Table of Contents
The 2026 summer cycle is underway. Here are the major details that would help you for the next application window that opens between December 2026 and March 2027.
Start preparing today. Work on your CGPA, identify faculty whose research interests align with yours, draft your SOP, and bookmark the official portals listed in this guide.
Key Takeaways
- Top IITs run summer research internships for non‑IIT undergrad/postgrad students.
- IIT Kharagpur’s GRISHMA pays up to ₹22,000/month (2026).
- 2026 internships run May to July; next window Dec 2026 to Mar 2027.
- IAS–INSA–NASI SRFP places students at IITs, IISc, IISERs, national labs.
- Strong SOP and CGPA > 8.0 required.
- IIT Palakkad’s SUN is Kerala’s only IIT research internship.
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Introduction
If you are an engineering student with a genuine interest in research, the summer break is not just a vacation. It is a window. A window that, if used well, can open doors to IIT PhD labs, MS programmes abroad, and research roles at organisations like DRDO, ISRO, and top global universities.
Every summer, India’s Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) run structured research internship programmes specifically for students from other colleges. These are not generic industrial training stints. You work on a defined research problem, report to an IIT faculty member, and walk away with a verified publication-grade experience. Not just that, also a stipend that covers your stay.
The 2026 summer cycle (May–July 2026) is currently underway. But if you missed the application window, this guide gives you everything you need to apply in the next cycle. You will end up with verified eligibility criteria, stipend figures, program dates, and application tips, all sourced from official notifications.
Why an IIT Research Internship Matters
Before diving into the individual programs, it helps to understand what makes these internships different from regular company internships:
Research Depth Over Task Completion
Unlike industrial internships where you assist ongoing operations, IIT research internships assign you a specific research question. You read papers, run experiments or simulations, draw conclusions, and present your findings.
Faculty Mentorship
Your guide is typically an IIT professor actively publishing in their domain. Letters of recommendation from IIT faculty carry significant weight in MS and PhD applications both in India and abroad.
Career Signal Value
Research internship on your CV signals that you can work independently, handle ambiguity, and produce original work. These are the skills that R&D employers and postgraduate admission committees specifically look for.
Peer Network
These programmes bring together top students from across India. The connections you build during 6 to 8 weeks at an IIT campus often outlast the internship itself.
Quick Comparison: All IIT Research Internship Programmes 2026
| Program | Institute | Duration | Stipend | CGPA Required | Next Apply Window |
| SURGE | IIT Kanpur | 8 weeks | ₹8,000–₹16,000 (merit-based) | 6.5+ (8.5+ for funding) | Jan–Feb 2027 |
| SURE | IIT Hyderabad | 1–2 months | ₹7,500–₹15,000 | Top 20% of class | Feb–Mar 2027 |
| SRFP | IIT Delhi | 8 weeks | ₹2,000/week + travel + hostel | Top 10 in branch | Feb–Apr 2027 |
| GRISHMA | IIT Kharagpur | 8 weeks | Up to ₹22,000/month | Strong academic record | Apr 2027 |
| SPARK | IIT Roorkee | ~8 weeks | ₹3,000/week | 7.5–8.5 (varies by institute) | Feb–Mar 2027 |
| SUN | IIT Palakkad | 6 weeks | ₹12,000 (on completion) | 3rd/4th year | Feb–Mar 2027 |
| SRIP | IIT Gandhinagar | Summer | Weekly (confirmed in notification) | Open to 1st year+ | Dec 2026–Feb 2027 |
| SURAJ | IIT Jodhpur | Summer | As per notification | SOP-based | Feb–Mar 2027 |
| IAS–INSA–NASI SRFP | IITs/IISc/IISERs | 2 months | Monthly fellowship + travel | 65% from Class 10 | Dec 2026–Jan 2027 |
IIT Research Internship Programmes 2026: Complete Listings
1. SURGE – IIT Kanpur
Students-Undergraduate Research Graduate Excellence Programme
SURGE is IIT Kanpur’s flagship summer research programme, launched on 8 May 2006. It is built to help undergraduate students experience real research under faculty mentorship. This is one of the oldest and most respected student research programs in India.
| Detail | Information |
| Organiser | Office of Outreach Activities (OOA), IIT Kanpur |
| Program Dates (2026) | May 11 – July 10, 2026 (8 weeks) |
| Application Deadline | February 22, 2026 (closed for this cycle) |
| Results Announced | March 23, 2026 |
| Joining Extension | Up to May 18, 2026 (for students with ongoing exams) |
| Mode | In-person only; remote not permitted |
| Official Portal | surge.iitk.ac.in |
Eligibility
External applicants must be 2nd or 3rd year B.Tech/B.E., or integrated MSc/BSc students enrolled in AICTE/UGC-recognised Indian universities. You should have a minimum 6.5 CGPA or 65% aggregate.
For students aiming for institute funding, the bar is higher. For SURGE-2026 institute funding and partial institute funding consideration, the programme specifies CPI ≥ 8.5 at the time of registration.
What to Know Before Applying
Due to sheer volume as large as 10,000+ applicants for ~100–150 external slots, the pragmatic baseline to survive professor-level scrutiny is a CGPA over 8.5.
You must also identify an IIT Kanpur faculty member willing to mentor you before your application is considered complete.
Apply Next Cycle: January–February 2027
2. SURE – IIT Hyderabad
Summer Undergraduate Research Exposure
IIT Hyderabad has officially kicked off registrations for its Summer Undergraduate Research Exposure (SURE) Internships 2026.
This flagship programme immerses talented undergraduate and early postgraduate students from non-IIT Hyderabad institutions in hands-on research projects under the guidance of world-class faculty.
| Detail | Information |
| Program Dates (2026) | May 15 – July 14, 2026 (flexible 1–2 months) |
| Application Deadline | March 14, 2026 (extended; closed for this cycle) |
| Results Announced | Tentatively April 15, 2026 |
| Seats | 250 total (100 seats reserved for women) |
| Mode | Full-time in-person only |
| Official Portal | iith.ac.in (SURE portal) |
Eligibility
Top 20% students in 2nd/3rd year B.Tech/B.Des, 3rd/4th year of integrated programs, 1st year MSc (Maths/Physics/Chem/Bio), or MA, from non-IITH institutions. Certification required.
Research Areas
SURE covers cutting-edge domains including autonomous navigation, 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and materials science. This is aligned with IIT Hyderabad’s research strengths.
Apply Next Cycle: February–March 2027
3. SRFP – IIT Delhi
Summer Research Fellowship Programme
The IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship Programme is designed for exceptionally qualified undergraduate and postgraduate students from engineering institutes other than IIT Delhi.
It enables selected candidates to carry out an innovative research and development project under the supervision of IIT Delhi faculty members.
| Detail | Information |
| Application Deadline | April 3, 2026 (closed for this cycle) |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹2,000 per week |
| Travel | Sleeper class train fare reimbursed |
| Accommodation | Free boarding and lodging in IIT Delhi hostels |
| Mode | Full-time, on-campus |
| Official Portal | srfp.iitd.ac.in |
Eligibility
UG students who have completed at least two years of engineering and are among the top ten positions in their branch are eligible.
Students with MTech/ME background who have completed 1st semester, are within the top ten ranks, and obtained at least 70% marks or CGPA of 7.00 are also eligible.
Key Details
There is no registration fee. Selected fellows are registered as visiting students free of charge.
However, selected fellows must arrange personal insurance covering accidents and accidental death for the 8-week stay at IIT Delhi, and the cost is borne by the student.
Apply Next Cycle: February–April 2027
4. GRISHMA – IIT Kharagpur
Undergraduate Summer Research Programme (under KRITI)
GRISHMA (Undergraduate Summer Research Programme) at IIT Kharagpur is organised under the institute’s broader academic initiatives.
It offers students from across India an opportunity to engage in hands-on, faculty-mentored research across disciplines such as science, engineering, technology, medicine, and the humanities.
| Detail | Information |
| Program Dates (2026) | May 16 – July 10, 2026 (8 weeks) |
| Application Window | April 5 – April 18, 2026 (closed) |
| Results | Tentatively April 24, 2026 |
| Cohort Size | 180–200 students |
| Fellowship | Up to ₹22,000/month |
| Mode | Full-time, on-campus (IIT Kharagpur) |
| Official Portal | kgpinternship.iitkgp.ac.in |
Eligibility
Undergraduate students from institutions outside IIT Kharagpur who have strong academic records and a keen interest in research are eligible to apply.
Apply Next Cycle: April 2027
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5. SPARK – IIT Roorkee
Summer Program for Academic Research at IIT Roorkee
SPARK is IIT Roorkee’s structured route for summer research internships, meant for students who want research practice, not short-term industrial training.
The IIT Roorkee Summer Internship Program offers students structured exposure to academic research under faculty mentorship.
| Detail | Information |
| Program Dates (2026) | May 18 – July 10, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 8, 2026 (closed for this cycle) |
| Stipend | ₹3,000 per week |
| Mode | Physical, on IIT Roorkee campus |
| Official Portal | sric.iitr.ac.in |
Eligibility
Students must have completed at least two semesters of their undergraduate degree and must have at least one semester remaining after Summer 2026 (final year students finishing before June are not eligible).
CGPA requirements vary by home institution: minimum CGPA is above 7.5 for IIT/IISc students, above 8.0 for NITs and similar institutes, and above 8.5 for students from other recognised institutions.
Apply Next Cycle: February–March 2027
6. SUN – IIT Palakkad
Summer Undergraduate Research Programme
IIT Palakkad is the only IIT in Kerala, making its SUN programme especially relevant for students from Kerala and South India who want research exposure without long-distance travel.
| Detail | Information |
| Program Dates (2026) | May 20 – July 2, 2026 (6 weeks, residential) |
| Application Deadline (India) | March 22, 2026 |
| Application Deadline (International) | March 13, 2026 |
| Stipend | ₹12,000 (paid on completion; ₹8,000/month × 6 weeks) |
| Accommodation | Shared hostel on campus (charges apply) |
| Mode | Residential, on-campus |
| Official Portal | sun.iitpkd.ac.in |
| Contact | summer-internship@iitpkd.ac.in |
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include students in the 3rd or 4th year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program in Engineering/Technology/Sciences, or students in the 4th or 5th year of an integrated master’s program in Science, Engineering, or the Humanities.
Indian and international students can apply. However, students currently enrolled at IIT Palakkad are not eligible.
Apply Next Cycle: February–March 2027
7. SRIP – IIT Gandhinagar
Summer Research Internship Programme
The Summer Internship at IIT Gandhinagar focuses on hands-on research exposure rather than classroom learning.
Selected students engage in guided academic work across engineering, science, and interdisciplinary domains, gaining early insight into how research is carried out at an IIT.
| Detail | Information |
| Duration | Summer break (typically May–July) |
| Stipend | Weekly stipend; exact 2026 amount on official notification |
| Facilities | Lab and library access, hostel accommodation (subject to availability) |
| Mode | Online application through SRIP portal |
| Official Portal | srip.iitgn.ac.in |
Eligibility
First-year students may be eligible. Some programmes like IIT Gandhinagar SRIP accept first-year students, which makes it more accessible than many other IIT programs.
Apply Next Cycle: December 2026–February 2027
8. SURAJ – IIT Jodhpur
Summer Undergraduate Research at Jodhpur
IIT Jodhpur has established the Summer Undergraduate Research at Jodhpur (SURAJ) programme.
They provide students with a chance to work inside advanced research laboratories, engaging in mentored projects with faculty members and gaining practical technical and research experience.
| Detail | Information |
| Duration | Summer break |
| Mode | On-campus, faculty-mentored |
| SOP Importance | High – often the deciding factor |
| Official Portal | iitj.ac.in |
For SURAJ, the Statement of Purpose carries exceptional weight. A generic SOP without specific reference to faculty research will typically not make the shortlist.
Research the faculty’s published papers before writing.
Apply Next Cycle: February–March 2027
Beyond IITs: The Science Academies’ SRFP
If you want to experience IIT or IISc research without applying directly to individual institutes, the IAS–INSA–NASI SRFP is arguably the most prestigious option.
The Summer Research Fellowship Programme (SRFP) is the national research fellowship run jointly by the three science academies of India: Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI).
The academies place selected students for about eight weeks with mentors across IITs, IISc, IISERs, national labs, and top universities.
| Detail | Information |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 (closed for this cycle) |
| Duration | 2 months |
| Stipend | Monthly fellowship + return train fare |
| Mentor Institutions | IITs, IISc, IISERs, CSIR labs, top universities |
| Eligible Applicants | Students AND teachers from UGC/AICTE-recognised institutions |
| Certificate | Joint certificate from IASc–INSA–NASI |
| Official Portals | ias.ac.in |
You must have minimum 65% marks on average in core subjects from Class 10 till your current course. There is also a special sub-scheme called FAST-SF 2026 (Focus Area Science Technology Summer Fellowship) with the same structure and the same January 31 deadline.
The IASc–INSA–NASI certificate is widely recognised and carries strong credibility for PhD and MS applications.
Apply Next Cycle: December 2026 – January 2027
How to Prepare Now for the 2027 Cycle
The summer 2026 application window is closed. But that actually puts you in an ideal position. You have 6 to 8 months to build the strongest possible application before the next round opens.
Build Your Research Profile
Most programs ask for a Statement of Purpose and some form of prior research exposure. Start small: do a reading project under your college department faculty, complete an online research methodology course, or contribute to an open-source scientific project.
Work on Your CGPA
For funded seats at SURGE (IIT Kanpur), you need a CPI of 8.5 or above. IIT Roorkee SPARK requires 8.5+ for students from general institutions. Protecting your CGPA in the next two semesters is the single highest-leverage thing you can do right now.
Write a Targeted SOP
A generic SOP does not work. Read 2 to 3 recent papers by the faculty you want to work with. Reference a specific paper, explain what you found interesting about it, and describe how your existing coursework or projects connect to that research direction. Keep it under 400 words.
Arrange Your Documents Early
Most programmes require a pretty standard set of documents:
- your academic transcripts
- a bonafide or NOC letter from your university
- a recommendation from a faculty member
- a photo
- ID proof.
Don’t wait until the last minute to round up all these files – do it early so you’re not scrambling at the deadline.
Apply Across Multiple Programmes
Different programmes have different deadlines – typically between December and April. Apply to at least 3 to 4 programs simultaneously to improve your chances.
Conclusion
IIT research internships are among the top opportunities out there for engineering and science students in India.
Whether it’s SURGE at IIT Kanpur, the serious funding of GRISHMA at IIT Kharagpur, or the broad access of Science Academies SRFP that lets you place yourself at IITs and IISc – every one of these programmes has something that a regular company internship just can’t match.
That includes the chance to work with faculty who know their stuff, get a boost to your academic cred, and get a jumpstart on higher studies or a career in science and tech.
Research is not something you stumble into. You have to put in the work to prepare for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students from any college apply for IIT research internships?
Yes. Most IIT summer research programs are open to students from non‑IIT colleges (NITs, state/private engineering and science colleges), subject to CGPA and year‑of‑study criteria.
Which IIT research internship programme offers the highest stipend in 2026?
IIT Kharagpur’s GRISHMA pays the highest in 2026 — up to ₹22,000/month covering hostel, meals, travel, and contingencies.
Can I apply for multiple IIT research internships at the same time?
Yes. You can apply to multiple programs simultaneously and it’s wise to apply to 4–5 given high competition.
Is a recommendation letter mandatory for all IIT research internships?
Not for all, but most programs strongly recommend or require a faculty recommendation; some (IIT Delhi SRFP, IIT Kanpur SURGE) explicitly require it.
What does the IAS–INSA–NASI SRFP offer that individual IIT programmes don't?
SRFP places students at IISc, IISERs, and national labs as well as IITs, and awards a joint certificate from three national science academies for added credibility.
Can final year students apply for IIT research internships?
Generally no. Most programs require at least one semester remaining after the internship; students graduating before the internship are usually ineligible.
What happens if I am selected but cannot join due to exam conflicts?
Some programmes allow joining extensions or deferred start dates subject to approval; check the specific program’s notification for exact clauses.
Where can I find official notifications for the 2027 cycle?
Bookmark the official IIT portals and check from November–February, when programs typically release their notifications.
Is IIT Palakkad's SUN programme relevant for Kerala students specifically?
Yes. IIT Palakkad’s SUN is the only IIT research internship in Kerala, making it particularly accessible for students from Kerala colleges.
What is the difference between an industrial internship and an IIT research internship?
Industrial internships focus on company projects and operations; IIT research internships focus on lab‑based, open‑ended research under faculty supervision and suit those aiming for higher studies or R&D.







