i-KITES – The STEM Journey

Discover science and engineering through hands-on learning

Duration

6 Weeks

16 May – 26 June 2026

Cohort Capacity

200 Students

Class X/XI completed

IIT Kharagpur campus

Overview

i-KITES is for students who have completed Class 10 or 11, bridging school learning with advanced science and engineering. It builds strong foundations in core subjects through hands-on work, connecting concepts to real-world situations.

Eligibility

  • Students who have completed Class 10 or 11

  • Strong academic foundation and curiosity

  • Interest in science, technology, and research

i-KITES

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.
  • Resources: access to labs, learning resources, and fabrication facilities as needed for your track.

Program Structure

A six-week residential journey with academic tracks and hands-on project work, culminating in a final showcase presentation at IIT Kharagpur.

Core pillar

Academic & project tracks

Parallel streams combine faculty-led coursework in mathematics, physics, and life sciences with hands-on project work. Projects follow the Idea → Design → Build → Test → Showcase cycle with mentor support throughout.

Weekly seminars

Multidisciplinary sessions throughout the program to widen perspective beyond your project focus.

Final showcase

The program closes with a formal presentation of projects to faculty and peers—celebrating what you designed and built.

Certificates and Opportunities

Earn an IIT Kharagpur certificate on completion. Outstanding work may lead to competitions and more opportunities in science and technology.

Academic Framework

The program is split into two rigorous streams designed to challenge conventional thinking and foster hands-on expertise.

01. Academic Track

Deep-dive theoretical foundations led by IIT Kharagpur faculty members and school teachers.

MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS, LIFE SCIENCES (Chemistry & Biology)

Computational and laboratory-based activities

Scientific writing and communication

Guest lectures by eminent scientists, technologists, and medical experts

02. Project Track

Examples of hands-on projects across diverse domains.

Drone Motion & Control

Physics & coding

Biology & Microscopic Systems

Genetics & lab experiments

3D Design & Fabrication

Design & 3D print components

Data Science & AI Basics

Visualizations & predictive models

Robotics & Automation

Build intelligent robotic systems

What You'll Gain

Expert Mentorship

Build strong foundations in core scientific concepts and receive mentorship from IIT Kharagpur faculty and experts.

Access to Labs

Use teaching labs and do-it-yourself innovation labs at IIT Kharagpur for projects and experiments.

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

Selection process

  1. Stage 1: Initial shortlisting

    Applications are reviewed and a pool of candidates is shortlisted on the basis of academic record and submitted materials.

  2. Stage 2: Candidate interviews

    Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews before final offers are made.

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 hands-on projects across domains such as robotics, AI, biology, design, and environmental systems.

Q: Will I receive a certificate?

A: Yes, 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: A limited number of 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.