The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) is one of the key exams for students who aim to study at IIIT Hyderabad. Many students in India dream of joining this institute because it is one of the best for computer science and related fields.
If you are aiming for admission to IIIT Hyderabad through UGEE, you might have one common doubt: How many attempts are allowed for UGEE? Many students preparing for this exam worry whether they get just one chance or multiple chances to prove themselves. The good news is that UGEE is more flexible compared to other entrance exams.
UGEE, or the Undergraduate Entrance Examination, is the pathway to IIIT Hyderabad’s five-year dual degree programmes. These programmes give you both a B.Tech and a Master of Science (by Research), making them highly valuable for students who want to pursue research or advanced studies later. Because of the unique structure of UGEE, it is important to understand the exam rules clearly. In this article, we will explain everything about the number of attempts, eligibility, and key details for UGEE 2026.
What Is UGEE?
The full form of UGEE is the Undergraduate Entrance Examination. The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) conducts this exam. It is designed for admission to the five-year dual degree programmes at the institute.
The main purpose of UGEE is to select students for research-based programmes. Unlike regular four-year B.Tech programmes, these dual degree courses combine undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Students get a B.Tech degree along with a Master of Science (by Research).
Structure of the Programme
The dual degree programme runs for five years. During this time, students study core subjects, complete projects, and work on research. The course ends with the submission of a research thesis, which is required to complete the Master of Science (by Research) degree.
This structure is very useful for students who want to build strong foundations in research and technology.
How Many Attempts For UGEE?
There is no limit on the number of UGEE attempts. You can appear as long as you meet the eligibility criteria (within the allowed years of passing Class 12). Unlike JEE Main, UGEE has no attempt restriction, but it is best to prepare seriously and aim to clear it in the first try.
Eligibility Criteria for UGEE 2026
Before applying, you must make sure that you are eligible. The eligibility rules for UGEE 2026 are as follows:
- You must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics by June 2025.
- If you passed Class 12 in 2022 or earlier, you are not eligible to apply.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement officially mentioned, but you should have strong knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
This makes UGEE slightly different from other exams that require a minimum percentage. IIIT Hyderabad focuses more on your ability to perform well in the exam than on board exam marks.
Application Process for UGEE 2026
The application process for UGEE 2026 is conducted entirely online through the official admission portal of IIIT Hyderabad. Students do not need to send any physical forms or documents by post. Everything from registration to downloading the admit card happens on the institute’s website. This makes the process faster and more convenient, but it also means that you must be very careful while filling the form. Even a small mistake can lead to rejection or problems later during admission. Let’s look at each step in detail.
Step 1: Registration on the Admission Portal
When the application window opens, the first step is to register yourself on the IIIT Hyderabad admission portal.
- You will need to enter basic details such as your name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Choose a strong password that you can remember easily. This password will be required every time you log in.
- After registration, you will get a confirmation email or SMS. This confirms that your account is active.
Tip: Use an email ID and phone number that you check regularly. All important communication like exam dates, admit card, and results will be sent there. Avoid using someone else’s email ID.
Step 2: Filling the Application Form
Once you have registered, the next step is to fill the application form. This is the most important part of the process. You will need to provide:
- Personal details – Name, date of birth, gender, category (if applicable), and contact information.
- Academic details – Class 10 and Class 12 school name, board of examination, marks/grades (if available), and year of passing.
- Subject details – Since UGEE requires Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, you must confirm that you studied these subjects in Class 12.
- Choice of exam centre – IIIT Hyderabad allows students to choose from multiple test centres across India. Pick the city most convenient for you.
It is very important to enter the correct spelling of your name, exactly as it appears in your official documents (such as Class 10 certificate). Any mismatch between your application and your documents can create problems during verification.
Step 3: Payment of Application Fee
After filling all the required details, you must pay the application fee to complete the submission.
- The fee for male applicants is ₹3000.
- The fee for female applicants is ₹1500.
Once payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation on the portal as well as on your email. Always save the payment receipt or take a screenshot of the transaction page, as proof in case of any technical issue.
Step 4: Final Submission and Confirmation
After payment, your form is almost complete. You should:
- Recheck all the details entered in the application.
- Confirm that your photograph and signature are clearly visible.
- Submit the application form.
Once submitted, you can download a PDF copy of your filled form. Save it safely on your computer or mobile, and also keep a printout for future reference.
Step 5: Downloading the Admit Card
When IIIT Hyderabad releases the admit cards (usually a few weeks before the exam), you can log in with your registered email and password to download it. The admit card is a very important document because it allows you to enter the exam centre. It contains details like:
- Your name and roll number
- Exam date and time
- Exam centre address
- Instructions for the exam
You must carry a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID proof (like Aadhaar card, passport, or school ID) to the exam hall. Without these, you will not be allowed to appear for UGEE.
UGEE 2026 Exam Pattern
The IIIT Hyderabad Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) is designed to test both subject knowledge and research aptitude. Unlike many entrance exams that only focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, UGEE adds another dimension by testing how students approach problems and think creatively. To perform well, students need to understand the structure of the exam in detail.
For UGEE 2026, the exam is expected to have around 100 questions divided into two sections. This pattern is tentative and based on past years. IIIT Hyderabad often revises the number of questions and their weightage every 2–3 years, so any claim about the exact structure should be treated as unofficial and subject to change.
- Subject Proficiency Test (SUPR)
- Research Aptitude Test (REAP)
The total marks for the exam are 150, and the total duration is 3 hours. The exam is conducted in computer-based mode across various centres in India.
UGEE Exam Breakdown
1) Subject Proficiency Test (SUPR): The first part of the exam is the Subject Proficiency Test, which mainly focuses on your knowledge of Class 11 and 12 subjects.
- Number of Questions: 50
- Time Allotted: 60 minutes
- Marks per Question: 1
- Negative Marking: -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Total Marks for Section: 50
The SUPR section is similar in style to other engineering entrance exams like JEE Main, as it tests concepts from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. However, unlike JEE, the number of questions is smaller, and the focus is more on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.
Since there is negative marking, guessing can be risky. You should attempt only those questions where you are confident about the answer. Accuracy matters more than speed here because the section is short (only 60 minutes for 50 questions).
2) Research Aptitude Test (REAP): The second part of UGEE is what makes it stand out from other exams. The Research Aptitude Test (REAP) checks how students analyze new problems and apply logical reasoning.
- Number of Questions: 50
- Time Allotted: 120 minutes
- Marks per Question: 2
- Negative Marking: -0.5 marks for each wrong answer
- Total Marks for Section: 100
The REAP section does not strictly follow the school syllabus. Instead, it includes questions that require critical thinking, analytical skills, and research aptitude. Students may face problems inspired by scientific reasoning, puzzles, or questions that test how well they can connect ideas.
Because each question carries 2 marks, this section has double the weightage compared to SUPR. However, it also has a higher penalty for wrong answers (-0.5 per mistake). This means that students need to be careful while attempting REAP.
UGEE Overall Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 150
- Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
The exam begins with SUPR and is followed by REAP. Students must complete each section within the given time limit, as the system automatically locks the section when the time is up. You cannot go back to the SUPR section after moving to REAP.
UGEE Shortlisting Process
- First, students are filtered based on their SUPR scores.
- Then, they are ranked using their REAP scores.
- Finally, shortlisted students are called for an interview.
- Admission is offered only after clearing the interview stage.
This multi-step process ensures that students are not only good at subjects but also capable of thinking like researchers.
How to Prepare for UGEE 2026?
The UGEE exam is one of the most unique engineering entrance tests in India. While most exams focus only on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, UGEE goes beyond that. It checks how well you can think, reason, and apply your knowledge to unfamiliar situations. To prepare effectively, you must understand both the exam pattern and the difficulty level, and then follow a smart strategy for SUPR, REAP, and the interview.
UGEE Exam Pattern and Difficulty
The exam consists of two parts: Subject Proficiency Test (SUPR) and Research Aptitude Test (REAP). Together, they make the 3-hour test both challenging and enjoyable.
1) Subject Proficiency Test (SUPR)
- Subjects Covered: Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry
- Weightage: 50 questions, 50 marks
- Time: 60 minutes
The SUPR section checks your grasp of Class 11 and 12 concepts. Unlike board exams, the questions are not based on memorizing facts. For example, you will rarely find direct questions like inorganic chemistry facts. Instead, the questions test how well you understand the concepts and how quickly you can apply them.
- Mathematics: This is the most important part. A significant portion of the paper—sometimes up to 20 out of 50 questions—is based on Probability and Random Processes. A few of these questions can be even tougher than JEE Advanced level.
- Physics: Questions are based on core concepts, but they are not as tricky as JEE Advanced. If you prepare well for JEE Mains, you should feel confident here.
- Chemistry: Chemistry usually has less weightage compared to Physics and Mathematics, but it cannot be ignored. Some questions are straightforward, while a few organic chemistry problems can be challenging.
2) Research Aptitude Test (REAP)
- Subjects Covered: Logical aptitude, reasoning, linguistics, and mental ability
- Weightage: 50 questions, 100 marks
- Time: 120 minutes
This section is the highlight of UGEE. It contains highly logical and creative questions. Many of them resemble puzzles or fun problems that you may have encountered in school competitions or NTSE.
Examples include:
- Family chain problems (relationships and logic-based questions)
- Shape-shifting puzzles (spatial reasoning)
- Linguistic challenges (patterns in words or grammar-based reasoning)
The questions often look simple at first, but they require deep thinking. Unlike SUPR, this section does not test your memory or formula application—it tests your ability to think differently.
UGEE Difficulty Level Compared to JEE
- SUPR: Easier than JEE Mains and much easier than JEE Advanced. A student preparing seriously for JEE will usually find SUPR comfortable.
- REAP: Much tougher compared to traditional exams. The style of questions is unique, and many students find them challenging but enjoyable.
Another important point is that the exam pattern changes every year. This is done on purpose so that students cannot prepare by memorizing past papers. Instead, IIIT Hyderabad ensures that only those with genuine problem-solving skills succeed.
UGEE Preparation Strategy
Preparing for UGEE requires a slightly different approach compared to JEE. Let us look at the strategy for each part.
Preparation for SUPR
- Rely on JEE Preparation: If you are already preparing for JEE Mains or JEE Advanced, you do not need a separate course for SUPR. The same concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics will cover this part.
- Focus on Probability in Maths: This is the area with the highest weightage. Practice random processes, permutations, combinations, and probability problems in depth. Go beyond JEE-level books for extra practice.
- Physics Basics Matter: Revise NCERT and JEE-level problems. Questions are usually not trick-heavy, but accuracy is important.
- Do Not Ignore Chemistry: Even though the weightage is smaller, a few marks from Chemistry can make a difference. Practice organic chemistry reactions, as these appear occasionally.
Preparation for REAP
- Practice Aptitude and Logic Questions: Books designed for CAT-level aptitude can be very helpful. For example, reasoning questions on verbal ability, logical chains, and data interpretation sharpen your skills.
- NTSE and Olympiad Experience Helps: Many REAP questions resemble NTSE or school-level Olympiad problems. If you have practiced those before, you will feel more comfortable.
- Use Mock Tests: IIIT Hyderabad releases sample REAP questions on its website. Solving these is crucial to understand the style of questions.
- Language and Reasoning Practice: For linguistic-based questions, even reading grammar books like Wren and Martin can help, as some students who used it in school found it useful during UGEE.
- Think Creatively: Unlike typical exams, REAP rewards creativity. Do not panic if a question looks unusual. Break it down logically and attempt it with patience.
UGEE Interview Preparation
After clearing SUPR and REAP, candidates are shortlisted for the UGEE interview. The interview is as important as the written test because it gives IIIT Hyderabad a chance to evaluate your potential in person.
Interview Process
- Notification: If you qualify, you will receive an email with the interview date and details.
- Verification Meeting: Before the interview, a verification meeting is held (for audio and ID checks, especially in online formats).
- Mode: While interviews were online during COVID-19, they are usually held in-person on the IIIT Hyderabad campus.
- Interview Panel: The panel usually consists of multiple professors from IIIT.
What to Expect in the Interview
- Academic Questions: You may be asked about your approach to solving problems in Physics, Mathematics, or general aptitude.
- Logical Puzzles: Similar to REAP, you might be given a short puzzle to solve on the spot.
- Soft Skills: Greeting the panel, showing confidence, and explaining your thought process clearly are highly valued.
- Impact on Rank: Even if your written score was not the highest, performing well in the interview can improve your rank and increase your chances of admission.
Conclusion
UGEE is one of the most unique entrance exams in India because it tests not only subject knowledge but also problem-solving ability and research aptitude. Many students preparing for UGEE 2026 worry about how many attempts they are allowed. The answer is simple: there is no fixed limit on the number of attempts. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for UGEE.
This gives you more than one chance to appear for the exam if needed, but it is always best to prepare seriously and aim to clear it in your first attempt. Remember, UGEE is not just about clearing the test—it is about securing a place in IIIT Hyderabad’s dual degree programme, which offers a strong base for research and higher studies. With focused preparation and clear strategy, you can use this opportunity to shape your future in science and technology.
