If you are a non-IIT student looking to boost your research profile, the IIT Madras Summer Fellowship Programme (SFP) 2026 is the “Golden Ticket.” This two-month, stipend-based internship is designed to immerse high-performing students in the world-class research ecosystem of IITM.
But beware: The 2026 deadline is closer than you think, and the application portal has specific “quirks” that lead to hundreds of rejections every year. Here is everything you need to know to get selected.
Important Dates for 2026
Do not miss the 5:00 PM cutoff. Most students fail because they assume “Deadline: March 2” means midnight. At IIT Madras, it means the end of the working day.
| Milestone | Date / Deadline |
| Application Portal Opens | February 2, 2026 |
| Final Deadline to Apply | March 2, 2026 (5:00 PM IST) |
| Fellowship Duration | May 18, 2026 – July 17, 2026 |
| Duration | Exactly 2 Months |
Stipend & Benefits: What’s in it for you?
The IITM fellowship is prestigious, and it comes with financial support to cover your stay:
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Monthly Stipend: ₹15,000 per month (Total ₹30,000 for the program).
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Accommodation: Available on a paid basis in the IITM hostels (subject to availability).
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Certificate: A formal research certificate from IIT Madras, signed by the Dean.
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Research Exposure: Work directly with faculty on projects like Data-Driven Solid Mechanics or AI in Net Zero.
Eligibility: Are you qualified?
Strict Rule: This fellowship is only for Non-IIT students. If you study at any IIT, you are not eligible.
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UG Students: 3rd year of B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. (Engg) or 3rd year of a 3-year B.Sc. (must have Physics, Chemistry, and Math).
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Integrated/Dual Degree: 3rd or 4th year of M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc.
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PG Students: 1st year of M.Sc./M.A./MBA.
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Academic Record: “Outstanding” performance is required—meaning high university ranks, Olympiad scores, or notable projects.
How to Apply: The “No-Error” Checklist
Follow these steps on the Official IITM SFP Portal before the portal closes.
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Register: Use a working email; all selection letters are sent via email.
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Bonafide Certificate: Download the IITM template and get it signed by your HOD/Principal. Don’t use your own college’s generic letter.
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Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a one-page PDF. Focus on your specific interest—e.g., “Why I want to work on EHD modelling with Prof. Vengadesan.”
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Consolidated Marksheet: Merge all your semester marksheets (from 10th grade onwards) into one single PDF under 2MB.
Pro-Tip for 2026: IITM has a new Medical Science and Technology department. If you are a Biotech or Bio-Engg student, applying here might have slightly less competition than the saturated CS/Data Science branches.
Participating Departments (Where can you work?)
You can apply to a wide range of departments across three main schools:
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Engineering: Aerospace, Biotech, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science (CSE), Data Science & AI, Electrical, Mechanical, Ocean Engg.
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Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
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Others: Humanities & Social Sciences, Management Studies (MBA).
6. Ranking #1: Insider Tips for Selection
Based on successful applicants from 2024 and 2025, the committee looks for these three things:
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The “Math” Edge: Mention any ranks in Mathematics Olympiads or high scores in quantitative subjects.
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Paper Presentations: If you have presented a paper at a seminar, include the title in your CV section.
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No Self-Plagiarism: If you copy your SOP from ChatGPT without editing it to reflect your personal work, you will likely be filtered out. The faculty looks for original research interest.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: Can I work remotely?
A: No. This is a fully on-campus, residential fellowship.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, a non-refundable fee of ₹100 is required.
Q: When will the results be announced?
A: Shortlisted candidates are typically notified via email by late April 2026.