If you’ve always wanted to experience the research culture of an IIT but didn’t study there, your window has officially opened. Today, February 27, 2026, IIT Hyderabad launched the Summer Undergraduate Research Exposure (SURE) program for 2026.
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With 250 seats available and a dedicated 100-seat quota for female students, this is one of the most inclusive and prestigious research internships in India. Here is everything you need to know to get your application through the door before the March 10 deadline.
The “Need-to-Know” Dates
The timeline is tight this year. You have exactly 11 days to coordinate with your college and submit.
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Application Opens: February 28, 2026 (Official Portal live tomorrow!)
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Last Date to Apply: March 10, 2026
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Selection Results: April 15, 2026 (Check your email!)
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Internship Period: May 15 – July 14, 2026 (2 months)
Stipend & Benefits: What’s in it for You?
IITH pays a consolidated honorarium based on how long you stay:
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Full 2 Months: ₹15,000
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1.5 Months: ₹10,000
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1 Month: ₹7,500
Accommodation: You’ll get a room in the IITH student hostels (which are some of the best in India). However, you’ll need to pay for your own mess/food charges.
Are You Eligible? (The “Top 20%” Rule)
This is where most students get confused. To apply, you must meet these criteria:
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The “Top 20%” Barrier: You must be in the top 20% of your class (CGPA-wise). You need a signed certificate from your Principal/HOD to prove this.
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Non-IITH Only: This program is strictly for students from other colleges.
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Degree Requirements:
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B.Tech / B.Des / B.Arch: 2nd or 3rd Year.
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M.Sc / M.A: 1st Year.
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Integrated M.Tech: 3rd or 4th Year.
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How to Apply
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Download the Template: Go to the IITH news page and download the “Letter from Head of Institution.” Don’t wait—take it to your college office tomorrow to get the stamp.
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Pick Your Mentor: IITH has 18 departments. Browse the faculty list and identify whose research (AI, Robotics, Energy, etc.) actually excites you.
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Submit Online: Applications are only accepted through the IITH SURE Portal. No emails, no speed posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a backlog. Can I still apply?
A: Officially, the rules say you need “consistently brilliant academic performance.” While a cleared backlog might pass, an active backlog is usually a dealbreaker. If you aren’t in that “Top 20%” bracket because of it, your HOD won’t sign your form anyway.
Q: Is the ₹15,000 enough to live on?
A: Just barely. The hostel is free, but mess charges at IITH are roughly ₹130–150 per day. Over 60 days, you’ll spend about ₹8,000–₹9,000 on food. The remaining ₹6,000 is for your travel and chai.
Q: Can I do this internship online?
A: No. This is a strictly offline, residential program. If you can’t make it to the Kandi campus in Sangareddy (Telangana), don’t apply.
Q: What is the interview like?
A: It’s usually a 10–15 minute video call with a faculty member. They won’t just grill you on theory; they want to know if you actually understand the project you applied for. Read their recent research papers before the call.
Q: I’m a B.Sc student. Am I eligible?
A: Unfortunately, no. The program is specifically for B.Tech, B.Des, M.Sc (1st year), and M.A. students. Simple B.Sc/B.Com degrees aren’t on the list this year.