Summer Programs for Students in India (2026)
- Dr Sp Mishra
- Feb 2
- 10 min read
Updated: Feb 3
A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers
In the intensely competitive academic world of today, students frequently face pressure to make crucial life decisions prematurely, often without a full grasp of what extends beyond textbooks, grades, and rankings.
For parents and educators, the challenge now extends beyond merely assisting students to excel; it involves guiding them to make wise choices.
Carefully crafted summer programs have become one of the most effective resources to aid in this process—provided they are chosen with purpose and understanding.
The Importance of Summer Programs for Student Development
Summer programs are often mistaken for mere extracurricular activities or résumé enhancers. However, when selected thoughtfully, they serve a much more significant developmental purpose, particularly for students who are still uncovering their interests and talents.
1. Exploring Academics Early Without Long-Term Commitment
These programs enable students to delve into fields such as psychology, artificial intelligence, business, liberal arts, design, or research without the stress of making a long-term academic decision.
For parents and educators, this approach provides a low-risk, high-insight opportunity to help students test their assumptions before committing to specific streams or majors.
2. Gaining Exposure to University Learning Environments
Participating in lectures, collaborative projects, independent study, and faculty interactions offers students a realistic preview of higher education.
This early exposure:
Decreases transition anxiety
Enhances academic confidence
Allows educators to evaluate a student’s preparedness for future educational settings
3. Discovering Strengths Beyond Academic Scores
Many students thrive in environments that value discussion, analysis, creativity, or problem-solving—skills that may not always be reflected in school assessments.
Summer programs allow parents and teachers to observe:
How students interact with new material
Their capacity for independent thinking
Emerging leadership or teamwork skills
These insights are crucial for long-term educational planning.
4. Enhancing Applications with Genuine Experiences
Universities are increasingly interested in depth, intent, and intellectual curiosity rather than extensive lists of activities.
Thoughtfully chosen summer programs offer:
Authentic learning experiences
Clear academic motivation
Proof of initiative and self-directed development
This makes applications more genuine and often more compelling.
5. Avoiding Poor Academic Choices
Many students switch majors or feel disengaged because early choices were influenced by grades, peers, or trends.
Summer program exposure helps students:
Comprehend what a subject truly entails
Align interests with skills
Base decisions on experience rather than assumptions
For families, this can prevent costly academic and emotional mistakes.
6. Learning from Mentors and Peers
Interactions with university faculty and motivated peers often transform students' perspectives on learning, effort, and ambition.
Parents and teachers often notice:
Increased motivation after the program
Improved academic self-awareness
More intentional goal-setting
7. Fostering Personal Growth and Independence
Beyond academics, structured residential or semi-independent programs help students develop maturity, responsibility, and confidence—key indicators of readiness for higher education.
Utilizing This Guide for Parents and Teachers
This guide serves as a decision-support tool, rather than a ranking list.
Align Programs with Student Interests
Begin with the student's genuine interests. Programs should enhance curiosity, not merely add credentials.
Match Readiness with Program Intensity
Consider academic preparedness, emotional maturity, and independence before narrowing down options.
Focus on Learning Outcomes, Not Brand Names
Consider the following:
What skills will the student acquire?
Is the learning process active or passive?
Does the program include reflection, feedback, or mentorship?
Thoughtfully Guide the Application Process
Many programs require essays or interviews. Adult guidance helps students express their intentions honestly rather than strategically.
Encourage Post-Program Reflection
The value of learning increases when students reflect on:
What they enjoyed
What challenged them
What they would pursue further (or not)
Questions for Adults Before Recommending a Program
What clarity does this student need right now?
Is this program exploratory or just instructional?
Does it challenge the student in a healthy way?
Will the student actively engage or remain passive?
Is the duration suitable for the student’s maturity and stamina?
The Role of Parents and Teachers: Encourage Exploration, Not Direction
The most effective guidance does not steer students toward predetermined outcomes. Instead, it provides safe, structured opportunities for exploration, followed by reflection and discussion.
When parents and teachers prioritize learning outcomes over prestige, summer programs become powerful tools for self-discovery, confidence-building, and informed decision-making.
Major Indian Summer Programs
Ashoka University – Young Scholars Programme (YSP)
The Ashoka Young Scholars Programme (YSP) is a certified summer residential experience for high-potential students entering Grades 9-12, designed to introduce them to a university-style liberal arts and sciences education. Through courses spanning Science, Economics, AI, Psychology, Design and Computational Thinking, International Affairs, Writing, Business, and Policy, students explore how different disciplines intersect to shape the world. YSP fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual confidence, equipping students with skills and perspectives that set them apart as they prepare for college and beyond.
Eligibility | Class X, XI & XII (as of May 2026) |
Program Dates | Edition 1: May 18 – May 29, 2026 Edition 2: June 1 – June 12, 2026 |
Application Deadline | March 8, 2026 |
Fees | Depends on the chosen program (Visit website for more info) |
Program Website | |
Application Link | https://www.ashoka.edu.in/ysp/ (Apply via website) |
Plaksha University – Young Technology Scholars (YTS+)
YTS+ is a two-week immersive summer program for tinkerers, makers-builders and problem solvers. Earlier called Young Technology Scholars, it now has multiple tracks for high schoolers who are interested in subjects like biology, economics, mathematics and physics but do not want to follow the conventional paths of becoming doctors, economists, mathematicians or physicists. It has 3 exciting tracks for students to choose from.
Eligibility | Students of Classes 9–12 (all streams) |
Program Dates | May 24 – June 7, 2026 |
Application Timeline | Applications open: Jan 29, 2026 Round 1 deadline: Feb 22, 2026 Round 2 deadline: Mar 29, 2026 |
Fees | ₹1,05,000 + GST |
Admission Process | 1. Application form submission 2. Application screening 3. Online interview (optional) 4. Admission decision |
Program Website | |
Application Link | https://plaksha.edu.in/hs/young-technology-scholars (Apply via website) |
Ahmedabad University – Ahmedabad Grand Challenges Programme
The Ahmedabad Grand Challenges Programme offers an opportunity for grade X, XI, and XII students to immerse themselves in a vibrant academic environment and experience the culture of a research-oriented liberal education university. The initiative cultivates an interdisciplinary and research-driven mindset, preparing participants for high-calibre undergraduate studies through classroom and experiential learning. The 2026 edition will feature three specialised themes, empowering participants to customise their learning journey by selecting tracks aligned with their interests and career aspirations.
Eligibility | Class X, XI & XII (as of May 2026) |
Program Dates | May 30 to June 6, 2026 |
Fees | INR 50000 (covers all meals, shared accommodation at Ahmedabad University Student Residences, and all curated expenses). Does not cover travel expenses to and from the University. Need-based Scholarships available |
Program Website | |
Application Link | https://ahduni.edu.in/ahmedabad-grand-challenges-programme/ (Apply via website) |
SP Jain School of Global Management – Summer Program
SP Jain's on-campus Summer Program is specially designed to help students develop their business skills. Led by SP Jain's top international faculty, students will learn the latest concepts and practices in contemporary business management and apply them in their day-to-day life. The program covers a wide range of topics, including marketing essentials, finance, statistics of business decision making, data skills, business analytics, creating a business model, and increasing brand identity through LinkedIn, comprehensive simulation. Through interactive and engaging sessions, students will learn the new-age tools and techniques that will enable them to adapt to the changing dynamics and make informed decisions in an ever-changing VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world.
Eligibility | High School Students (Grades 9-12) |
Program Dates | Batch 1: Saturday, 23rd May – Saturday, 30th May 2026 Batch 2: Saturday, 20th June – Saturday, 27th June 2026 |
Venue | SP Jain Global, 5th floor VIOS Tower, Wadala |
Fees | INR 25,000* + GST (*The program fee doesn't include food, accommodation, or travel expenses.) |
Program Website |
Amity University – Amity University Summer School
Amity, the leading education group of India, provides one of its kind innovative programme called Amity University Summer School (AUSS), successfully entering its 19th Batch Commencing from 1st June to 12th June 2026 at Amity University, Noida Campus. The programme is an experience to explore the horizon of opportunities through insightful, practical learning techniques that invoke a path of self-discovery among students.
Eligibility | Class IX, X, XI, XII & 2026 XII Passing Out Students |
Program Dates | 1st June to 12th June 2026 |
Fees | Rs. 30,000/- (non-refundable) (Inclusive of A/c Hostel and Meals). Fully Residential Program at Amity University Noida Campus. Fees subsidized by Amity Youth Foundation. |
Program Website | |
Programmes Offered | https://www.amity.edu/summerschool/ (Check website for details) |
Application Link | https://www.amity.edu/summerschool/ (Apply via website) |
ATLAS SkillTech University – uGDX Summer Tech School
The ATLAS uGDX Summer Tech School focuses on ensuring students find joy in learning and develop holistically in their academic and personal learning. The aim of the Summer Tech School is to provide students a glimpse of the University life and become familiar with career paths that they can choose for themselves in their professional life as they progress. In a tech-enabled modern campus with a diverse student and faculty community, each day at the Summer School will introduce the students to a discipline of Technology and give them an experience of the work the discipline entails. We expect the students to be energised and excited with opportunities within the Technology discipline.
Eligibility | Grade 9-12 students / UG aspirants |
Program Dates | Batch 1: 19 May, 2026 Batch 2: 02 June, 2026 Duration: 2 Weeks |
Fees | Rs. 35,000/- excluding gst |
Program Website | |
Application Link | https://atlasuniversity.edu.in/schools/ugdx/summerschool (Apply via website) |
FLAME University – Summer Immersion Program (FUSIP)
The FLAME University Summer Immersion Program (FUSIP) 2026 offers an opportunity for high school students to gain a first-hand understanding of liberal education. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and delivered in a framework that embraces the spirit of liberal education at FLAME University—an essence that places special emphasis on critical thinking, experiential learning, and engagement with diverse ideas and perspectives while inculcating the values of leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.
Eligibility | The applicant must be a student in grades 9, 10, 11, or entering 12th grade for the current academic year (the minimum age at the time of application is 14 years). |
Program Dates | May Batch I: 18th May-27th May, 2026 June Batch II: 29th June- 8th July, 2026 |
Fees | INR 50,000/- (including taxes, accommodation, meals, and other provisions) |
Program Website |
Symbiosis International University – Symbiosis Summer School
The Symbiosis Summer School (SSS) offers 10th, 11th & 12th standard students an opportunity to cut through the confusion associated with the choices students make after 12th. This programme introduces its participants to the academic programmes, disciplines, and careers available to them. The Summer School, the first of its kind in India, promotes intercultural opportunities for both students and faculty. With expertise in their respective fields, the faculty deliver course content through innovative teaching methods which offer students thoughtful inquiry, robust skill development and insightful discourse.
Eligibility | 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th |
Program Dates | Option 1: 18 to 30 May 2026 Option 2: 1 to 13 June 2026 |
Fees | ₹45,000 (approx) |
Program Website | |
Application Form | https://www.symbiosissummerschool.in/ (Apply via website) |
Shiv Nadar University – Shiv Nadar Internship Program (SNIP)
The Shiv Nadar Internship Program (SNIP), under the Young Thinkers Forum, provides Training, Mentorship, and Career Development opportunities while working alongside some of the best minds in Science, Engineering, Management, and Business.
Eligibility | Grade 11 & 12 |
Program Dates | Dates Yet to be Announced (May-June 2026 tentative) Offline Phase: 5 Days Online Phase: 5 Days |
Fees | Rs.18000 + GST per child (including all meals, accommodation and stationary kit) |
Program Website | |
Brochure | https://snu.edu.in/ytf/ (Check website) |
Application Form | https://snu.edu.in/ytf/ (Apply via website) |
The Doon School – Summer at Doon
The Doon School is hosting a two-week residential experience invites young minds to explore leadership, creativity, and collaboration. Participants will engage in real-world problem-solving, team challenges, and hands-on learning designed to inspire confidence and purpose.
Eligibility | Students from 14 – 18 Years |
Program Dates | 25th May – 7th June 2026 |
Admission Process | 1. Online Application Form – Fill the Online Application Form 2. Personal Essay – A short personal essay written by the applicant. 3. Reference – A reference letter from a current Head of School / Subject Teacher. 4. Online Fee Payment – Payment of the programme fee once acceptance has been confirmed by the School. |
Fees | Rs 2,00,000/- |
Program Website | |
Application Form | https://www.doonschool.com/summer-at-doon-2026/ (Apply via website) |
Woodstock School – Summer at Woodstock
Summer at Woodstock combines academic exploration with the energy and excitement of a summer camp. Through a range of courses, master teachers strengthen participants' academic foundations for college and career. We create a powerful and unique sense of community through living and learning with diverse staff and peers from around the world. Student's will choose any one of the course offerings out of the 7 offered to enter into the program.
Eligibility | Children between 10-18 years of age. |
Program Dates | Session 1: 1-12 June 2026 Session 2: 6-17 July 2026 |
Fees | The total cost of the programme is INR 236,000 (inclusive of GST) + non-refundable application fee of INR 10,000. |
Program Website | |
Application Link | https://www.woodstockschool.in/summer/ (Apply via website) |
UCL India Summer School (British School, Delhi)
Based at the state-of-the-art campus of The British School New Delhi (and now in its 3rd year), the 2026 UCL India Summer School will give pre-university students in India a taste of what it's like to study at a world-leading UK university. The summer school aims to widen access to education by bringing UCL professors to India from London. It is open to current Grade 11 students in India (current at the point of application), who will gain from a rigorous and exciting curriculum.
Eligibility | UCL India summer school is for current grade 11s at the point of application (prior to 6 March 2026). Admission is by merit, and one must have a minimum average overall score in the grade 10 public examination of 90%, with a minimum 90% mark in English. The UCL India Summer School is non-residential. |
Program Dates | Monday 1 June – Saturday 6 June 2026 |
Application Deadline | Friday 6 March 2026 |
Location | The British School New Delhi, Dr Jose P Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 |
Fees | INR 40,000 |
Program Website |
Research Science Initiative India (RSI-India)
RSI-India is a six-week intensive summer STEM research and enrichment program that is cost-free for Indian secondary school students of exceptionally strong academic ability and potential. Thirty-two students will be selected based on their completed applications containing written personal statements, achievements in STEM fields, exam scores, letters of recommendation, and school transcripts. Selected students will be matched with a research mentor at the IISc, where they will attend courses for the first week, complete individual hands-on research projects with their IISc mentors, and then present a paper and a talk on their research at the RSI-India Student Symposium during the final week.
Eligibility | During the 6-week program, the student must have completed Class XI. Applicants must be Indian citizens. |
Program Dates | May 31 to July 11, 2026 |
Application Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
Fees | Free Program |
Program Website | |
Application Link | https://www.cee.org/RSI_India (Apply via website) |
Startup Summer School 2026 by AIC-NMIMS
AIC NMIMS serves as a vibrant center for aspiring startups and student innovators, driving forward revolutionary concepts through expert guidance and industry networks. As an incubator open to all sectors, we provide entrepreneurs with the tools needed to turn daring ideas into thriving businesses. Whether you're an emerging founder or a student keen to dive into the startup world, AIC NMIMS is where innovation aligns with opportunity!
For Students in Grades 8–12
7-Day Residential Program
Learn ideation, prototyping, business modeling, marketing, Shark Tank pitching, and more!
Key Features:
- Real-world problem-solving and strategy
- Practical product development
- Customer discovery and market research
- Prestigious certificate from AIC-NMIMS + NITI Aayog (aligned with CAS)
📅 Batches in 2026:
- Mumbai: 10th–16th May
- Bangalore: 24th–30th May
- Mumbai: 7th–13th June
- Chandigarh: 15th–21st June
Residential: INR 85,000/- (Incl. of taxes)
Non-Residential: INR 80,250/- (Incl. of taxes)
Apply Now!
Explore the Internation Summer Programs here:
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