Are you a student who dreams of studying at one of the best institutes in India while also building a career in research? If yes, the Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) might be the right path for you. UGEE is conducted by IIIT Hyderabad, a leading institute known for its focus on innovation and technology. Unlike regular engineering entrance exams, UGEE offers something unique. It allows students to join a five-year dual-degree program that combines a B.Tech with an MS by Research.
This means you not only earn an engineering degree but also gain research experience right from the start. Many students see this as an opportunity to work on advanced projects, solve real-world problems, and prepare for higher studies in India or abroad. If you are passionate about research and problem-solving, UGEE can be your gateway to an exciting academic journey.
What is UGEE & Who Conducts It?
The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) is an admission test conducted by the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad). This exam is very different from common entrance exams such as JEE Main or BITSAT. While those exams focus mainly on getting into B.Tech programs, UGEE is designed for students who are serious about research and innovation right from the start of their undergraduate journey.
The main purpose of UGEE is to select students who are not only good at Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics but also have the ability to think logically, solve problems creatively, and show an early interest in research. Students who clear UGEE and the interview process are admitted to dual-degree programs at IIIT Hyderabad.
About the UGEE Dual-Degree Program
The UGEE mode provides admission to a five-year integrated dual-degree program. At the end of the program, students graduate with two degrees:
- Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
- Master of Science (MS) by Research
The MS degree requires completion of a research thesis, which means students get hands-on experience with advanced projects, publications, and research work. This prepares them for research-based jobs, higher studies abroad, or careers in top technology firms.
Unlike regular B.Tech programs where students usually begin research only in the final years, the UGEE program allows research exposure from the very first year. This makes it ideal for students who already know that they want to work in advanced areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computational Sciences, or Electronics.
Streams Offered through UGEE
IIIT Hyderabad offers several specialized streams through UGEE. Each stream combines a B.Tech degree with a matching or interdisciplinary MS by Research. Below are the available streams with their seat intake:
| Programme Code | B.Tech Degree | MS by Research Degree | Seats |
| ECD | Electronics and Communication Engineering | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 20 |
| CSD | Computer Science and Engineering | Computer Science and Engineering | 30 |
| CLD | Computer Science | Computational Linguistics | 15 |
| CND | Computer Science | Computational Natural Sciences | 15 |
| CHD | Computer Science | Computing and Human Sciences | 15 |
| CGD | Computer Science | Geospatial Technology | 15 |
Who Conducts UGEE?
UGEE is conducted by IIIT Hyderabad itself. The institute was founded in 1998 and is one of the first IIITs in India. It is recognized for its strong focus on research, innovation, and technology-driven education. Over the years, IIIT Hyderabad has become a top choice for students interested in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Electronics, and Computational Research.
How Many Students Appear for UGEE?
IIIT Hyderabad does not officially release the number of applicants who appear for UGEE every year. However, according to academic experts and student forums, nearly 10,000 students apply for the exam each year.
This number is much smaller compared to exams like JEE Main, which has over 10 lakh applicants. But the competition in UGEE remains tough because of the limited number of seats. With around 150–170 seats and nearly 10,000 applicants, the selection ratio becomes very narrow.
This means students must prepare very well to stand out in both the written test and the interview.
UGEE 2026 Examination Centres
UGEE is conducted in computer-based mode at designated centers across India. Below is the detailed list of exam centers for UGEE.
UGEE Examination Centres List
| State | City |
| Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur, Guntur, Kadapa, Kakinada, Kurnool, Nellore, Ongole, Rajahmundry, Srikakulam, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar, Naharlagun |
| Assam | Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Silchar |
| Bihar | Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Patna |
| Chhattisgarh | Bilaspur, Bhilai Nagar, Durg, Raipur |
| Delhi | New Delhi |
| Goa | Panaji |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Vadodara |
| Haryana | Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Kurukshetra |
| Himachal Pradesh | Hamirpur, Shimla |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu, Srinagar |
| Jharkhand | Bokaro, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur, Ramgarh, Ranchi |
| Karnataka | Belagavi (Belgaum), Bengaluru, Hubballi (Hubli), Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Mysuru (Mysore), Udupi |
| Kerala | Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain |
| Maharashtra | Amaravati, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Odisha | Berhampur-Ganjam, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Sambalpur |
| Punjab | Amritsar, Bhatinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala |
| Rajasthan | Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli |
| Telangana | Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad, Warangal |
| Tripura | Agartala |
| Uttar Pradesh | Agra, Aligarh, Greater Noida, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Moradabad, Noida, Prayagraj, Varanasi |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Roorkee |
| West Bengal | Durgapur, Kolkata, Siliguri |
The final list of exam centers is shared by IIIT Hyderabad during the application process. Students can choose their preferred city while filling out the application form. Once allotted, the center cannot be changed.
UGEE 2026 Application Fee
The application process for UGEE requires an online payment. The application fee is different for male and female candidates.
- For male applicants, the application fee is ₹3,000.
- For female applicants, the application fee is ₹1,500.
This fee difference is part of the diversity initiative taken by IIIT Hyderabad to encourage more female participation in the research programs. The application fee is non-refundable, and students must pay it online through debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Eligibility Criteria for UGEE 2026
Before applying for UGEE 2025, students must check the eligibility criteria. IIIT Hyderabad has set a few conditions for applicants.
- Students must complete Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics by June 2026.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2022 or earlier are not eligible to apply.
- There is no specific minimum percentage requirement, but students are expected to have strong knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
These eligibility rules make sure that students applying for UGEE are fresh from school and are ready to enter an intensive research-based program.
UGEE 2026 Exam Pattern
The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) is the main entrance test for admission into the dual degree programs at IIIT Hyderabad. Understanding the exam pattern is very important for every applicant. The exam is designed to test both aptitude and reasoning ability. Unlike regular engineering entrance exams that mainly focus on mathematics and science, UGEE gives equal importance to problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
The exam is divided into two sections: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) and REAP (Research Aptitude Test). Both sections are compulsory for all applicants. The total duration of the exam is three hours.
UGEE Section-Wise Pattern
| Section | Name of Section | Type of Questions | Duration | Purpose |
| Section 1 | SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) | Multiple-choice questions from Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry | 1 hour 30 minutes | To test subject knowledge of applicants in core areas |
| Section 2 | REAP (Research Aptitude Test) | Logical reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking questions | 1 hour 30 minutes | To test creativity, reasoning ability, and research aptitude |
Key Points about SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test)
- This section covers the basic subjects of science and mathematics that students study in Classes 11 and 12.
- Questions are mostly multiple-choice (MCQ).
- The level of difficulty is similar to that of JEE Main.
- The main focus is on concepts and their applications rather than lengthy calculations.
- Students need to manage time carefully because some questions may require detailed reasoning.
Key Points about REAP (Research Aptitude Test)
- This section is unique to UGEE and makes it different from other exams.
- Questions test a student’s logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Instead of testing memorization, it focuses on the ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar problems.
- The section prepares students for research-focused learning during their degree.
Important Features of UGEE Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Computer-based test (CBT).
- Duration: 3 hours in total (90 minutes for SUPR + 90 minutes for REAP).
- Marking: No negative marking, which allows students to attempt all questions without fear.
- Balance of Skills: The exam is not only about academic knowledge but also about research potential.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high, but smart preparation can help students score well.
How to Approach the Exam
Students should focus equally on both sections. For SUPR, a strong grasp of NCERT-level Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is enough. For REAP, students should practice puzzles, logical reasoning, and unconventional problem-solving exercises. Managing time between the two sections is very important because each section requires a different approach.
Shortlisting Process
- First, candidates are shortlisted based on SUPR performance.
- Then, they are ranked according to their REAP scores.
- Finally, shortlisted candidates are called for the interview.
Interview Process
The interview is the most important stage of UGEE admission.
- Only candidates who qualify in the UGEE exam are invited for the interview.
- The interview is conducted online. For 2026, the dates are June 4–6.
- The interview panel includes IIIT Hyderabad professors.
During the interview, the panel checks:
- Clarity of concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Ability to solve problems on the spot
- Interest in research and higher studies
- Communication skills and ability to explain ideas clearly
The final admission decision is made based on interview performance. Even if a student scores well in the exam, admission depends heavily on how well they perform in the interview.
UGEE 2026 Preparation Guide
Preparing for UGEE requires a focused plan, strong fundamentals, and the ability to think creatively. Since the exam is different from traditional entrance tests, students should not only revise Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics but also work on their reasoning and problem-solving skills. This guide will help you understand the syllabus, exam expectations, and preparation strategies.
1) Understanding the UGEE Syllabus
The UGEE exam has two sections: SUPR and REAP.
- SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test): This section tests your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from classes 11 and 12. The level is based on the CBSE and most state syllabi. So, if you have prepared for JEE Main or other engineering entrance exams, you will already find many topics familiar. However, the questions in SUPR are designed to test how well you apply concepts, not just how much you can memorize formulas.
- REAP (Research Aptitude Test): This section is different from most entrance exams. Instead of only checking subject knowledge, it tests your ability to think critically and creatively. You may get problems that do not have direct formulas but require logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and innovative thinking.
Together, SUPR and REAP make UGEE unique because they judge both academic preparation and research aptitude.
2) Importance of Critical Thinking
Most entrance exams in India are designed to test speed and accuracy in solving subject-related questions. UGEE adds another dimension: it checks if a student has the curiosity and creativity to pursue research. That means your preparation cannot be limited to textbooks alone. You need to practice solving puzzles, analyzing situations, and thinking “outside the box.” This approach will help you perform better in REAP.
3) Building a Strong Foundation in SUPR Subjects
Since SUPR covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, your first step should be to revise the NCERT textbooks of classes 11 and 12. These books cover all the fundamental concepts in a clear way. After finishing NCERT, move on to additional reference books like H.C. Verma for Physics, R.D. Sharma for Mathematics, and O.P. Tandon for Chemistry.
Make sure you focus on:
- Core concepts and their applications.
- Solving derivations and numerical problems.
- Practicing objective-type questions to improve speed.
Since the paper is application-oriented, rote learning will not help. Instead, practice problems that make you think about the “why” behind every concept.
4) Preparing for REAP Effectively
The REAP section is often what makes UGEE challenging. To prepare well:
- Solve logical reasoning and puzzle books regularly.
- Try brain teasers, Sudoku, and crosswords to improve creative thinking.
- Practice sample REAP questions available on the official IIIT Hyderabad website.
- Work on explaining your reasoning step-by-step, since many REAP questions test how you approach a problem rather than just the final answer.
You should also read articles, research-based stories, and case studies that encourage analytical thinking. Developing a habit of questioning things around you will naturally sharpen your aptitude for REAP.
5) Time Management Strategy
Divide your preparation time between SUPR and REAP. For example:
- Spend the first half of your study session revising Physics, Chemistry, or Maths.
- Use the second half for practicing reasoning-based questions.
Closer to the exam, focus more on solving mock tests that include both sections together. This will help you balance subject-based and reasoning-based thinking within the exam duration.
6) Importance of Mock Tests and Previous Papers
UGEE is not about attempting a large number of questions in a short time; it is about solving them smartly. That’s why mock tests are crucial. They give you the real exam feel and show you where you need improvement. Previous years’ question papers and official sample questions for SUPR and REAP are the best starting point.
When solving these, analyze:
- Which topics consume more time.
- How you approach reasoning questions.
- Whether you are making calculation errors under pressure.
Make a notebook to track these mistakes and revise them regularly.
7) Balancing UGEE with Other Exams
Most students preparing for UGEE are also preparing for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or other engineering exams. The good news is that SUPR overlaps with JEE preparation. This means you don’t need a separate subject plan for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Just ensure you practice more application-oriented problems.
For REAP, however, you need to set aside at least a few hours weekly to focus on aptitude and creative thinking. Since JEE does not test this skill, many students ignore it. But in UGEE, REAP has equal importance.
Tips for the Last Month Before UGEE 2026
- Revise all formulas, derivations, and important theorems.
- Attempt at least two full-length mock tests per week.
- Focus on weak areas instead of solving only what you already know.
- Solve sample REAP questions every day to stay sharp.
- Keep a calm mind, as stress reduces creativity in REAP.
Conclusion
UGEE is a special opportunity for students who want to study at IIIT Hyderabad and build a career in research. Unlike most engineering entrance exams, UGEE is designed to test not just subject knowledge but also your creativity, reasoning, and interest in research. This makes it different and challenging.
Every year, nearly 10,000 students appear for UGEE, but only about 150–170 seats are available across all dual-degree programs. This means the competition is intense, and only a small number of students make it through. However, if you are serious about research and have a strong base in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, UGEE is worth attempting.
Students selected through UGEE join a five-year program that combines a B.Tech with an MS by Research. You will not only earn two degrees but also get early exposure to projects, coding, and advanced problem-solving. Many graduates go on to pursue higher studies abroad, join top research labs, or work with leading tech companies.
If you want to stand out and take the research path right from the start of your undergraduate journey, UGEE can be the gateway. With the right preparation and confidence, you can be among the few chosen each year.
