IIT Hyderabad Launches SURE Internship 2026 for Research Exposure
The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) has officially opened the application window for its highly anticipated Summer Undergraduate Research Exposure (SURE) Internship for the year 2026. This prestigious summer research program is designed to provide undergraduate and postgraduate students from institutions across India with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on, immersive research activities under the guidance of esteemed faculty members at one of the country's premier technological institutes.
Program Overview and Key Details
The SURE Internship 2026 aims to foster early exposure to academic research, allowing selected interns to work closely with IIT Hyderabad faculty on cutting-edge research projects during the summer break. A total of 250 internship seats are available under this program, with a significant emphasis on promoting gender diversity—100 of these seats are exclusively reserved for women candidates. Importantly, the internship is open only to students from institutions other than IIT Hyderabad, ensuring a diverse pool of participants from various academic backgrounds.
Important Dates and Application Process
Prospective applicants must mark their calendars with the following critical dates:
- Application Start Date: February 28, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 10, 2026
- Tentative Result Date: April 15, 2026
- Program Start Date: May 15, 2026
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online portal at iith.ac.in. The institute has made it clear that applications sent via email or submitted offline will not be accepted under any circumstances, emphasizing the need for candidates to adhere strictly to the digital submission process.
Duration, Fellowship, and Accommodation
The SURE Internship 2026 is scheduled to run tentatively from May 15 to July 14, 2026, offering flexible durations to accommodate different academic schedules:
- Minimum Duration: 1 month
- Maximum Duration: 2 months
Selected interns will receive a financial fellowship based on their internship duration:
- Rs 15,000 for the full two-month program
- Rs 7,500 per month for a one-month internship
- Rs 10,000 for a one-and-a-half-month internship
It is important to note that part-time or online internships are not permitted; participants must engage in full-time, on-campus research. Hostel accommodation will be provided in IIT Hyderabad student hostels, though interns will be responsible for covering their own mess charges.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The SURE Internship 2026 is open to students who meet specific academic criteria:
- First-year Master of Science (MSc) students in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology
- First-year Master of Arts (MA) students
- Second or third-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Design (BDes) students from any branch
- Third or fourth-year students of Integrated BTech–Master of Technology (MTech) programs
Additionally, applicants must:
- Be among the top 20 per cent of their class, based on CGPA or percentage marks
- Get this ranking certified by the Head of the Institution or Principal
- Be a full-time, regular student during both the application period and the internship duration
Selection Process and Evaluation Parameters
The selection process for the SURE Internship 2026 will be conducted in two rigorous stages:
- Preliminary Screening: Initial evaluation of applications based on eligibility and academic credentials
- Online Interview: Conducted department-wise or mentor-wise, as decided by the concerned department
During the evaluation, significant importance will be given to:
- Consistent academic performance throughout the candidate's educational journey
- Co-curricular and extracurricular achievements that demonstrate well-rounded development
- Participation in prestigious competitions such as Olympiads and the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
- Performance in the online interview, which will assess research aptitude and compatibility with potential mentors
Result Announcement and Final Decisions
Selected candidates will be informed through official email communication. The final selection list will also be published on the IIT Hyderabad Student Research Cell (SRC) office webpage for transparency. Candidates who are not selected will not receive separate communication, and the decision of IIT Hyderabad authorities regarding selection will be considered final. The institute has stated that no requests or correspondence related to selection will be entertained, underscoring the impartiality and rigor of the selection process.
This initiative by IIT Hyderabad represents a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain valuable experience and contribute to innovative projects in a world-class academic environment.
