CORE PILLAR
Learn How Research Works
RISE is not just about learning concepts; it is about understanding how questions are asked, explored, and answered.
RISE — Research Internship for School Students
First experience of real scientific research
Duration
6 Weeks
16 May – 26 June 2026
Cohort Capacity
50 Students
Class X/XI completed
Overview
RISE is a research internship for highly motivated school students, offering early exposure to how new knowledge is created through scientific inquiry. Students work on real research problems under faculty mentorship, gaining hands-on experience in modern science and engineering while learning how questions are asked, explored, and answered.
Eligibility
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Students who have completed Class 10 or 11
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Strong academic foundation and curiosity
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Interest in science, technology, and research
Important dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 5 Apr 2026 |
| Applications Close | 18 Apr 2026 |
| Results | Results announced on 28 April 2026. Selected candidates have been notified. |
| Program dates | 16 May – 26 June 2026 |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
Fellowship support
- Stipend: ₹5,000 for the full six-week duration.
- Accommodation: Covered under the KRITI scheme in IIT Kharagpur hostels.
- Meals: Provided for the entire program duration.
You also get access to labs, learning resources, and other facilities as needed for your research.
Program Structure
Week 1 introduces exciting new topics and essential research skills. In Weeks 2–6, you work on a guided research project, from understanding the problem to experiments and final presentation.
Weekly seminars
Multidisciplinary sessions throughout the program to widen perspective beyond your project focus.
Final deliverables
Prepare a report and present your work to faculty and peers, sharing what you learned and explored.
Certificates and opportunities
Earn an IIT Kharagpur certificate on completion. Outstanding work may lead to competitions and more opportunities in science and technology.
Research arc
The first week introduces key ideas and research skills. The following weeks focus on a guided project in the lab with your mentor.
01. Week 1 — Foundation & Research Orientation
Exposure to frontier areas (e.g. AI, quantum science, astrophysics) combined with core skills: scientific reasoning, literature review, question framing, and data analysis.
Frontier
AI, quantum science & astrophysics
Reasoning
Scientific reasoning & literature review
Methods
Question framing & data analysis
02. Weeks 2–6 · Laboratory & project work
Work on open-ended research problems under guidance from faculty and research groups.
Problem understanding
Tools and methods
Experimentation and analysis
Refinement and insights
Final report and presentation
What You'll Gain
First research experience
A clear introduction to how research questions are framed, tested, and shared, along with exposure to new and exciting scientific ideas.
Expert mentorship
Receive mentorship from IIT Kharagpur faculty and researchers, develop early ideas or prototypes, and strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills.
Fully funded stay
Stipend, hostel accommodation, and meals are provided for the entire program duration. See Fellowship support for details.
Certificate & presentation
Receive an IIT Kharagpur KRITI certificate and present your project at the end of the program.
Application & selection
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Stage 1: Shortlisting
Shortlisting based on academic records and your application materials.
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Stage 2: Interviews
Interview of shortlisted candidates before final offers.
The same application form is used for both RISE and i-KITES. You indicate which program(s) you are applying for when you apply.
FAQs
Q: Is the program fully funded?
A: Yes, the program provides accommodation and meals, along with a stipend for selected students.
Q: Do I need prior technical or coding experience?
A: No prior experience is required. The program is designed to build fundamentals from the ground up.
Q: What kind of projects will I work on?
A: Students will work on real, open-ended research problems across domains such as AI, physics, biology, and engineering.
Q: Will I receive a certificate?
A: Yes, all participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from IIT Kharagpur.
Q: Can my project lead to competitions or further outcomes?
A: In exceptional cases, promising projects may evolve into competition entries. Such work may further lead to intellectual property outcomes, including patent filing or copyright.
Q: Is attendance mandatory for all six weeks?
A: Yes, this is a full-time residential program, and active participation throughout the six weeks is required.
Q: How many students are selected?
A: Approximately 50 students are selected through a competitive nationwide process.
Q: If my grades are in letter format, what should I submit?
A: If letter grades are awarded, please provide the equivalent CGPA out of 10 or percentage.
Q: What if my CGPA is not out of 10?
A: If your CGPA is on a different scale, please convert it to a score out of 10 before submitting.
For complete terms, policies, and conditions regarding this program, please Click here for more info.