i-KITES - The STEM Journey KRITI is an initiative of IIT Kharagpur that connects learners with mentors, labs, and real research, from school exploration to advanced research, offering selective programs to build skills and understand how new knowledge is created. i-KITES is a programme in KRITI which helps to discover science and engineering through hands-on learning. 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 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. 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 the 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. 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 Stage 1: Initial Shortlisting Applications are reviewed and a pool of candidates is shortlisted on the basis of academic record and submitted materials. Stage 2: Candidate Interviews Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews before final offers are made. Important Dates Milestone Date Applications Open 5 April 2026 Applications Close 18 April 2026 Results 24 April 2026 (Tentative) Program Dates 16 May - 26 June 2026 Duration 6 Weeks Frequently Asked Questions Is the program fully funded?Yes, the program provides accommodation and meals, along with a stipend for selected students. Do I need prior technical or coding experience?No prior experience is required. The program is designed to build fundamentals from the ground up. What kind of projects will I work on?Students will work on hands-on projects across domains such as robotics, AI, biology, design, and environmental systems. Will I receive a certificate?Yes, participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from IIT Kharagpur. Can my project lead to competitions or further outcomes?In exceptional cases, promising projects may evolve into competition entries. Such work may further lead to intellectual property outcomes, including patent filing or copyright. Is attendance mandatory for all six weeks?Yes, this is a full-time residential program, and active participation throughout the six weeks is required. How many students are selected?A limited number of students are selected through a competitive nationwide process. If my grades are in letter format, what should I submit?If letter grades are awarded, please provide the equivalent CGPA out of 10 or percentage. What if my CGPA is not out of 10?If your CGPA is on a different scale, please convert it to a score out of 10 before submitting. Source: https://kriti.iitkgp.ac.in/programs/i-kites