FOSSEE Summer Fellowship: IIT Bombay Open-Source Projects

If you enjoy building things with open-source tools, this one deserves your attention.

Applications for the FOSSEE Summer Fellowship 2026 closed on April 13, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. This program gives students a chance to work closely with the team at IIT Bombay on real FLOSS projects. The program runs for around two months and follows a hybrid format, meaning you can participate remotely or work directly from the IIT Bombay campus if hostel accommodation is available.

The selection process does not rely on resumes or CGPA alone. You must complete a small screening task related to your chosen project. Mentors evaluate that task.

While applications for the 2026 cycle are closed, you can use this time to review the eligibility criteria and project types. Prepare any necessary documents or skills so you are ready when the next application window opens.

Program FOSSEE Summer Fellowship
Host Institution | IIT Bombay
Mode | Hybrid (Remote or on-campus)
Duration | 15 May to 15 July (tentative)
Registration Start | 27 March (closed)
Last Date to Submit Screening Task | 13 April (closed)
Result Announcement | 20 April (passed)
Stipend | No honorarium
Perks | Certificate, IIT Bombay mentorship, open-source contribution

If you're browsing multiple options for the season, you might also want to check our complete guide to Summer Internships 2026. Several government labs and IITs are still accepting applications.

What is the FOSSEE Summer Fellowship?

The FOSSEE Summer Fellowship is part of the Free/Libre and Open Source Software for Education (FOSSEE) initiative at IIT Bombay. The project operates under the National Mission on Education through ICT, supported by the Ministry of Education.

The main idea is simple. It encourages students to contribute to open-source software that can replace expensive proprietary tools used in education and research.

Selected fellows spend roughly 1.5 to 2 months working with the FOSSEE team on technical or creative tasks related to FLOSS tools such as Scilab, Python, OpenFOAM, DWSIM, OpenModelica, and more.

Students can work remotely. If you prefer an in-person experience, the program allows fellows to come to the IIT Bombay campus depending on hostel availability.

Getting even a short project experience connected to IIT Bombay can make a noticeable difference on a student resume.

FOSSEE Summer Fellowship Eligibility

The eligibility is simple compared to many research internships.

You do not need recommendation letters or complicated application packets. Instead, the focus is on your ability to complete a small project task.

• Students interested in open-source software and research tools
• Applicants willing to learn a FLOSS tool relevant to the project
• Anyone able to complete at least one screening task
• Participants who can commit to the minimum fellowship duration (around 1.5 months)

While the fellowship primarily targets students, the registration form also allows faculty members or professionals to apply depending on the project requirements.

If you're exploring more IIT-based programs, take a look at the IIT Internships 2026 guide. Many institutes open their applications around the same time.

Available Projects in FOSSEE Summer Fellowship

The fellowship offers multiple project tracks. Each track comes with its own screening task.

You only need to complete one task to be considered, though you can attempt multiple if you're interested.

• eSim: Tasks related to electronics simulation or software development.
• Scilab Control System Toolbox: Implementing Scilab functions similar to those in Octave.
• Scilab Image Processing Toolbox: Building functions for image processing applications.
• Scilab Case Studies: Reproducing results from research papers using Scilab.
• OpenFOAM: Fluid mechanics or heat transfer simulation tasks.
• FOCAL: Design and animation tasks such as infographic creation, book covers, or animated explainers.
• Osdag: Civil and structural engineering modules, bridge modeling, and software development tasks.
• DWSIM: Chemical process simulation tasks including Python automation and machine learning modeling.
• OpenModelica: Chemical process simulation libraries or desktop applications built with Python and PyQt.

The diversity here is interesting. You will see engineering simulation, coding, UI development, and even design and animation tasks.

So even if you're not a hardcore programmer, there may still be a relevant track.

FOSSEE Summer Fellowship Duration and Mode

The fellowship runs for roughly two months.

• Start date: 15 May (tentative)
• End date: 15 July (tentative)

The engagement mode is flexible:

• Remote participation
• Physical participation at IIT Bombay (subject to hostel availability)
• Full-time or part-time engagement depending on the project

However, there is one strict rule. If you fail to complete the minimum fellowship duration, the program will not count your participation.

FOSSEE Summer Fellowship Stipend and Benefits

No, the fellowship does not offer a stipend.

The organizers clearly mention that due to funding constraints they cannot provide an honorarium. That said, the program still comes with a few useful benefits.

• Opportunity to work with IIT Bombay faculty and mentors
• Official FOSSEE Summer Fellowship certificate
• Recognition on the FOSSEE website
• Hands-on open source contribution
• Possible hostel accommodation if you work on campus

For students interested in research or open-source development, the experience itself can be valuable.

If you prefer internships with stipends, you might also want to explore programs like the IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship 2026 or the IIRS ISRO Internship 2026, both of which attract a large number of applicants every year.

How to Apply for FOSSEE Summer Fellowship

The application process is straightforward but slightly different from typical internship portals.

You must complete a screening task first.

1. Choose a Project
   Visit the fellowship page and select one project that interests you, such as OpenFOAM, Scilab toolbox development, or Osdag.
2. Review the Screening Task
   Each project provides a screening task description. These tasks usually involve programming, simulation, design work, or data collection.
3. Complete the Task
   Finish at least one screening task. Most tasks are designed to be completed within one or two weeks.
4. Submit the Application Form
   Fill out the official application form and provide your personal, academic, and project details.
5. Evaluation by Mentors
   Experts from the FOSSEE team will review your submitted task and decide the shortlist.
6. Wait for Results
   Selected candidates for the 2026 cycle were announced on April 20, 2026.

One tip: submit your screening task well before the deadline. Waiting until the last day rarely ends well.

Important Rules for Selected Fellows

The program has a few strict guidelines.

• Work will be assessed weekly based on quality and quantity.
• If performance is unsatisfactory, the fellowship may be withdrawn.
• All submitted work will be released as open source.
• Plagiarism checks are conducted on screening tasks.
• If multiple students submit identical work, all will be disqualified.

AI tools can be used to enhance your work, but the core task must be your own.

Important Dates

• Registration opened: 27 March 2026 (closed)
• Last date to submit screening task: 13 April 2026 (closed)
• Results announcement: 20 April 2026 (passed)
• Internship begins: 15 May (tentative)
• Internship ends: 15 July (tentative)

The next application cycle is expected around March/April next year. If you want to explore more active openings, you can always browse all opportunities on Talentd.