IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 – Dates, Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

Located in Chennai, IIT Madras is one of India’s premier engineering and research universities, known for innovation, academic excellence, and cutting-edge research across science, technology, and humanities disciplines.

The institute offers world-class facilities, expert faculty, and a highly competitive environment that prepares students for future research, higher studies, and industry leadership.

What is the IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026?

The IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 is a structured research internship hosted at IITM specifically to immerse students in research culture and scientific exploration. It brings motivated students from across India (outside IITs) to work on faculty-guided projects over two months, gaining valuable analytical and problem-solving skills.

Unlike regular internships, this fellowship is research-focused, meaning you dive deep into projects rather than routine tasks.

Key Features

Duration & Timeline

Application Portal Opens: 2 Feb 2026

Application Deadline: 2 Mar 2026 (strict)

Programme Dates: 18 May 2026 – 17 Jul 2026 (approx.)

This fixed summer window lets students dedicate full attention to research without academic distractions.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following academic criteria:

Currently in 3rd year UG (BE/BTech/BSc Engineering or equivalent)
3rd/4th year Integrated or Dual Degree Master’s
1st-year MSc, MA, or MBA with excellent academic records

IIT students are not eligible

Applicants should highlight academic achievements, including high grades, project experience, academic competitions, or research exposure for a stronger chance.

Financial Support & Facilities

Selected fellows receive:

Stipend: ₹15,000 per month (for 2 months)
Accommodation: Hostel + mess facilities possibly available on payment basis (subject to availability)
Travel: Students must arrange travel independently.

This stipend helps cover basic expenses, making the fellowship financially attractive.

Participating Departments

The fellowship spans diverse academic fields, including:

Engineering

Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical

Civil, Computer Science & AI

Electrical, Mechanical, Materials

Ocean Engineering

Science & Humanities

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Humanities & Social Sciences

This multi-disciplinary approach ensures opportunities for students from science, engineering, and humanities backgrounds.

How to Apply

Visit the official application portal at: https://ssp.iitm.ac.in/summer-fellowship-registration

Prepare supporting documents (marksheets, identity proof, etc.).

Submit before the deadline and take a printout or screenshot for your records.

Keep track of updates through the official site and IITM announcements.

Selection Procedure

The programme uses a competitive review process, where applications are evaluated based on:
Academic background
Research promise / projects
Statement of Purpose or motivation
Letters of recommendation (if requested)

Final decisions prioritize candidates who demonstrate passion for research and a clear fit for their project areas.

Conclusion

The IITM Summer Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an unforgettable research journey for ambitious students looking to sharpen their research skills under world-class mentorship. It’s competitive, rewarding, and a remarkable addition to any academic profile.

Prepare your application early, showcase your best achievements, and take this leap toward research excellence!