IIT Delhi Launches Prestigious Summer Research Fellowship Programme for 2026
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has officially announced the commencement of applications for its highly anticipated Summer Research Fellowship Programme (SRFP) 2026. This initiative is designed to provide exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students from across India with a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and development projects under the direct supervision of IIT Delhi's distinguished faculty members.
Programme Overview and Key Dates
The SRFP 2026 is structured as an intensive eight-week research immersion programme, scheduled to run from May 13, 2026, to July 13, 2026. This period aligns perfectly with the institute's vacation schedule, allowing participants to dedicate themselves fully to research activities on the IIT Delhi campus. The online application portal is now active, with the submission deadline firmly set for April 3, 2026.
Selected candidates will be formally registered as visiting students at IIT Delhi for the duration of the fellowship. A significant advantage is that no registration fee will be charged by the institute, removing a potential financial barrier for talented students.
Comprehensive Financial and Logistical Support
IIT Delhi has outlined a robust support package to ensure participants can focus entirely on their research:
- Travel Allowance: The institute will cover domestic travel expenses by reimbursing sleeper-class train fare for journeys to and from the IIT Delhi campus.
- Accommodation and Boarding: Selected fellows will be provided with accommodation in institute hostels, inclusive of boarding and lodging facilities throughout their stay.
- Weekly Stipend: Each participant will receive a financial stipend of Rs. 2,000 per week to support incidental expenses.
It is important to note that participants are required to arrange their own insurance coverage for the fellowship period. This insurance must specifically include provisions for accidents and accidental death, with the associated costs being the responsibility of the student.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements
The programme targets high-achieving students from engineering institutes other than IIT Delhi. The eligibility requirements are stringent to ensure a cohort of top performers:
- Undergraduate Applicants: Must have completed at least two years of their engineering degree programme and be ranked among the top ten students in their respective discipline or branch.
- Postgraduate Applicants (M.Tech/M.E.): Must have completed a minimum of one semester, secured at least 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.00 on a ten-point scale, and also hold a rank within the top ten of their programme.
The application process mandates the submission of an online form accompanied by several supporting documents:
- A recent photograph
- Consolidated grade card or mark sheet
- Official rank certificate from the parent institution
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the applicant's home institute
Shortlisted candidates will be required to present the original versions of these documents upon joining the programme. The final list of selected fellows is expected to be announced by the first week of May 2026.
A Gateway to Advanced Research
The IIT Delhi SRFP represents a significant gateway for India's brightest engineering minds to experience world-class academic research. By working alongside leading faculty, fellows gain invaluable hands-on experience, potentially shaping their future academic and professional trajectories. This programme underscores IIT Delhi's commitment to fostering research talent and collaboration across India's educational landscape.
