How to Get an Internship at IIT? [Tips, Application Process and More]

An internship at one of the IITs can be a great chance for students across India. These internship opportunities can help you gain skills by offering you access to the best academic and research resources. Additionally, they also allow you to work with some of the most recognized professors and researchers. Resulting in securing job and professional growth opportunities in the future. If you’re looking to pursue an internship at an IIT, this blog is just what you need! We’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get an internship at an IIT. Along with that, we will also explore the eligibility criteria and the application process to secure an internship.

Importance of Internships for Engineering Students

Before learning how to get an internship at an IIT, it’s important to understand the benefits of doing an internship. Internships play quite an important part in the academic journey and career of students. They allow you to get an idea of working professionally. They do so by helping you deal with the practical use cases of the concepts you’ve been learning in your course. 

Moreover, internships at institutions like IITs can help you by setting yourself apart from the competition when applying for jobs or higher studies. But that’s not all—here are some more benefits of pursuing internships:

• Useful Experience: Internship gives you the opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world projects. You will also get to solve real-world problems and help get new solutions.
• Networking Opportunities: An internship allows you to work in a productive environment with professors and industry experts. These connections are very useful when you are looking for job opportunities in the future.
• Resume Boost: Internships at institutions like IIT help you improve your resume. This can help you in showing your efforts in learning and growth.
• Skill Development: They provide valuable experiences and help you gain industry-relevant skills. Sometimes you even get the opportunity to learn cross-field skills. 
• Research Opportunities: Interning gives you access to advanced projects that can be helpful in your higher studies. Additionally, you may receive recommendations from IIT professors, which can improve your chances of getting admitted to top institutions.

Eligibility Criteria for Internships at IITs

The eligibility for getting an internship at an IIT mainly depends on your course and the specific IIT you want to intern at. However, most internships share some common requirements. Here’s an overview of the typical eligibility criteria for applying to internships at IITs:

• A strong academic record is required, with most IITs expecting a CGPA of 8.0 or above.
• Internships are typically open to second or third-year undergraduate students, though master’s and PhD candidates may also apply based on project requirements.
• Students from various fields, including electronics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical sciences, are eligible to apply.
• Some internships accept basic academic qualifications, while others may require specific skills.
• Certain IIT internship programs may ask for a letter of recommendation from professors or industry professionals to verify your skills and knowledge.

Application Process for Internships at IITs

There are several ways to apply for an internship at an IIT, depending on the program and department. Some IITs have dedicated internship portals, while others may post openings on their official websites or partner with external platforms. Here are the different ways through which you can learn how to get an internship at an IIT:

1. Online Applications

Some IITs offer an online application process for internships. Each IIT has its own internship portal where you can submit your application. Here’s what you’ll typically need: 

• Resume: A well-structured resume highlighting your academic qualifications, skills, and projects.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): An SOP explaining your interest in the internship and how your skills align with the project or program.
• Academic Records: A record of your grades and courses. A high CGPA increases your chances of selection.
• Letters of Recommendation: Some programs, especially research internships, may require recommendations from your professors.

Pro Tip: Regularly check deadlines and prepare your documents in advance. Always review the official website of the IIT you’re applying to for specific requirements.

2. Direct Contact with Professors

Reaching out directly to a professor at an IIT can significantly improve your chances of landing an internship. It’s one of the most effective methods. For instance, if you’re passionate about machine learning, you can email a professor working in AI to request an internship. Here are some steps that you can follow to improve your chances of securing an internship with a professor at IIT: 

• Research the Department: Visit the website of the IIT you’re interested in. Browse the faculty profiles in the relevant department. Look for professors whose research aligns with your interests and career goals.
• Craft a Professional Email: After reviewing the faculty’s work, learn how to write a clear and concise email. In your message, express your interest in the professor’s research area. Explain how your skills can contribute to their project. Be sure to attach your CV, SOP, and any other necessary documents.
• Follow-up: If you don’t receive a response within a few weeks, send a polite follow-up email.

3. Enroll in the National Academy of Sciences Programs

Enrolling in programs offered by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS) and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) can give you a chance to apply for research internships at IITs. These internships are highly competitive but come with stipends and the opportunity to work closely with IIT professors on advanced research projects.

One popular option is the Summer Research Fellowship Program (SRFP), which allows you to apply for summer internships at IITs. The applications typically open in November, and selected students work on research projects that last 2-3 months.

4. Through Online Portals and Platforms

Another way, how to get an internship at an IIT is through job portals. Sometimes IITs post their internship opportunities on platforms like Internshala. The application process on these platforms is simpler and faster. You can apply for short-term internships or research assistant positions at IITs through them.

Types of Internships at IITs

Now that you know how to get an internship at an IIT, it’s important to explore the various internship opportunities available at different IIT institutions. This will help you in choosing an IIT internship program based on your career preferences. Let’s go through the types of internships available at a few specific top IITs:

1. IIT Bombay

IIT Bombay offers a popular summer internship program where students work on research projects. These projects are often in fields like electronics and materials engineering. Additionally, these programs last for about 6 to 8 weeks and are available for second and third-year undergraduates. Another well-known program that IIT Bombay offers is the Research Internship Awards, which provides interns with a stipend.

2. IIT Delhi

IIT Delhi offers a few internship opportunities for students. The most popular is the Global Internship Program in Engineering Design and Innovation (GIPEDI), where interns work on projects, mainly in product design and development. Another good option is the Summer Research Fellowship Program (SRFP), which lets you do research with IIT faculty.

3. IIT Roorkee

The SPARK Internship Program at IIT Roorkee is highly competitive and open to second and third-year undergraduates. This 8-week program gives you the chance to work on research projects in different engineering fields, and interns receive a weekly stipend of ₹2,500.

4. IIT Gandhinagar

The IIT Gandhinagar Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) lets selected interns work with faculty on research projects for around 8 weeks. Interns receive a stipend to cover expenses and benefit from IIT’s resources and guidance. Projects cover fields like civil engineering and the humanities. For more details, visit the official IIT Gandhinagar website.

5. IIT Guwahati

Internships at IIT Guwahati mainly focus on research in fields like nanotechnology and bioengineering. These internships last about 6 to 8 weeks, where the interns get the opportunity to work with IIT faculty on various projects

6. IIT Ropar

A popular Summer Internship Program for UG and PG students is available at  IIT Ropar. The program is available in various fields, including engineering, computer science, and robotics. 

7. IIT Hyderabad

Students interested in technology and research can apply for IIT Hyderabad’s Summer Internship Program, which focuses on areas like artificial intelligence and data science. The 8-week program gives students hands-on experience guided by IIT professors.

Conclusion

In this blog, we learned the steps on how to get an internship at an IIT. This can be a great opportunity for you to boost your academic and professional growth. Additionally, these internships offer valuable opportunities to learn from top faculty and gain hands-on research experience in your field of choice. These factors make IIT internships some of the most sought-after opportunities in the country. Lastly, make sure to check out the best apps for internships in India to land your dream internship.

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