IIT Kharagpur Unveils GRISHMA 2026: A Major Undergraduate Research Initiative
In a significant development aimed at enhancing research exposure for undergraduate students across India, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has officially announced the 2026 edition of its GRISHMA program. GRISHMA, which stands for Undergraduate Summer Research Program, represents a cornerstone of the institute's academic outreach efforts, designed to provide immersive, hands-on research experiences under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors.
Program Structure and Academic Focus
The GRISHMA program is meticulously crafted to introduce undergraduate students to the rigorous practice of scientific and scholarly inquiry. Participants will be integrated into faculty-led research groups spanning a diverse array of disciplines, including science, engineering, technology, medicine, and the humanities. The core objective is to equip students with essential research competencies, such as formulating precise research questions, investigating real-world problems with methodological rigor, and effectively communicating their findings. These skills are widely recognized as critical for future academic pursuits and professional advancement in research-intensive fields.
Eligibility Criteria and Key Program Dates
The program is exclusively open to undergraduate students from institutions other than IIT Kharagpur. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and a genuine, well-articulated interest in research. The selection process is highly competitive, aiming to assemble a cohort of motivated students who are eager to explore research as a viable career pathway.
Important dates for GRISHMA 2026:
- Application Window: April 5 – April 18, 2026
- Program Duration: May 16 – June 26, 2026
- Total Duration: 8 weeks of intensive research engagement
Financial Support and Fellowship Details
To ensure the program is accessible to talented students regardless of financial background, selected participants, designated as GRISHMA Fellows, will receive comprehensive financial assistance. The fellowship provides up to ₹22,000 per month, structured to cover essential expenses such as hostel accommodation, meals, travel costs, and other contingencies. This financial support is disbursed on a daily pro-rata basis, contingent upon active participation, thereby allowing fellows to concentrate fully on their research projects without monetary constraints.
Integration with KRITI: Building a National Research Ecosystem
GRISHMA is an integral component of KRITI, which stands for Knowledge, Research and Innovation for Transformative Impact. KRITI is IIT Kharagpur's flagship initiative dedicated to nurturing future innovators across various academic stages. This comprehensive platform supports learners from school students to early-career researchers and educators, operating on the principle that guided curiosity can lead to meaningful discovery.
The KRITI ecosystem encompasses a wide spectrum of programs:
- School-Level Engagement: Initiatives like i-KITES and RISE
- Undergraduate Research: The GRISHMA program
- Advanced Scholarly Development: Programs such as THESES, CRAFT, KERNEL, and CREATE
Through this continuous learning pathway, KRITI aims to foster a sustained culture of inquiry and innovation, aligning with IIT Kharagpur's overarching vision of being "Dedicated to the Service of the Nation." By facilitating early research exposure and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, KRITI contributes significantly to strengthening India's national research infrastructure while preparing students to engage confidently with global scientific and academic communities.
Prospective applicants seeking to join GRISHMA 2026 are encouraged to visit the official KRITI website or contact the program coordinators via email at contact.kriti@iitkgp.ac.in for detailed information and application procedures.
