with a different approach
What sets OOBT apart from conventional mathematics courses is its emphasis on thinking over memorising. Instead of asking learners to follow fixed steps, the course encourages them to use mathematics as a tool for reasoning, pattern recognition, and inventive problem-solving.
The curriculum includes puzzles, logic exercises, number theory, geometry, ratios, statistics, algebra, visual mathematics, calendar mathematics and advanced reasoning methods. These topics are designed to help learners look at a problem from multiple angles and arrive at solutions through analysis rather than formula repetition.
Open to all learners
A major strength of the programme is its accessibility. Because OOBT is fully online, it can be taken by learners in both urban and rural India. It is open to school students, college students, teachers, researchers, graduates and working professionals who want to sharpen their logical and analytical skills.
The four-level structure makes the programme flexible for beginners and advanced learners alike. Someone new to mathematical reasoning can start at a comfortable level, while more experienced participants can move to tougher challenges. That graded format has helped the course remain popular across age groups and academic backgrounds.
Learning that feels interactive
The course is designed by mathematics educator and instructor Shri Sadagopan Rajesh, whose teaching style has been one of its biggest strengths. At a recent anniversary event held on the IIT Madras campus, participants even solved a “cake puzzle” presented by him, showing how the programme uses interactive exercises to make mathematics engaging and practical.
IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said the aim of OOBT is to train students to think differently and approach problems creatively. He noted that when the mind is guided by the right method, problem-solving becomes easier and more meaningful.
Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman, CEO of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, said the programme began as a small interaction but evolved into a transformative educational initiative. He credited the vision and support behind the launch of OOBT in 2022 and said its growth reflects the strong response from learners.
Recognition for top performers
To honour learner achievement, IITM Pravartak held a Certificate Award Ceremony for OOBT 2025 on 15 April 2026 at IIT Madras. Top performers received cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500 along with certificates, while other successful participants were also recognised.
The assessment process includes periodic assignments and a final exam, conducted as a proctored test at select centres across India for a nominal fee. Grade certificates are awarded based on final exam performance.
Why the course stands out
The continuing popularity of OOBT shows that India’s learners are increasingly looking for courses that build creative thinking, confidence and real-world problem-solving ability. In a job market that values adaptability and reasoning, such skills are becoming more important than memorised answers.
With over 3.19 lakh learners already enrolled since 2022, the IITM Pravartak OOBT course has emerged as a unique online mathematics initiative. For students and professionals who want to think smarter, solve better and build stronger logic skills, the 2026 batch offers a timely opportunity.