Top Science Internships and Research Opportunities for Indian High School Students in 2025

Preparing for future admission into top engineering colleges in India—especially the IITs, IISERs, and NITs—requires more than just strong academic scores. Today, research experience, participation in science fairs, and exposure to real-world scientific work play a major role in college applications, scholarship selections, and competitive exams.

If you are a high school student in India (Class 9 to 12), you should strongly consider engaging in science fairs, summer internships, and research programmes. These opportunities not only help you understand your subjects better, but also improve your problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, and your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

This blog covers the most prestigious and beneficial science-based internships and research opportunities for Indian high school students in 2025, including:

• Science fairs like the Indian Science Congress Exhibition
• Summer research camps (where available) at IITs and IISc
• Government-supported schemes like INSPIRE
• Online internships and virtual science labs

Why Should High School Students Engage in Science Internships and Research?

While classroom learning builds foundational knowledge, it’s often not enough to spark genuine curiosity and innovation. In contrast, research internships and science fair projects expose students to real-world problems and teach them how to solve them using scientific methods.

Benefits of Science Internships for Students:

• Hands-on exposure to lab techniques, tools, and research methods
• Stronger college applications with proof of initiative and project work
• Development of critical thinking and analytical skills
• Direct mentorship from scientists and professors
• Opportunities to publish or present projects in conferences or exhibitions
• Enhances chances for scholarships, including INSPIRE and DASA programmes

These experiences help students discover their passion early and explore future career paths in science, engineering, or research.

Top Science Fairs, Internships and Research Programmes for High School Students in India (2025)

Here’s a list of top-rated platforms and programmes offering science internships, research camps, and exhibition opportunities for school students across India:

1. Indian Science Congress & National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC)

The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) collaborates with the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) to promote the National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC). This is one of the oldest and most recognised science exhibitions for school students in India.

Highlights:

• Projects selected at the school and district levels advance to state and national stages
• Students present models or innovative research ideas
• Sessions with top scientists and educators

This platform encourages independent thinking and application-based learning, and is ideal for students aiming to pursue STEM at higher levels.

2. IIT Outreach and STEM Engagement Camps (Select IITs)

Some IITs such as IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, and IIT Kanpur conduct outreach activities or tech festivals that offer exposure to STEM research and innovation. However, these are not standardised summer camps and may vary each year.

Opportunities Include:

• Techfest Summer Camps (IIT Bombay)
• Student-mentor programmes during innovation fairs or Robotics Club events
• Department-led outreach lectures for school students

Interested students must visit individual IIT websites or their techfest/institute outreach sections for current updates.

3. INSPIRE Science Internship Camps (DST India)

The INSPIRE Internship Programme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is one of the most prestigious initiatives for Class 11 science stream students who meet specific academic criteria.

Key Advantages:

• Fully funded 5-day camps at top research institutions
• Hands-on lab activities, experiments, and innovation talks
• Interaction with eminent researchers and scientists

These camps aim to attract young students to basic sciences and offer deep exposure to the world of scientific research.

4. NCERT National Science Exhibition

NCERT organises the Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition for children every year, providing a platform for CBSE and state board students to present science and mathematics models.

Structure:

• Projects are shortlisted at school, regional, and state levels
• National-level exhibition held annually with awards for innovation
• Topics cover energy, robotics, sustainability, space, and health

5. IRIS National Science Fair (India)

The Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) fair is India’s leading student research competition, organised in collaboration with DST India and Intel.

Why Choose IRIS?

• Opportunity to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
• Students present advanced projects in life sciences, engineering, environmental science, etc.
• Winners receive scholarships, mentorships, and global exposure

6. Online Research Internships and Mentorship Programmes

Several organisations now offer online internships and virtual science mentorships that are ideal for students who cannot travel or prefer remote learning.

Notable Programmes:

• INAE Mentorship Programme – Online guidance by senior engineers and researchers
• NIAS Bengaluru – Ethics and interdisciplinary science learning workshops
• IISER Pune and IISER Bhopal – Self-paced research and science communication modules

These platforms help students strengthen their research mindset and engage with current science topics.

Tips to Apply for Science Internships and Fairs in India

• Start early – most applications open by January or February
• Prepare a simple science model or mini project
• Draft a Statement of Purpose (SOP) highlighting your interest
• Secure recommendation letters from teachers
• Maintain a spreadsheet of deadlines and documents

Conclusion

While textbook knowledge builds the base, real innovation begins with practical experience. By participating in science fairs, research internships, and STEM camps, high school students can discover their passion early and prepare for a career in engineering, science, or research.

Whether it’s the INSPIRE camp, IRIS Fair, or NCERT exhibitions, these experiences nurture curiosity and boost confidence. Stay informed, plan your year, and apply to the right programme that fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there summer camps at IITs for school students?

Some IITs offer STEM outreach activities or camps, usually around techfests or innovation fairs, but there is no standard national programme. Always check the individual IIT websites.

2. Is the Google Science Fair active in 2025?

As of now, the Google Science Fair is not active. The last official event was held in 2019. Students looking for global exposure should consider IRIS National Fair, which is linked to ISEF.

3. Are INSPIRE camps still happening?

Yes. The INSPIRE Internship Programme by DST India is active and continues to offer fully funded science camps at top institutions for Class 11 science students.

4. Can Class 10 students apply for science research programmes?

Yes. Students in Classes 9–10 can participate in exhibitions like NCSC, NCERT Science Fairs, and IRIS, but most research internships and INSPIRE camps are for Class 11–12.

5. Do I need to pay to join these camps?

Most programmes like INSPIRE, IRIS, and NCERT fairs are free or funded. However, select IIT-led events may have registration fees.

Still confused where to begin? Share your class and area of interest in the comments, and we’ll help you find the best science programme for 2025!