If you are preparing for IIIT Hyderabad’s dual degree program, you must know how competitive the UGEE interview stage is. Every year, thousands of students take the Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) to secure a seat in the B.Tech + MS by Research programs. Only a limited number of candidates are shortlisted for the interview, which decides the final selection.
The UGEE interview focuses on more than just solving questions correctly. It tests concept clarity, problem-solving ability, and interest in research. IIIT Hyderabad does not release official figures, but community discussions and past experiences suggest that anywhere from around 1,000 to 1,500 candidates may be shortlisted for interviews. While the exact number changes each year, keeping this in mind can help you plan your preparation and focus on both the written exam and interview strategy. A clear understanding of the process, along with consistent practice, can improve your chances of clearing this crucial stage.
What is UGEE & Who Conducts It?
UGEE stands for Undergraduate Entrance Examination. IIIT Hyderabad conducts this exam every year. The purpose of UGEE is to admit students into special dual degree programs that combine engineering with research.
Unlike normal B.Tech programs, the UGEE admission route gives students a chance to pursue an Integrated B.Tech + Master of Science (MS by Research) degree. This degree takes about five years to complete.
The exam is structured in such a way that it first tests your basic subject knowledge and then your research aptitude. That is why UGEE is divided into two main sections: SUPR and REAP. SUPR tests Class 11th and 12th level Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. REAP tests logical reasoning, critical thinking, and creativity.
How Many Students Are Selected For UGEE Interview?
IIIT Hyderabad does not release official numbers, but according to unofficial data, about 1000–1500 students are shortlisted each year. Shortlisting is based on the UGEE written exam. SUPR is the first filter, and only those who clear it are evaluated in REAP. Final shortlisting depends on REAP performance, though a minimum SUPR score is mandatory.
UGEE Interview Process
The UGEE interview is the final and most important stage of the admission process at IIIT Hyderabad. Only candidates who clear the written exam are shortlisted and invited for the interview. This stage decides who will finally receive admission offers for the dual degree programs. While the exam score helps in shortlisting, the final decision is based entirely on interview performance.
UGEE Interview Notification and Scheduling
Candidates shortlisted for the interview receive an official email notification from IIIT Hyderabad. The email includes the interview date, time, and other important instructions. Before the actual interview day, there is usually a short verification meeting. This meeting helps to check technical requirements such as audio and video, especially for online interviews.
For students attending online interviews, IIIT Hyderabad shares a secure link to join the session. During the COVID-19 years, most interviews were conducted in this online format. However, under normal circumstances, the interviews are usually conducted in-person on the IIIT Hyderabad campus.
UGEE Interview Format
The interview is typically conducted in blocks of sessions. Candidates are called in groups, and each student faces a panel of interviewers. The panel usually consists of multiple professors or faculty members from IIIT Hyderabad. This allows different experts to evaluate the student from different perspectives.
The atmosphere of the interview is usually friendly but also challenging. Students should not view it as a strict question-answer session. Instead, it is more like a discussion, where interviewers want to know how a student thinks and explains concepts.
Importance of the UGEE Interview
The interview is a crucial opportunity to stand out. Even if a student did not score the highest in the written exam, strong performance in the interview can secure admission. The panel does not just test subject knowledge but also evaluates:
- Soft skills – confidence, politeness, and ability to communicate.
- Overall demeanor – how students greet, listen, and respond.
- Clarity of thought – explaining ideas without hesitation.
This means that qualities such as respect, confidence, and the ability to explain clearly can make a big difference.
UGEE Interview Experience (Based on Student Reports)
Students who have faced the UGEE interview describe the process as supportive and encouraging. The professors are often friendly and helpful. If a student struggles with a question, the interviewers usually provide hints or guiding questions to help them think in the right direction.
The questions are not always straightforward textbook questions. Instead, they are often presented as real-life problems that require logical or mathematical reasoning. Sometimes, there is not even a single “correct” answer. In such cases, the interviewers focus more on the student’s approach to solving the problem rather than the final answer.
Key Observations from Past Interviews
- Speaking up is important: Remaining silent creates a poor impression. Even if a student is unsure, it is better to explain what they are thinking.
- Explaining thought process: Interviewers want to understand how you reach a solution. Step-by-step reasoning is valued more than a guess.
- Problem-based questions: For example, one candidate was asked to explain why an electron does not fall into the nucleus. This question required using concepts like standing waves and angular momentum.
- Creative questions: Another example was framing a sentence using only pronouns without nouns. This type of question checks creative thinking and clarity in language.
- Hints are given: Interviewers guide students if they get stuck, which makes the process less stressful.
What to Expect in the UGEE Interview
Students who have appeared in past UGEE interviews describe the panel as encouraging and helpful. If you get stuck, the professors often give hints to push you in the right direction. The questions are not always from the textbook but are designed as real-life scenarios that require logical or mathematical reasoning.
For example:
- Explaining why an electron doesn’t fall into a nucleus. This requires moving from the concept of standing waves to angular momentum.
- Framing a sentence using only pronouns without using any nouns.
In many cases, there is no single correct answer. What matters is your approach and whether you attempt the problem confidently. Staying silent is discouraged, but speaking up and walking the panel through your thought process works well.
Preparation Tips for Students
- Revise your basics – Focus on Physics and Mathematics concepts that involve reasoning and application.
- Practice thinking aloud – When solving a problem, explain your steps clearly. This shows your logical flow.
- Stay calm if stuck – Use hints from the panel and continue reasoning. Do not panic or give up midway.
- Work on communication – Be polite, greet the interviewers, and maintain positive body language.
- Focus on curiosity – Remember, the interview is designed to test your research potential, so show interest in exploring ideas, even unfamiliar ones.
The UGEE interview is not about rote learning but about concept clarity, curiosity, and creativity. Prepare by practicing problem-solving, thinking logically, and expressing your reasoning clearly. With the right mindset, you can leave a strong impression on the panel and improve your final rank.
UGEE 2025 Exam Pattern
The UGEE exam has a very different structure compared to JEE. It is conducted in computer-based mode. The total duration is 3 hours. The exam has two main sections: SUPR and REAP.
SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Syllabus: Based on Class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Type: Multiple-choice questions
- Purpose: To test subject knowledge
- Negative marking: 25% for wrong answers
REAP (Research Aptitude Test)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Type: Multiple-choice and reasoning-based questions
- Focus: Logical reasoning, creative thinking, and research aptitude
- Inspired by puzzles, science questions, and reasoning beyond direct syllabus
- Negative marking: 25% for wrong answers
Shortlisting Process
- First, students are filtered based on SUPR scores.
- Then, students are ranked according to their REAP performance.
- Finally, shortlisted students are called for the interview.
This exam structure ensures that students have both subject knowledge and the ability to think beyond the textbook.
UGEE 2026: Key Dates & Schedule
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 Preparation Guide
The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) of IIIT Hyderabad is different from most other engineering entrance tests in India. Unlike JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or BITSAT, UGEE is not only about subject proficiency. It also tests reasoning ability, creativity, and problem-solving skills. For students aiming at IIIT Hyderabad’s B.Tech + MS by Research programs, preparing effectively for UGEE is essential.
The UGEE exam is divided into two main sections: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) and REAP (Research Aptitude Test).
1) SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test): SUPR is fast-paced and time-sensitive. Students must be quick in solving problems without losing accuracy.
Subject-wise Breakdown:
- Mathematics – Covers topics such as algebra, calculus, and probability. Probability often appears with higher difficulty, sometimes exceeding JEE Main level. Students should practice speed and accuracy here.
- Physics – Mechanics and Optics are very important. The questions are conceptual but not as lengthy as JEE Advanced problems.
- Chemistry – More emphasis on Physical Chemistry and some basic Organic Chemistry reactions. Inorganic Chemistry has very little weight, and there are no exceptions-based questions. NCERT books are sufficient for this section.
SUPR acts as the first filter. Students who perform poorly in this section are not considered further.
2) REAP (Research Aptitude Test): REAP is very different from anything most JEE aspirants prepare for. Students describe it as “strange and weird” because it does not depend on direct memorization or formulas. Instead, it checks reasoning ability, creativity, and research-like thinking.
Examples of REAP-style Questions:
- Translating a passage from an unknown language into English by analyzing grammar and sentence structure.
- Puzzle-based questions similar to NTSE or mental ability exams.
- Questions requiring complete sentence answers instead of selecting multiple-choice options.
- Problems with variable marking schemes, like multiple correct answers with negative marking for wrong choices.
- Open-ended problems where the approach matters more than the final answer.
REAP is often compared to JEE Advanced in terms of unpredictability. The focus is on how students approach problems, not just whether they get the right answer.
How to Prepare for UGEE
Since UGEE has two different parts, preparation must be tailored for both SUPR and REAP.
Preparation for SUPR
- Leverage JEE Preparation – Students preparing for JEE Main or Advanced already cover most of the SUPR syllabus. Continue practicing JEE-level problems in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Time Management Practice – The SUPR section is usually set with around 50 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 60 minutes. It’s meant to test your speed and accuracy under pressure. The exact number of questions, however, may vary from year to year as the exam pattern is not always fixed officially. Practice solving under strict time conditions.
- Use NCERT for Chemistry – For Physical and Organic basics, NCERT is more than enough. Inorganic questions are rare.
- Avoid Guessing – With negative marking, accuracy is more important than attempting every question.
Preparation for REAP
- Practice Mental Ability Questions – Books for exams like NTSE (National Talent Search Exam), IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad), and NSO (National Science Olympiad) can help. These improve logical and analytical thinking.
- Develop Pattern Recognition Skills – Many REAP questions require spotting patterns in unfamiliar situations. Practice with puzzles and logical reasoning books.
- Focus on Research-Like Thinking – Think about how concepts connect. For example, language translation problems test your ability to identify structure without knowing vocabulary.
- Be Comfortable with Uncertainty – REAP may ask questions with no fixed correct answer. The key is to explain your reasoning clearly.
- Practice Open-Ended Answers – Some REAP questions require written explanations. Practice expressing your thoughts in clear, structured sentences.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Focusing only on SUPR: Many students spend all their energy on JEE-style preparation and ignore REAP, which is equally important.
- Random Guessing in SUPR: Negative marking punishes blind guessing. Attempt only those questions where you have a strong approach.
- Not practicing expression: In both REAP and the interview, explaining your thought process is crucial. Silence or one-word answers create a bad impression.
- Neglecting the essay answers: Some students copy generic responses in the application form. This hurts during the interview when professors ask follow-up questions.
UGEE Examination Centres
IIIT Hyderabad conducts UGEE in multiple cities across India. Every year, the exam centres are updated slightly, but major cities usually remain the same.
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 |
Students can choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form. The final exam city is confirmed when the admit card is released.
Conclusion
Reaching the UGEE interview stage at IIIT Hyderabad is a major achievement. Every year, thousands of students take the exam, but only about 1000 to 1500 candidates are shortlisted for the interview. This makes the interview highly competitive and an important step in the admission process.
The interview is designed to test conceptual clarity, problem-solving skills, and genuine interest in research. Written exam scores help determine shortlisting, but the final selection depends entirely on performance during the interview. Preparing for both the SUPR and REAP sections of the UGEE exam is crucial, along with practicing clear explanations of ideas for the interview.
Understanding the selection process and the approximate number of candidates helps students set realistic expectations and plan their preparation efficiently. Focused preparation, confidence, and clear thinking can increase your chances of being among the successful candidates invited for the UGEE interview.
