SURGE 2026 – Eligibility & Application Details
The SURGE 2026 program is offered in three categories. Please read the relevant category carefully before applying.
Category 1: SURGE for SAARC Countries (Nepal & Bhutan)
The SURGE program is open to undergraduate students from SAARC countries, specifically Nepal and Bhutan.
Eligibility (at the time of internship)
- B.Tech / B.E. / B.Arch / BS – Students who are in 3rd year
- Five-year Dual Degree programs – Students who are in 3rd year
- B.Sc / B.A. – Students who are in 2nd year
- Minimum CPI: 6.0 (60%)
- CPI up to the last completed semester, as available at the time of application, will be taken into consideration.
Documents to Keep Ready (for online application)
- Recent passport-size photograph (.jpg)
Single PDF file containing all the required documents
- Transcript(s) / Marksheet(s) supporting the cumulative CPI obtained.
- Research proposal (not more than 500 words).
- Recommendation Letter – I (from a faculty member of the applicant’s institute)
- Recommendation Letter – II (from a faculty member of the applicant’s institute)
Notes on Recommendation Letters
- No fixed format is prescribed.
- Letters should be on the applicant’s Institute letterhead or the concerned faculty member’s letterhead, and must be duly signed.
- The SURGE Office may directly contact the recommenders for verification of recommendation letters.
- Recommendation letters should be addressed to:
Professor In-Charge, Office of Outreach Activities, IIT Kanpur
Violation of the above rules may result in the rejection of the application..
Category 2: SURGE for Non-IIT Kanpur Indian Students
This category is open to Indian students from institutions other than IIT Kanpur.
Eligibility (at the time of internship)
- B.Tech / B.E. / B.Arch / BS – Students who are in 3rd year
- Five-year Dual Degree programs – Students who are in 3rd year
- B.Sc / B.A. – Students who are in 2nd year
- Minimum CPI: 6.0 (60%)
- CPI up to the last completed semester, as available at the time of application, will be taken into consideration.
Documents to Keep Ready (for online application)
- Recent passport-size photograph (.jpg)
Single PDF file containing all the required documents
- Transcript(s) / Marksheet(s) supporting the cumulative CPI obtained.
- Research proposal (not more than 500 words)
- Recommendation Letter – I (from a faculty member of the applicant’s institute)
- Recommendation Letter – II (from a faculty member of the applicant’s institute)
Notes on Recommendation Letters
- No fixed format is prescribed.
- Letters should be on the applicant’s Institute letterhead or the concerned faculty member’s letterhead, and must be duly signed.
- The SURGE Office may directly contact the recommenders for verification of recommendation letters.
- Recommendation letters should be addressed to:
Professor In-Charge, Office of Outreach Activities, IIT Kanpur
Violation of the above rules may result in the rejection of the application.
Category 3: SURGE for IIT Kanpur (IITK) Students
This category is exclusively for IIT Kanpur students.
Eligibility (at the time of internship)
- B.Tech / BS – Students who are in 3rd year
- Five-year Dual Degree – Students who are in 3rd year
- IIT Kanpur 2nd-year degree students may also be considered
- Minimum CPI: 5.5
- CPI up to the last completed semester, as available at the time of application, will be taken into consideration.
Documents to Keep Ready (for online application)
- Recent passport-size photograph (.jpg)
Single PDF file containing all the required documents
- Transcript(s) / Marksheet(s) supporting the cumulative CPI obtained.
- Research proposal (not more than 500 words)
Important Notes
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is not required for IITK participants. However, the names of two potential referees (IITK faculty) must be provided in the application form.
- IITK participants are not permitted to undertake a Summer Course and a SURGE 2026 Project simultaneously.
- Exception: Students with CPI ≥ 8.5 may undertake one Summer Course along with the SURGE 2026 project.
Violation of the above rules may result in the rejection of the application.