The course has become one of the most recognised online mathematics-based learning initiatives in India. Since its launch in June 2022, OOBT has attracted more than 3,19,536 learners from schools, colleges and professional backgrounds. Its growing popularity shows that students and working professionals are increasingly looking for learning models that go beyond rote memorisation.

For the 2026 batch, registrations began on 4 May 2026 and will remain open until 31 July 2026. The course will begin on 7 August 2026 and will run for 10 weeks. Learners can register online and choose from four levels based on their readiness and learning goals.

What is the IITM Pravartak OOBT Course?

The Out Of The Box Thinking course is a free online learning programme offered by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation. It uses mathematics not just as a subject, but as a tool to develop broader reasoning, pattern recognition, creativity and logical thinking.

The programme includes puzzles, logic-based activities, number theory, geometry, ratios, statistics, algebra, visual mathematics, calendar mathematics and advanced problem-solving methods. These topics are designed to make learners more confident in handling unfamiliar problems.

Important Dates for OOBT 2026

The registration process for the 2026 batch is already open. Interested learners should complete the registration before the deadline.

The programme is conducted online, making it accessible to learners from different parts of India, including students from rural and urban areas.

Why is OOBT Different from Regular Maths Courses?

The main difference between OOBT and regular mathematics courses is the learning approach. Traditional maths learning often depends on memorising formulas, following fixed steps and solving textbook-style questions. OOBT, on the other hand, focuses on thinking skills.

The course trains learners to ask better questions, identify patterns, use logic and solve problems indirectly. It encourages curiosity and helps participants understand that mathematics can be playful, practical and powerful.

For students who fear mathematics, OOBT can help change the way they look at the subject. Instead of treating maths as difficult or stressful, the course presents it as a creative tool that can improve everyday thinking and decision-making.

Who Can Join the IITM Pravartak OOBT Course?

One of the biggest strengths of the OOBT course is that it is open to a wide range of learners. The programme is suitable for:

School students who want to build confidence in mathematics and logical thinking. College students who want to improve reasoning and analytical ability. Teachers and educators who want to explore creative ways of teaching mathematics. Researchers and graduates who are interested in problem-solving frameworks. Working professionals who want to sharpen decision-making and critical thinking skills. Lifelong learners who enjoy puzzles, logic and creative learning.

The course is divided into four graded levels, allowing participants to select a level that matches their ability. Beginners can start with a basic level, while advanced learners can choose a more challenging level.

Course Structure and Learning Format

The 2026 OOBT batch will be conducted as a 10-week online programme. It is divided into four levels, making it flexible for different types of learners.

The course includes interactive learning material, puzzle-based exercises, mathematical reasoning activities and problem-solving tasks. Learners are encouraged to think independently instead of simply following standard methods.

The course has been designed by mathematics educator and instructor Shri Sadagopan Rajesh, who is known for making mathematics engaging and accessible. His teaching approach encourages students to explore ideas with curiosity and confidence.

At a recent anniversary event held at the IIT Madras campus, Shri Sadagopan Rajesh conducted an interactive session and presented a “cake puzzle” to participants. The students successfully solved it, showing how logical thinking can be developed through hands-on learning.

Assessment and Certification

The OOBT course includes periodic assignments and a final examination. The final exam is conducted as a proctored test at select centres across India for a nominal fee.

Learners who perform well in the final exam receive grade certificates. The certification can be useful for students and professionals who want to demonstrate their interest in analytical thinking, logic and problem-solving.

To celebrate learner achievement, IITM Pravartak conducted 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. Other successful learners were also recognised for their performance.

Vision Behind the Programme

At the fourth anniversary event of OOBT, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said that the aim of the programme is to help students think differently and approach problems creatively. He highlighted that when the mind is trained with the right approach, solving problems becomes easier and more meaningful.

Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman, CEO of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, said that the initiative began as a simple interaction but has now grown into a transformative educational journey. He credited Prof. Kamakoti’s vision and encouragement for the launch of the programme in 2022.

The strong participation numbers and high pass percentage show the impact of the initiative. With more than 3.19 lakh learners already connected to the programme, OOBT has become a strong example of how online learning can be used to build practical thinking skills.

Why the OOBT Course Matters

In today’s academic and professional world, success depends not only on subject knowledge but also on reasoning, adaptability and innovation. Employers and educational institutions increasingly value individuals who can think creatively, solve unfamiliar problems and make logical decisions.

The OOBT course addresses this need by helping learners move beyond rote learning. It gives them tools to analyse problems, identify hidden patterns and develop fresh solutions.

For students preparing for competitive exams, such thinking skills can improve problem-solving speed and accuracy. For working professionals, the course can support better decision-making and analytical ability. For teachers, it offers new ways to make mathematics more engaging for students.

How to Register for IITM Pravartak OOBT 2026

Interested learners can register online for the 2026 batch of the OOBT course. Since the registration window is open from 4 May 2026 to 31 July 2026, applicants should complete the process before the deadline.

The batch will start on 7 August 2026. As the course is free and online, it offers a valuable opportunity for learners across India to access quality learning from an IIT Madras-backed initiative.

Conclusion

The IITM Pravartak Out Of The Box Thinking Maths course 2026 is a valuable opportunity for students, teachers, professionals and lifelong learners who want to improve their creative problem-solving skills. By combining mathematics with puzzles, logic and visual thinking, the programme helps learners develop confidence and curiosity.

With more than 3,19,536 learners since its launch in 2022, OOBT has already made a strong impact. The 2026 batch gives new learners a chance to join this growing educational movement and experience mathematics in a more meaningful and practical way.

For anyone who wants to strengthen logic, reasoning and analytical ability, the IITM Pravartak OOBT course is a course worth considering.

FAQs on IITM Pravartak OOBT Maths Course 2026

1. What is the IITM Pravartak OOBT course?

The IITM Pravartak OOBT course, or Out Of The Box Thinking course, is a free online programme that uses mathematics, puzzles and logic to build creative problem-solving skills among students, teachers, professionals and lifelong learners.

2. When did registrations open for the OOBT 2026 batch?

Registrations for the OOBT 2026 batch opened on 4 May 2026. The last date to register is 31 July 2026.

3. When will the OOBT 2026 course begin?

The 2026 batch of the IITM Pravartak OOBT course will begin on 7 August 2026. The course will run for 10 weeks.

4. Who can apply for the OOBT course?

School students, college students, teachers, researchers, graduates, working professionals and lifelong learners can apply for the OOBT course. The programme has four levels, so learners can choose a level based on their readiness.

5. Is the IITM Pravartak OOBT course free?

Yes, the OOBT course is free to learn online. However, the final proctored exam is conducted at select centres across India for a nominal fee. Certificates are issued based on final exam performance.

Tvasta, a Chennai-based startup founded by IIT Madras alumni in 2016, has been working at the intersection of robotics, automation and construction 3D printing. With Cedar, the company is now taking its technology to a global stage. The printer has been designed and manufactured in India and is being positioned for deployment across international markets, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

At a time when the global construction industry is looking for faster, more affordable and more sustainable building methods, Cedar aims to solve some of the biggest challenges faced by developers and contractors. These include high material costs, labour dependency, long project timelines, construction waste and limited access to scalable automation.

A Make in India Innovation for the World

Cedar is more than just a new construction machine. It is a strong example of Make in India moving from research and development into real-world global deployment. Tvasta’s journey began with the goal of using additive manufacturing to transform how buildings and infrastructure are created.

Cedar has been designed to address these barriers. By combining Indian engineering, AI-based material optimisation and a scalable printing platform, Tvasta and 14Trees are trying to make 3D concrete printing more practical for mainstream construction projects.

What Makes Cedar Different?

One of Cedar’s most important features is its portal-frame architecture. This structure makes the printer suitable for large construction sites and allows it to support projects across residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure categories.

The printer can reach up to 10 metres in printing height and has an extendable footprint of up to 240 square metres. This gives construction companies the flexibility to use it for different types of projects, including homes, offices, technical facilities, industrial structures and infrastructure components.

Another major advantage is cost. Cedar offers printing volumes comparable to many existing large-format 3D construction printers, but at nearly half the capital investment. This is significant because high upfront cost has often been one of the biggest reasons construction companies hesitate to adopt 3D printing technology.

By reducing the entry barrier, Cedar can help more developers, contractors and public sector agencies explore automated construction.

Printing With Real Concrete

A major breakthrough in Cedar is its ability to print with real concrete instead of relying only on specialised mortar-based mixes. Many construction 3D printers depend on costly mortar materials, which can make projects expensive and limit the use of locally available resources.

Cedar is designed to work with standard concrete formulations. This can reduce material costs by up to 5x, making 3D concrete printing more affordable and practical for large-scale construction.

The ability to use real concrete also improves local adaptability. Construction projects across different countries and regions often depend on materials available nearby. By supporting locally sourced concrete formulations, Cedar can help reduce transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency and lower the environmental impact of projects.

AI Companion for Smarter Construction

Cedar is not just a hardware platform. It is supported by the 14Trees AI Companion, a digital platform that helps optimise material performance using local resources. The AI Companion analyses thousands of mix designs to help construction teams balance cost, strength and environmental impact.

This is especially important in construction because project conditions vary widely from one region to another. Local materials, climate, humidity, temperature and structural needs can all affect the performance of concrete.

By using AI to recommend and optimise material mixes, Cedar can help contractors achieve more consistent results. It also supports better decision-making by giving teams data-driven insights before and during the construction process.

This combination of robotics and artificial intelligence gives Cedar a clear advantage in real-world deployment. It is not only designed to print structures, but also to help teams understand how to print them efficiently, safely and economically.

Built by Indian Engineering Talent

Tvasta was founded by IIT Madras alumni and has grown into one of India’s most notable startups in the construction 3D printing space. The company has worked on multiple 3D-printed building projects, including housing, educational facilities, offices and technical infrastructure.

The launch of Cedar shows how Indian deep-tech startups are moving beyond prototypes and pilot projects. They are now building industrial-grade solutions that can compete in global markets.

Tvasta CEO Adithya V S has described Cedar as a platform that brings together advanced manufacturing, robotics and software. The goal is to create a system that can perform reliably across different construction environments.

14Trees CEO Francois Perrot has also highlighted the economic side of the technology. According to him, construction 3D printing must not only be technically proven, but must also make financial sense for contractors and developers. Cedar has been designed with that requirement in mind.

Why Cedar Matters for the Construction Industry

The construction industry is under pressure to deliver projects faster, reduce costs and adopt greener methods. Traditional construction often involves long timelines, material wastage, labour shortages and inconsistent quality. Automation can help address many of these issues.

Cedar’s 3D printing technology can reduce construction time by automating repetitive building processes. It can also improve precision, reduce dependency on manual labour and lower material wastage by placing concrete only where needed.

For developers, this means faster project execution and potentially better cost control. For governments and public sector agencies, it could support faster delivery of housing, schools, community facilities and infrastructure. For emerging markets, it offers a more accessible route to advanced construction technology.

The use of AI for material optimisation also supports sustainability. By improving mix designs and reducing waste, Cedar can help construction firms lower their environmental footprint.

Taking Indian Deep-Tech Global

Cedar’s global deployment strategy is one of the most important parts of this launch. The printer is being positioned for markets across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

This is a strong signal that Indian startups are no longer limited to solving domestic challenges. They are creating globally relevant technologies in areas such as robotics, automation, AI and advanced manufacturing.

For India, Cedar reflects the growing maturity of its deep-tech ecosystem. It also shows how institutions like IIT Madras are helping produce founders and engineers who can build globally competitive products.

The partnership between Tvasta and 14Trees brings together Indian engineering and international construction technology expertise. This can help accelerate adoption by offering end-to-end support, including design optimisation, materials development and on-site delivery.

The Future of Automated Construction

As the construction industry evolves, technologies like Cedar could become central to the future of building. Developers and contractors are increasingly looking for solutions that can improve speed, reduce costs and support sustainable development.

Cedar has the potential to serve as a platform for smarter construction. Its ability to print with real concrete, reduce material costs, support large structures and use AI-based optimisation makes it a practical solution for modern construction needs.

While construction 3D printing is still an emerging field, Cedar’s launch marks a significant step toward wider adoption. It brings together the key elements needed for scale: affordability, flexibility, AI support, material compatibility and global deployment readiness.

For Tvasta, this is a major milestone. For India, it is another example of homegrown innovation entering the global stage. For the construction industry, Cedar could become an important tool in the shift toward faster, greener and more automated building methods.

FAQs

1. What is Cedar by Tvasta and 14Trees?

Cedar is an AI-ready 3D concrete printer developed by Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with 14Trees. It is designed for large-scale construction automation and global deployment.

2. Why is Cedar important for construction 3D printing?

Cedar reduces the cost barrier for construction 3D printing by offering large-format printing capabilities at lower capital investment. It can also print with real concrete, which helps reduce material costs.

3. What is the printing capacity of Cedar?

Cedar can reach up to 10 metres in printing height and has an extendable footprint of up to 240 square metres, making it suitable for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects.

4. How does AI help Cedar perform better?

Cedar is supported by the 14Trees AI Companion, which analyses thousands of concrete mix designs. It helps optimise cost, strength and environmental performance using locally available materials.

5. Why is Cedar considered a Make in India success story?

Cedar has been designed and manufactured in India by Tvasta, a startup founded by IIT Madras alumni. Its global deployment plans show how Indian deep-tech innovation can compete in international construction markets.