The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has announced the launch of its Summer Fellowship Programme 2026, inviting eligible students to apply for a structured research internship designed to strengthen academic exposure and hands-on experience across disciplines.
Programme Overview and Timeline
The IIT Madras Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 is a two-month research initiative scheduled to run from 18 May to 17 July 2026. Applicants must complete and submit their online applications by 5 pm on 2 March 2026 through the official portal ssp.iitm.ac.in/summer-fellowship-registration.Selected fellows will engage in goal-oriented research projects under the mentorship of faculty members from IITM, receiving exposure to high-quality academic work in their respective fields. The structured internship aims to foster research awareness and build foundational skills relevant to future academic and professional pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to students from Indian institutions other than IITs, with a strong academic record. Eligible candidates include:
- Students in the third year of undergraduate programmes such as B.E., B.Tech, B.Sc Engineering or a three-year B.Sc (with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
- Students in the third or fourth year of integrated or dual-degree master’s programmes such as M.E., M.Tech, M.Sc.
- First-year students of M.Sc., M.A. or MBA programmes with an outstanding academic profile may also apply.
Applicants are encouraged to highlight academic accomplishments such as high university ranks, seminar presentations, executed projects, participation in design contests, Mathematics Olympiad performance, and other relevant distinctions in their applications. Students currently enrolled in any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) are not eligible to apply for this fellowship
Stipend and Facilities
Selected candidates will receive a stipend of Rs 15,000 per month for the duration of the programme, helping support their participation in research activities. While hostel and mess facilities are available on the IIT Madras campus, these are offered on a paid basis and subject to availability. The fellowship does not cover personal travel or additional expenses beyond the monthly stipend, and participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the campus.
Participating Departments and Disciplines
The Summer Fellowship Programme spans a broad range of departments at IIT Madras, encouraging multidisciplinary participation:
- Engineering: Aerospace; Applied Mechanics & Biomedical; Biotechnology; Chemical; Civil; Computer Science; Data Science & AI; Engineering Design; Electrical; Mechanical; Medical Science & Technology; Metallurgical & Materials; Ocean Engineering.
- Sciences: Physics; Chemistry; Mathematics.
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Management Studies
This diversity allows fellows to work on research projects aligned with their academic interests, drawing on expertise from various academic domains.
How to Apply?
To apply for the IIT Madras Summer Fellowship Programme 2026:
- Visit the official application portal at ssp.iitm.ac.in/summer-fellowship-registration.
- Create a profile and complete the online application form.
- Upload essential documents, including a recent passport-size photograph, Aadhaar card, category certificate (if applicable), bona fide certificate from the applicant’s institution, and consolidated academic mark sheets from Class 10 onwards.
- Carefully review and submit the application before the 2 March 2026, 5 pm deadline.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered, so applicants must ensure that all required fields and documents are properly uploaded.
Importance of the Fellowship
The IIT Madras Summer Fellowship Programme is designed to cultivate research interest, expand academic horizons, and give students tangible experience in solving real-world problems under faculty guidance. For many participants, this fellowship adds significant value to their academic portfolio and future research aspirations. Selected fellows typically gain not only financial support through the stipend but also mentorship and networking opportunities that can influence career trajectories in academia, research and industry.