If you are an engineering or science student, two of India’s most prestigious research opportunities are open right now. The IIT Madras Summer Fellowship and the ISRO (VSSC) Internship 2026 are accepting applications.
However, there is a catch: The IIT Madras portal closes in less than 96 hours. If you want a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 or the chance to work at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, here is exactly how to apply without getting rejected.
IIT Madras Summer Fellowship 2026 (Non-IIT Students)
This is a 2-month, on-campus research program. It is highly competitive because it includes a formal stipend and a chance to work with world-class faculty.
| Detail | Information |
| Application Deadline | March 2, 2026 (5:00 PM IST) |
| Internship Period | May 18 – July 17, 2026 |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹15,000 (Total ₹30,000) |
| Who Can Apply? | 3rd Year B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc or 1st Year M.Sc/M.A/MBA |
| Registration Link | Official IITM SSP Portal |
🛑 The “IITM” Rejection Trap:
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No IIT Students: If you are currently studying at any IIT, you are not eligible. This is specifically for external university students.
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The “5 PM” Rule: Many students fail because they assume the deadline is midnight. It is exactly 5:00 PM IST on March 2nd.
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Bonafide Template: You MUST use the Official IITM Bonafide Template. Standard college letters often lead to immediate disqualification.
ISRO (VSSC) Internship 2026: Slot INT-07
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram has opened its internship window for the Summer 2026 slot. Unlike IITM, this is an on-site, project-based role.
| Detail | Information |
| Application Window | Feb 16 – March 16, 2026 |
| Internship Period | May 1 – July 31, 2026 |
| Minimum Marks | 60% Aggregate or 6.32 CGPA |
| Disciplines | Aero, Mech, CSE, ECE, Physics, Chemistry |
| Direct Link | VSSC Recruitment Portal |
🚀 ISRO Selection “Hacks”:
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The 4th Semester Rule: UG students must have completed at least 4 semesters at the time of application.
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Consolidated PDF: ISRO requires all mark sheets and your NOC (No Objection Certificate) to be merged into a single PDF (Max 5MB).
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No Stipend: ISRO internships are generally unpaid. You are there for the lab access and the mentorship of ISRO scientists.
How to Write a Winning “Statement of Purpose” (SOP)
Both IITM and ISRO require a brief write-up. To rank in the top 5% of applicants, follow this human structure:
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The Hook: Mention a specific research paper from an IITM professor or a recent ISRO mission (like the latest START 2026 theme).
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The Skillset: Don’t just list tools. Explain how you’ll use Python, MATLAB, or CFD for their specific lab.
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The Research Goal: These institutions prefer students who intend to pursue a PhD or an R&D career rather than those just looking for a “CV filler.”
Troubleshooting: Portal Errors
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Payment Failures (IITM): The ₹100 fee often gets stuck. Use UPI for the highest success rate.
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“No Record Found” (ISRO): Ensure your university is recognized in the dropdown. If not, select “Others” and manually enter the AICTE/UGC code.
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PDF Size: If your consolidated transcript is over 2MB, use a PDF compressor before uploading.
FAQ: Common Student Queries
Q: Can I apply for both?
A: Yes, but since the dates overlap (May/June), you will have to choose one if selected for both.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: IIT Madras provides hostel/mess on a payment basis (subject to availability). ISRO VSSC generally requires you to find your own accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram.