IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 and Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai (May 18, 2026)

The IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious research internship designed to cultivate high-quality academic interest among young scholars in Engineering, Management, Sciences, and Humanities. Specifically, this goal-oriented program allows students to work under the guidance of world-class faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Consequently, participants gain invaluable exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

Program Highlights

FeatureDetails
Program TitleIITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026
Organizing InstitutionIndian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
Duration2 Months (18 May 2026 to 17 July 2026)
Stipend₹15,000 per month
Mode of DeliveryOn-campus (Chennai)
Application Deadline02 March 2026 (5:00 p.m.)

Program Overview

The primary objective of the IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 is to enhance awareness of research careers among undergraduate and postgraduate students. During the two-month tenure, fellows are embedded within specific departments to execute focused research projects. This internship is highly competitive, as it targets students with outstanding academic records and a proven flair for innovation. Furthermore, the program serves as a bridge for students considering future doctoral studies or research-intensive industrial roles.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to non-IIT students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. Specifically, the following categories are eligible:

  • UG Students: 3rd year of B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc. (Engg) or 3rd year of 3-year B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).
  • Integrated/Dual Degree: 3rd or 4th year of M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc. programs.
  • Postgraduate Students: 1st year of M.Sc., M.A., or MBA.
  • Academic Record: Candidates must possess high ranks in University examinations and notable achievements in seminars, design contests, or Olympiads.
  • Exclusion: Students currently enrolled in any IIT are not eligible to apply.

Participating Departments

Applicants can choose to work within a wide array of specialized departments across four main streams:

Engineering Departments

  • Aerospace, Chemical, and Civil Engineering
  • Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering
  • Biotechnology and Medical Science
  • Computer Science, Data Science, and AI
  • Electrical, Mechanical, and Ocean Engineering
  • Metallurgical & Materials Engineering and Engineering Design

Science, Humanities, and Management

  • Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
  • Humanities: Social Sciences and Humanities research
  • Management: Management Studies (MBA and research)

Application Requirements

Candidates must prepare the following digital documents for the online registration process:

  • Identification: Recent passport-size photo and Aadhar Card (PDF).
  • Bonafide Certificate: A letter from the Head of the Institution certifying the student’s status (UG/PG templates available for download).
  • Academic Records: A single consolidated PDF containing mark sheets from 10th grade through the most recent semester.
  • Statement of Purpose (SoP): A one-page document outlining scientific interests and potential research project ideas.
  • Category Certificate: Only if applicable for reservation categories.

Registration Details (Table Format)

ItemDetails
Portal Activation Date02 February 2026
Application Deadline02 March 2026
Application Fee₹100 (Non-refundable)
Payment ModeDebit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
Official PortalIIT Madras Summer Fellowship Portal

Learning Outcomes

Participants of the fellowship will gain specific professional advantages:

  • Practical experience in executing a goal-oriented research project.
  • Mentorship from senior IIT Madras faculty members.
  • Networking opportunities with a diverse cohort of high-achieving peers.
  • Exposure to the rigors of an elite academic research environment.

Additional Information

Accommodation: Hostel and mess facilities are provided at IIT Madras on a payment basis. However, these are subject to availability and are not guaranteed for all participants.

Selection Criteria: Selection is based on academic merit, the quality of the Statement of Purpose, and the relevance of the student’s background to the department’s ongoing research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the stipend amount for the IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026?
Participants receive a stipend of ₹15,000 per month for a maximum of two months, totaling ₹30,000 for the full duration.

Are students from IITs eligible to apply for this fellowship?
No, students currently studying at any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) are strictly excluded from this specific program.

Do I need to send a hard copy of my application to the IITM campus?
No, there is no requirement to send physical copies. All data and enclosures must be uploaded through the online portal.

What should be included in the Statement of Purpose (SoP)?
The SoP should cover your areas of scientific interest, potential project ideas, and relevant achievements within a single page.

What are the exact dates for the 2026 fellowship?
The program is scheduled to run from 18th May 2026 to 17th July 2026.

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