IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship: Cycle Closed, Prepare for Next Year

Want to spend your summer doing real research at IIT Delhi? This fellowship can place you directly inside an IIT Delhi research lab for eight weeks.

The IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship is designed for high‑performing undergraduate and M.Tech/M.E. students from other institutes. If you're among the top ranks in your branch, this is a strong opportunity.

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on April 3, 2026. The next cycle is expected to open around March 2027. Now is the time to review the eligibility criteria and gather your required documents. Being prepared will help you apply quickly when the next cycle opens.

Program IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship
| Host Institute  | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
| Duration  | 8 Weeks
| Fellowship Period  | 13 May – 13 July (approximate)
| Stipend  | ₹2,000 per week
| Travel Support  | Train sleeper class travel reimbursement
| Accommodation  | Hostel stay with boarding and lodging at IIT Delhi
| Application Dates  | March – April (approximate, annually)
| Selection List  | First week of May (approximate, annually)

If you're exploring similar research programs across IITs, you might also want to check the IIT Roorkee SPARK Internship and the IIT Mandi Summer Internship. Both are popular among engineering students looking for serious research exposure.

IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship Eligibility

The eligibility rule here is strict. IIT Delhi only wants top performers.

To apply for the IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate students pursuing an engineering degree from institutes other than IIT Delhi
• Must have completed at least 2 years of study in their engineering program
• Must be among the top 10 ranks in the entire program or branch
• M.Tech / M.E students can also apply after completing the first semester
• M.Tech/M.E applicants must have at least 70% marks or 7.0 CGPA at the end of the first semester
• They must also be within the top ten ranks of their program

The rank requirement is non‑negotiable. You’ll need an official rank certificate signed by your institute.

₹2,000/Week Stipend and Support Details

The fellowship does provide a stipend, though it’s modest compared to some industry internships.

Selected students will receive:

• ₹2,000 per week fellowship
• Reimbursement of train travel (sleeper class) within India
• Free hostel accommodation at IIT Delhi
• Boarding and lodging during the stay

Students will be registered as visiting students at IIT Delhi during the fellowship period. The institute does not charge a registration fee for this program.

One thing many applicants miss: you must arrange personal insurance covering accidents and accidental death for the duration of your stay. The insurance cost has to be paid by the student.

Duration and Fellowship Timeline

The IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship runs during the institute's summer vacation.

• Program Duration: 8 weeks
• Fellowship Period: 13 May to 13 July (approximate, annually)
• Application Deadline: Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on April 3, 2026. The next cycle is expected around April next year.
• Selection Announcement: First week of May (approximate, annually)

Eight weeks might sound short, but in research terms it’s actually enough time to contribute meaningfully to a project, especially if you're working closely with a faculty mentor.

Students interested in more such opportunities can also explore our complete guide to IIT Internships or simply browse all opportunities on Talentd for the latest openings.

Documents Required for IIT Delhi SRFP

You’ll need a few documents ready before filling the application form. Upload formats and size limits are strictly defined.

• Photograph (JPG format)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your institute
• Rank Certificate confirming top‑10 position
• Consolidated Grade Card / Marksheet

You can download the official templates here:

• Download NOC Format
• Download Rank Certificate Format

The NOC (No Objection Certificate) must typically be signed by your institute’s head or authorized academic authority, confirming that your college allows you to participate in the program.

The Rank Certificate must clearly state your rank, total number of students in the branch, marks or CGPA obtained, and must be signed and stamped by the Head of the Institute or Controller of Examination.

How to Apply for IIT Delhi Summer Research Fellowship

The application process is fully online. Make sure you complete every step before the deadline because incomplete submissions are automatically rejected.

1. Register on the Application Portal
   Visit IIT Delhi Portal and Create a username and password using a valid email address. The system will also ask you to select a security question in case you forget your password later.
2. Login and Fill Personal Details
   Enter your full name, date of birth, gender, mailing address, and contact details exactly as they appear in your college records.
3. Enter College and Academic Information
   Select your institute name, program type, degree program, and specialization. You must also enter your CGPA or percentage and your official branch rank.
4. Choose Research Area
   Select the IIT Delhi department or center you are interested in. Then briefly mention your research topic keywords such as computer science, electronics, nanotechnology, etc.
5. Write Statement of Interest
   You will need to describe your research interest in up to 1000 characters. This is where you explain why you want to work on that topic.
6. Upload Required Documents
   Upload your photograph, NOC certificate, rank certificate, and consolidated marksheet in the specified formats.
7. Submit the Application
   Once submitted, the system generates a PDF copy of your application. Save this for future reference because you cannot edit the form after submission.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection

Competition is tight because only top-ranked students are eligible.

• Write a clear research interest statement. Avoid generic lines like “I love technology.” Mention specific topics.
• Choose departments aligned with your coursework. Faculty prefer students who already have a base in the subject.
• Highlight academic achievements. Awards, competitions, or research exposure help.
• Get documents early. Rank certificates often take time to obtain from the exam office.

The statement of interest is where many applicants lose points. A thoughtful paragraph showing curiosity about a research area can make a real difference.

If you're also considering research internships outside IITs, programs like the IISc CBRAIN Internship are worth checking as well.