IIT Kanpur RISE Winter Internship 2026: Applications Closed

IIT Kanpur RISE Winter Internship 2026: Quick Facts

What Is IITK-RISE?

RISE is IIT Kanpur’s international research internship programme for meritorious foreign students. Participants work on research problems under the mentorship of IIT Kanpur faculty.

The programme has two modules:

• Winter Internship: 4-week virtual internship in December.
• Summer Internship: 6–8-week in-person internship at IIT Kanpur between May and July.

Eligibility

Applicants should:

• be non-Indian nationals;
• be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at their home university;
• have a strong academic record and interest in research;
• have at least one semester remaining after completion of the internship;
• meet the eligibility requirements of the selected project; and
• be comfortable communicating in English.

Research Projects and Faculty Choices

IIT Kanpur publishes a current list of faculty projects for each RISE call. Applicants should review that list before submitting the form.

For Winter 2026:

• each student may apply to a maximum of two projects;
• project-specific academic or technical criteria may apply;
• only one application should be submitted per student; and
• multiple applications may be rejected.

Documents Required

The RISE application package includes:

• Statement of Purpose — maximum 400 words;
• updated CV;
• official academic transcripts / records from the home university;
• proof of nationality;
• Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor; and
• passport-size photograph.

2026 Application Process (Closed)

1. Open the official IITK-RISE page.
2. Download/review the current Winter 2026 application guide and project list.
3. Select up to two suitable projects.
4. Prepare the required SOP, CV, transcripts, nationality proof, recommendation letter and photograph.
5. Complete the designated RISE online application form.
6. Submit only once and review the application carefully before final submission.
7. Submit before 7 October 2026.

Selection Process

IIT Kanpur states that selection may consider:

• academic record;
• CV;
• Statement of Purpose;
• recommendation letter;
• project-specific requirements; and
• faculty interview or additional screening, where required.

Final selections are communicated through IIT Kanpur’s Office of International Relations.

Stipend, Certificate and Technical Requirement

The Winter 2026 RISE internship is virtual and does not provide a stipend.

Participants are expected to have access to reliable high-speed internet for online interaction with IIT Kanpur faculty.

Students who complete the internship satisfactorily receive a certificate of completion. IIT Kanpur also states that successful Winter Internship participants may receive preference in the subsequent Summer 2027 internship selection.

Winter RISE vs Summer RISE

If You Are an Indian Student

RISE is not the appropriate IIT Kanpur internship route for Indian nationals. IIT Kanpur also operates separate research internship programmes such as SARIP and SURGE, which have their own eligibility, timelines and application systems.

Indian applicants should check those programmes separately rather than applying to IITK-RISE.

CareerAidHub Application Guidance

The following is CareerAidHub guidance, not additional IIT Kanpur eligibility criteria.

• Choose projects strategically: use your two choices for projects that clearly fit your coursework, methods or prior projects.
• Use the 400-word SOP efficiently: explain research interest, relevant preparation, project fit and what you hope to contribute.
• Make the recommendation relevant: a referee who can comment on academic or research ability is more useful than a generic character reference.
• Show evidence: mention relevant coding, laboratory work, design projects, coursework or publications where directly applicable.
• Prepare for an online interview: faculty may use interviews or additional screening before selection.