Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has opened applications for the Research Internship in Science and Engineering (RISE) program for the 2025-26 cycle. This initiative allows foreign undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in research activities with faculty members at IITK.Selected participants will work on specific research problems under the supervision of an IITK faculty mentor. The program allows students to participate in an online winter internship or an in-person summer internship at the institute’s campus.This program is exclusively open to non-Indian nationals who are currently enrolled in bachelor’s or master’s programs in universities outside India. Applications for the current round should be submitted before 20 March 2026.Program structure and internship timelinesThe RISE program includes two internship tracks scheduled throughout the academic year. The winter internship is conducted online and runs from December 1 to December 31, 2025.Summer Internships are conducted offline at IIT Kanpur and last between six to eight weeks. It takes place between May 1 and July 31, 2026, as per the schedule agreed with the faculty mentors.The number of positions available varies between the two tracks. For winter internships, the number of participants depends on the availability of research positions with faculty members.For in-person summer internships, IITK will support up to 12 selected students.Eligibility requirements for applicantsApplicants should be non-Indian citizens and currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at their home university. Students must have at least one semester remaining in their academic program after completing the internship.Candidates are expected to have a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in research. They must also meet the requirements of the research project they choose from the published project list and be comfortable communicating in English.Additional requirements apply to summer internships. Undergraduate students must complete at least four semesters before the internship begins, while master’s students must complete at least two semesters.Financial support and expensesIndividually selected students for Summer Internship Program will be provided air-conditioned twin sharing room facility in the campus. Students will also get a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 during the internship program.Students will also get taxi pickup from Lucknow or Kanpur Airport.Students are also required to bear some expenses during the program, including travel expenses from their home countries to Lucknow or Kanpur airport, visa fees, health insurance, food, etc. Students selected for the Online Winter Internship Program must arrange for high-speed Internet connectivity on their own.Application Process and Required DocumentsWhen the application process is initiated, a list of available research projects is published on the Institute’s website. Students can apply for up to two projects by filling the Google form provided by RISE.The faculty reviews the application received by the students. Faculty can also conduct online interviews with students. Students are notified of the final selection by the Office of International Relations.Applicants must submit a statement of purpose of up to 400 words, a CV, official academic transcripts from their home university, proof of nationality, a letter of recommendation, and a passport-size photograph. Program related queries may be directed to the Office of International Relations at oir@iitk.ac.in.
