The Students–Undergraduate Research Graduate Excellence (SURGE) Program 2026 is a prestigious summer research internship offered by IIT Kanpur. Designed to provide undergraduate students with early exposure to high-quality research, the SURGE program allows participants to work closely with IIT Kanpur faculty and experience the institute’s academic and research environment.

Running under the Office of Outreach Activities (OOA), IIT Kanpur, SURGE has been nurturing young researchers since its launch in 2006 and continues to be one of the most sought-after summer research programs in India.

About the SURGE Program

The SURGE Program was inaugurated on 8 May 2006 by Prof. Sanjay G. Dhande, former Director of IIT Kanpur. Since its inception, the program has steadily expanded, offering increasing numbers of students the opportunity to explore research across engineering, science, and interdisciplinary domains.

The program is designed to:

• Introduce undergraduate students to academic research

• Encourage research-oriented thinking

• Provide mentorship from IIT Kanpur faculty

• Help students evaluate research as a potential career path

SURGE 2026 Internship Duration

• Tentative Dates: May 11, 2026 – July 10, 2026

• Duration: Approximately 8 weeks

Students are expected to commit to the full duration of the internship.

Important Dates (SURGE 2026)

• Advertisement Release: January 28, 2026

• Online Registration Opens: February 02, 2026 (4:00 PM)

• Online Registration Closes: February 22, 2026

• Administrative Fee Payment Window: March 23 – March 29, 2026

⚠️ Applications are accepted only through the official online portal within the specified timeline.

Who Can Apply for SURGE 2026?

The SURGE program is open to undergraduate students under the following categories:

1. Non-IIT Kanpur Indian Students

A limited number of undergraduate students from top engineering institutions across India are selected under this category. This track allows non-IITK students to:

• Explore research at a premier institute

• Experience IIT Kanpur’s academic culture

• Work under the guidance of IITK faculty

2. IIT Kanpur Undergraduate Students

IIT Kanpur UG students can apply to work with a faculty mentor of their choice during the summer.
To complete the application, students must obtain prior consent from a faculty member who agrees to mentor them during the internship period.

3. International Students (Nepal & Bhutan)

The SURGE program is also open to undergraduate students from Nepal and Bhutan.

• A maximum of 4 students (combined from Nepal and Bhutan) may be selected for SURGE 2026.

Why Should Students Apply for SURGE?

The SURGE Program offers students the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on research experience

• Work at one of India’s top technical institutes

• Build strong academic and research profiles

• Receive mentorship from experienced faculty

• Prepare for higher studies (M.Tech., MS, PhD)

For students aiming to pursue research-oriented careers, SURGE serves as a strong foundation and a valuable addition to their academic journey.

Final Note for Applicants

SURGE is a highly competitive program, and early preparation is key. Students are advised to:

• Track the application dates carefully

• Review eligibility requirements thoroughly

• Prepare a strong academic and research profile