IIT Bombay Research Internship in Urban Transport Data and AI/ML

The Indian Institute of Technology (IITB) Bombay offered a unique 6-month internship opportunity for students interested in real-time data integration, AI/ML, and urban transport systems. This research-focused internship revolved around building a powerful tool to analyze and integrate multi-source transport data in real time, aimed at improving urban mobility and decision-making systems.

Applications for the 2025 cycle closed on June 2, 2025. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. While waiting, review the eligibility criteria and prepare your documents so you are ready when applications open again.

About the Internship

This internship project focused on the fusion of multi-modal data sources like GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, CDRs, CCTV, and GTFS feeds into a unified, actionable platform. The selected interns actively participated in developing data pipelines, applying machine learning techniques, and generating interactive dashboards for intelligent urban transport modeling.

Key Objectives of the Project

• Merge and process transport data from multiple digital channels in real-time
• Implement AI/ML models for traffic pattern analysis and demand prediction
• Contribute to transport planning using the Four-Step Travel Demand Model
• Build scalable dashboards and visualization tools for public mobility planning

This is a research-intensive position under the guidance of IIT Bombay professors, Prof. Archak Mittal and Prof. Avijit Maji.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to passionate individuals from academic backgrounds related to transportation systems and data science. Here's the eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification:

• Final-year Undergraduate (B.Tech/B.E.) students
• Postgraduate (M.Tech/M.E.) students
• Early-stage PhD scholars

Eligible Disciplines:

• Transportation Engineering / Planning
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Urban Planning
• Civil Engineering or similar disciplines

Skill Requirements

While this internship will provide significant learning exposure, candidates with prior knowledge in the following areas will be preferred:

• Programming: Python, SQL
• APIs and Data Access: REST APIs, Web scraping
• Geospatial Analysis: GIS, QGIS, PostGIS
• ML Libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
• Visualization: Dash, Plotly, D3.js
• Big Data Tools: Spark (optional)

Internship Details

• Location: IIT Bombay Campus or Remote (Flexible work mode)
• Duration: 6 Months
• Start Date: Tentatively from June/July 2025
• Stipend: Up to ₹20,000/month (based on experience and skill level)
• Mode: Research internship (non-credit), can lead to co-authored papers or project recognition

Application Timeline & Deadline

Applications for the 2025 cycle closed on June 2, 2025. Shortlisting and interviews took place in early June 2025. The internship began in mid to late June 2025. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

Shortlisted candidates were contacted via email for an interview round.

Documents Required

Before starting the application, ensure you have the following documents and details ready:

1. Updated Resume/CV (PDF, max 10MB)
2. Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Highlighting your motivation and suitability (100–150 words)
3. Details of Educational Background (Institution, Degree, Year)
4. Technical Skillset & Experience Summary
5. Optional: Portfolio links, GitHub repositories, or project code samples

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form

Head to the official https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfi4e7zqfLBXFEmPoVhi5Woz8uHAe4V0Lu3ORLY0QHgy8rcg/viewform

and begin by entering your personal and academic details.

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

Make sure to upload your Resume and SOP. The form also allows you to attach supporting files like GitHub links, code samples, or a technical portfolio.

Step 3: Submit and Wait for Confirmation

Once you’ve completed the form, submit it. Shortlisted applicants received an email invitation for an interview conducted by the project leads.

Why Choose This Internship?

This is more than just an academic internship — it’s an opportunity to:

• Collaborate with experts from one of India’s top institutions
• Work on real-world urban mobility problems
• Gain exposure to AI/ML tools in transport systems
• Enhance your profile for higher studies or jobs in intelligent transportation systems