The Students-Undergraduate Research Graduate Excellence (SURGE) Program is a prestigious summer research internship offered by IIT Kanpur. Conducted under the Office of Outreach Activities (OOA), IIT Kanpur, the program is designed to cultivate a strong research mindset and encourage interdisciplinary learning among undergraduate students across India.
Since its launch on 8 May 2006 by Professor Sanjay G. Dhande, SURGE has evolved into one of IIT Kanpur’s flagship academic outreach initiatives. Over the years, it has provided thousands of students with hands-on research exposure, mentorship from IIT Kanpur faculty, and an opportunity to work on real-world research problems.
Overview of the SURGE Program
SURGE offers undergraduate students a hands-on research experience in their chosen technical fields. It encourages innovation, collaboration between students and faculty, and practical implementation of research ideas. Over the years, several projects from this program have been recognized in international journals and conferences.
- Program Duration: Approximately 8 weeks
- Tentative Schedule: Starts in the 2nd week of May and ends by the 2nd week of July annually
- Participants: Undergraduate students from IIT Kanpur, other Indian universities, and SAARC countries
Objectives of the Program
The SURGE program aims to:
- Develop a culture of research among undergraduate students
- Provide opportunities for student-faculty collaboration
- Offer practical exposure to real-world research problems
- Encourage innovation and provide a platform for presenting new ideas
- Motivate participants to consider research as a career path
Eligibility Criteria
Students interested in applying for SURGE 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an undergraduate student in engineering, science, or allied disciplines
- Open to students from IIT Kanpur, other Indian universities, and SAARC countries
- A strong academic record and interest in research are preferred
- Prior research experience is beneficial but not mandatory
Application Process
The application for SURGE is straightforward and fully online. Students should follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Access the application portal through IIT Kanpur’s Outreach Activities page
- Register an Account: Provide valid personal and academic details ( Click here to Register)
- Fill the Application Form: Include details like:
- Educational background and grades
- Research interests and preferred faculty/project areas
- Statement of purpose highlighting motivation and previous research work
- Submit Required Documents: Upload transcripts, recommendation letters (if any), and other necessary certificates
- Review and Submit: Double-check all entries before final submission
Selection Process
The selection is competitive and generally based on:
- Academic performance and research potential
- Alignment of research interests with available projects
- Statement of purpose and motivation for participating
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or discussions with faculty mentors.
Program Structure and Research Experience
Selected participants will:
- Work under the guidance of faculty mentors on ongoing or proposed research projects
- Attend workshops, seminars, and lab sessions for skill development
- Present progress through mid-term and final project reports
- Gain exposure to interdisciplinary research and collaborative problem-solving
Awards and Recognition
SURGE encourages competition and excellence by recognizing outstanding contributions. Awards include:
- Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Verkey Cherian Award for Best Poster and Best Project
- Best Project Award for Engineering disciplines
- Best Project Award for Sciences
These accolades not only add value to a student’s academic portfolio but can also aid in future research and career opportunities.
Stipend and Benefits
While the SURGE program primarily focuses on learning and research exposure, participants may receive a stipend to cover living and incidental expenses during the 8-week period. Exact details are announced each year by IIT Kanpur.
Important Deadlines for SURGE 2026
- Application Opening: Tentatively February/March 2026
- Application Closing: Usually end of March/early April
- Selection Announcement: April 2026
- Program Duration: 2nd week of May – 2nd week of July 2026
Note: Dates are indicative and may vary slightly each year. Candidates should check the official website for final schedules.
Key Highlights
- Opportunity to work with IIT Kanpur faculty on cutting-edge research
- Exposure to international research standards and publications
- Encouragement of innovation and practical implementation
- Platform to network with students from India and SAARC countries
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define your research interests and goals
- Highlight any prior research projects, internships, or competitions
- Craft a well-written statement of purpose
- Ensure all documents are complete and correctly uploaded
- Apply before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues