Every competitive exam begins with one big question in a student’s mind: “How tough is the competition?” For UGEE, this usually translates to “How many students actually give the exam?” The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) conducted by IIIT Hyderabad is not just another entrance test; it opens doors to research-focused dual degree programs where students earn both a B.Tech and an MS by Research in 5 years.
These programs are highly valued because they blend classroom learning with hands-on research, preparing students for advanced careers and higher studies. However, the limited number of seats makes UGEE one of the most competitive admission routes in the country.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about UGEE 2026—its programs, eligibility, exam pattern, application process, and of course, the much-asked question of how many students give the exam every year.
What is UGEE?
The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) is an admission pathway offered by the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad). It is meant for students who want to join dual degree programs. These programs combine a four-year B.Tech with a two-year Master of Science by Research, but the total duration is five years instead of six.
The UGEE route is only for students interested in dual degrees. Regular B.Tech seats are offered through JEE Main or other channels, but UGEE has a unique purpose. Students who take admission through UGEE enter programs that are designed to prepare them for research-based careers. These programs are not for students who want only a regular engineering degree. Instead, they are built for students who want to go deeper into research, higher studies, or advanced technology careers.
Duration: The dual degree programs under UGEE are of 5 years. During this time, students complete both B.Tech and MS by Research requirements. The program is intensive but rewarding, as it equips students with both technical knowledge and research expertise.
How Many Students Give the UGEE Exam?
Around 10,000 students appear for UGEE each year, though official numbers are not always released. With only about 110 seats, the acceptance rate is very low. Compared to JEE Main, UGEE has fewer applicants but tougher competition. Serious preparation is needed for both exams and interview.
UGEE Seat Matrix
Here is a table showing all the dual degree programs offered under UGEE, their abbreviations, number of seats, and details of B.Tech and MS by Research:
| Programme Abbreviation | Seats | B.Tech | MS by Research |
| ECD | 20 | Electronics & Communication Engg. | Electronics & Communication Engg. |
| CSD | 30 | Computer Science & Engg. | Computer Science & Engg. |
| CLD | 15 | Computer Science | Computational Linguistics |
| CND | 15 | Computer Science | Computational Natural Sciences |
| CHD | 15 | Computer Science | Computing & Human Sciences |
| CGD | 15 | Computer Science | Geospatial Technology |
These programs are unique because the MS by Research part is aligned with emerging fields. For example, Computational Linguistics is useful for artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and chatbots. Computational Natural Sciences links computer science with biology, physics, or chemistry. Geospatial Technology is important for mapping, satellites, and location-based services.
UGEE 2026 Exam Dates
The exact dates will be announced by IIIT Hyderabad, but the expected timeline for UGEE 2026 is:
| Event | Expected Date |
| Application Start | February 2026 |
| Application Close | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| UGEE Exam | April 2026 |
| Results | May 2026 |
| Interview | June 2026 |
| Seat Allocation (Round 1) | June 2026 |
| Round 2 Results | July 2026 |
| Reporting to Campus | July 2026 |
| Parents’ Meeting | July 2026 |
Students should regularly check the official IIIT Hyderabad website for the latest updates.
UGEE 2026 Eligibility
To apply for UGEE 2026, students must meet certain eligibility conditions.
- The student must have passed Class 12 or equivalent by June 2026.
- Subjects in Class 12 must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2022 or earlier are not eligible.
This means only those who completed Class 12 recently or will complete it in 2026 can apply. Students preparing for the exam must ensure they are in the correct eligibility window.
UGEE 2026 Exam Pattern and Process
Applicants seeking admission through the UGEE mode must appear for a computer-based test conducted by IIIT Hyderabad. This exam is specially designed to test both subject knowledge and research aptitude. The total duration of the exam is three hours, and it is divided into two major sections: SUPR and REAP.
Structure of UGEE Exam
The three-hour test is split into two parts:
| Section | Name | Duration | Content & Focus | Marking Scheme |
| 1 | SUPR (Subject Proficiency) | 60 minutes | Based on the Class 11 & 12 syllabus of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. | 25% negative marking for every wrong answer. |
| 2 | REAP (Research Aptitude) | 120 minutes | No fixed syllabus. Tests creative thinking, logical reasoning, and research aptitude through scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and analysis of unfamiliar scenarios. | 25% negative marking for every wrong answer. |
Application Process for UGEE 2026
Applying for UGEE 2026 is the first step toward securing admission into the dual-degree programmes at IIIT Hyderabad. The entire process is conducted online, which means students do not need to send any documents by post. If you plan to write UGEE, you should be familiar with each step of the application process, the required details, and the common mistakes to avoid. Here is a detailed breakdown of the UGEE 2026 application process.
Step 1: Registration on the Admission Portal
- Visit the official IIIT Hyderabad admission portal when applications open in February 2026.
- Click on the option to “Apply for UGEE 2026”.
- You will be asked to create a new account.
- Provide your name, email address, mobile number, and a password of your choice.
- Once you submit this, a confirmation link will be sent to your email.
- Click on that link to activate your account.
Tip: Use a valid and frequently used email address. All official communication, including admit card and interview details, will be sent to this email.
Step 2: Filling the Application Form
After successful registration, log in to the portal using your email ID and password. The application form will ask for several details. Fill them carefully, as incorrect information may cause problems later.
The form is divided into sections such as:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, gender, category (General/OBC/SC/ST), and nationality.
- Contact Details: Permanent address, current address, email ID, and mobile number.
- Academic Information: Class 10th and 12th details including board name, year of passing, marks/grades, and school name.
- Subject Stream: Confirm that you have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12.
- Other Exams: The portal may ask if you are applying through other admission channels (like JEE Main, DASA, or SPEC). This is only for record purposes.
Make sure all spellings are correct and details match your certificates.
Step 3: Uploading Documents
The application form will require scanned copies of certain documents. Usually, these include:
- Recent passport-size photograph (in JPG format, file size under the given limit).
- Signature (scanned and uploaded as per size requirement).
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (if available). If you are currently in Class 12, you may be asked to upload your Class 11 report card.
Follow the given file size and format instructions carefully. If the portal rejects your upload, resize the file using any online tool.
Step 4: Payment of Application Fee
The application fee for UGEE 2026 is:
- ₹3000 for male applicants
- ₹1500 for female applicants (as part of IIIT Hyderabad’s diversity initiative).
The payment must be done online using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation message on the portal and through email.
Tip: Save the payment receipt or take a screenshot of the confirmation page. This will serve as proof if any payment issue arises later.
Step 5: Final Review and Submission
Before you click the final “Submit” button, review all the information you have entered. Check for:
- Spelling mistakes in your name.
- Correctness of date of birth.
- Accuracy of academic details.
- Whether your uploaded documents are clear and visible.
Once you are satisfied, submit the form. After submission, you cannot make changes unless the portal opens a correction window.
Step 6: Downloading the Application Form
After submitting your application, download and save a copy of the completed application form. This is important because it contains your Application ID, which you will need later to log in and download your admit card. Keep both a digital copy and a printed copy for future reference.
Important Points to Remember
- Apply early – Do not wait until the last week of March 2026. Server issues are common near the deadline.
- Keep documents ready – Have your photo, signature, and mark sheets scanned before starting the form.
- Use correct details – Make sure everything matches your official documents. Discrepancies may cause rejection.
- Check your email regularly – IIIT Hyderabad will send updates about admit cards, interviews, and seat allocation only via email and the portal.
- Save login credentials safely – You will need them multiple times, including for downloading the admit card in April 2026.
Filling the application form correctly is as important as preparing for the exam itself. Mistakes in the form can lead to problems such as incorrect admit card details, delay in communication, or even rejection of your application. By following each step carefully and submitting the form well before the deadline, you ensure that you are officially registered for UGEE 2026 and ready to focus on preparation.
UGEE 2026 Preparation Strategy
The UGEE exam of IIIT Hyderabad has two important sections: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) and REAP (Research Aptitude Test). Both sections must be attempted carefully because there is negative marking of 25% for wrong answers. This negative marking has been added in recent years due to the increase in applicants, making accuracy more important than speed. The exam is held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and both sections together decide if you will qualify for the interview stage.
SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test)
The first section, SUPR, is worth 60 marks. It takes place from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and gives you exactly one hour to solve 50 questions. Each correct answer carries +1 mark, while every wrong answer results in -0.25 marks.
The content is purely PCM-based (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), the difficulty level of questions is close to JEE Main, but often slightly easier. Some questions may include five answer options instead of the usual four, so students must read carefully before selecting the right choice. Elimination strategies can work here, but only if you are sure. Random guesswork is risky because of negative marking.
A good target for SUPR is to solve 35–40 questions correctly out of 50 in 60 minutes. Achieving this will give you a strong base score and improve your chances of clearing the cutoff. To prepare, focus on solving easy to medium-level JEE questions, as hard JEE Advanced questions are not necessary. Prioritize chapters that frequently appear in IIIT Hyderabad sample papers and official resources.
REAP (Research Aptitude Test)
The second section, REAP, is worth 120 marks and takes place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This section lasts two hours, giving you more time per question compared to SUPR. The marking scheme is +2 for correct answers and -0.25 for wrong answers.
REAP also includes PCM-based questions (50% Mathematics, 30% Physics, 20% Chemistry). But apart from PCM, it adds Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Research-related questions. These test your ability to think critically, identify patterns, and apply concepts in unusual situations. The main purpose of REAP is not to test memorization but to check how you handle unfamiliar problems.
To prepare for REAP, practice questions from:
- IndiaBix (search for topics like Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning).
- CAT exam material (for Aptitude and Reasoning).
- NTSE resources (useful for logical thinking and analytical questions).
Since online resources are freely available, there is no need to purchase separate books for this section. Consistent practice of reasoning questions will help you feel comfortable in the exam.
Shortlisting for UGEE Interview
Clearing the written exam alone is not enough. IIIT Hyderabad uses a two-step cutoff system:
- First, you must clear the SUPR cutoff. If you fail in this, your REAP marks will not be considered.
- If you clear SUPR, then your REAP score is checked against its cutoff.
- Only if you qualify in both sections will you be shortlisted for the interview round.
This makes SUPR extremely important because it is the first filter. Many students lose out because they score well in REAP but fall short in SUPR.
Level of UGEE Questions and Strategy
Compared to JEE, UGEE is slightly easier. JEE-level preparation is more than enough for PCM. Focus only on easy to medium-level questions, since hard-level questions are unnecessary. The exam is designed to test your analytical skills and thought process rather than advanced problem-solving tricks.
Here are some strategies to follow:
- Accuracy is more important than attempting all questions due to negative marking.
- Do not guess randomly; answer only when you can eliminate options with confidence.
- In SUPR, aim for 35–40 correct answers in one hour. Time management is crucial.
- In REAP, use the extra time to think carefully before answering.
IIIT Hyderabad also provides sample papers on their website. Solving them is the best way to understand the style of questions. Previous students have also uploaded videos highlighting important PCM chapters. Watching these can help you prioritize high-yield topics.
Resources for UGEE Preparation
- PCM (SUPR and REAP): Use your JEE preparation material, NCERTs, and easy to medium-level JEE questions.
- Aptitude and Reasoning (REAP): Use IndiaBix, CAT exam aptitude resources, and NTSE-level logical reasoning material.
- Practice Papers: Regularly attempt the official UGEE sample papers to get a feel of the exam.
UGEE 2026 requires balanced preparation for both SUPR and REAP. Do not ignore SUPR since it acts as the first filter. At the same time, practice enough reasoning questions for REAP so you can handle the unique style of problems. Always focus on accuracy, avoid guesswork, and stick to a calm exam strategy.
If you maintain consistency and practice smartly, UGEE can be cracked with the preparation you already do for JEE, plus some extra effort for reasoning and research aptitude.
Conclusion
The UGEE exam of IIIT Hyderabad is one of the most competitive admission tests for students interested in research-driven careers. Every year, nearly 10,000 students appear for this exam, but only around 110 seats are available across all dual degree programs. This makes the acceptance rate very low, and only the most prepared students move forward to the interview and final selection stages.
If you are someone who enjoys solving problems, thinking creatively, and applying knowledge in new ways, UGEE can be the right pathway for you. The exam is not just about subject knowledge but also about your ability to think critically, which is what makes it different from other engineering entrances. With proper preparation and focus, you can give yourself a strong chance to secure admission into one of the most prestigious research-oriented programs in the country.
FAQs
1) How many students write UGEE every year?
Every year, nearly 10,000 students appear for the UGEE exam. However, IIIT Hyderabad does not always release the official number of test takers. This figure is based on reports, past experiences, and estimates from students. While smaller than JEE, UGEE is still very competitive.
2) How many get shortlisted for interviews?
Only a small portion of the total applicants qualify for the interview stage after the written exam. The exact number changes every year depending on student performance and cutoff scores. Generally, only the top few percent are called for interviews, making it highly selective and competitive.
3) How many final seats are there?
There are about 110 seats available across all UGEE dual degree programs at IIIT Hyderabad. These include programs like Computer Science, Electronics, Computational Linguistics, and others. Since nearly 10,000 students compete for these limited seats, the selection ratio becomes very low, adding to the exam’s difficulty.
4) Are official statistics ever released?
IIIT Hyderabad does not release detailed official statistics about the number of applicants or selection ratios every year. Most information comes from past student accounts and expert analysis. Therefore, students usually rely on estimates to understand competition, even though exact figures are rarely published officially.
