Getting into IIIT Hyderabad is a dream for many students who love coding, maths, and research. But unlike JEE, the UGEE exam is not just about solving Physics, Chemistry, and Maths questions. It also tests how you think, how fast you solve puzzles, and how clear your reasoning is. That is why students often find UGEE both exciting and confusing.
If you are preparing for JEE, you already have a strong base for the first part of UGEE, called SUPR. But the second part, REAP, feels very different. Here, you will face puzzles, reasoning challenges, and even language-based problems that look strange at first. The key is to know the pattern, prepare smartly, and stay calm during the exam.
This guide will give you everything you need — exam pattern, subject focus, resources, strategy, and interview tips — to crack UGEE in 2026.
UGEE Exam Structure & Pattern
The UGEE exam is a 3-hour test designed to select students for research-based programs at IIIT Hyderabad. Unlike JEE, which mainly checks subject knowledge, UGEE tests both subject proficiency and research aptitude. The test has two main parts:
| Section | Name | Duration | Marks | Purpose |
| SUPR | Subject Proficiency Test | 60 minutes | 60 | Screens students based on PCM strength |
| REAP | Research Aptitude Test | 120 minutes | 120 | Tests logical reasoning, puzzles, and research-oriented thinking |
- The exam starts with SUPR, followed by REAP.
- Students cannot return to SUPR once they move to REAP.
- The exam runs from 9 AM to 12 PM.
A recent change is the introduction of negative marking. Every wrong answer reduces your score by –0.25 marks. This makes accuracy more important than blind attempts.
1) SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test)
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Marks | 60 |
| Marking | +1 for correct, –0.25 for wrong |
| Average Time per Question | 1.2 minutes |
This section is fast-paced and demands both accuracy and speed.
This makes Mathematics the most important subject in SUPR.
Performance Benchmark: To do well in SUPR:
- Target 35–40 accurate attempts out of 50.
- Focus more on accuracy than attempting all questions.
- Avoid blind guessing because of negative marking.
UGEE SUPR Subject-specific Focus
Mathematics: Mathematics carries half the weight of the paper. The most important topic is Probability and Random Processes, which may cover almost 20 questions. This makes it the deciding factor in SUPR. Other recurring areas include:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Series and sequences
- Permutations and combinations
- Curve tracing
| Key Area | Importance | Difficulty Level |
| Probability & Random Processes | Very high | Above JEE Advanced in some cases |
| Algebra | High | JEE Main level |
| Geometry | Moderate | JEE Main level |
| Sequences & Series | Moderate | JEE Main / Advanced mix |
| Curve Tracing | Niche but tricky | Higher-order |
Students must balance speed and depth. It is not enough to know formulas; applying them under time pressure is the key.
Physics: Physics is around 30% of the paper. Most questions are at JEE Main level. The most important topics are Mechanics and Optics.
Types of questions:
- Conceptual reasoning
- Graph-based analysis
- Passage-based questions
| Topic | Importance | Example Style |
| Mechanics | High | Conceptual + numerical |
| Optics | High | Ray diagrams, lens problems |
| Modern Physics | Low | 1–2 small questions |
| Thermodynamics | Moderate | Graph-based questions |
Physics rewards students who understand concepts deeply instead of memorizing formulas.
Chemistry: Chemistry has the least weightage (20%). The section usually focuses on:
- Physical Chemistry numericals
- Simple Organic Chemistry reactions
There is very little Inorganic Chemistry, and hardly any direct factual recall questions.
| Area | Importance | Notes |
| Physical Chemistry | High | Numericals, formula application |
| Organic Chemistry | Moderate | Simple reaction-based |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Very low | Minimal presence |
Students should not over-invest time in Chemistry since its weight is low. Instead, they should ensure accuracy in the small number of questions that appear.
REAP (Research Aptitude Test)
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Marking | +2 for correct, –0.25 for wrong |
| Average Time per Question | 2.4 minutes |
Compared to SUPR, students get more time per question in REAP.
UGEE REAP Content Areas
REAP is divided into multiple reasoning-based areas:
| Area | Details |
| Aptitude & Reasoning | CAT-level logical puzzles, data sufficiency, coding-decoding, cryptarithmetic |
| Linguistics | Grammar-based, unknown language translation, pattern reasoning |
| Mental Ability | NTSE/IMO/NSO style puzzles, unconventional logic questions |
| PCM-based logical problems | Puzzles using Physics, Chemistry, and Maths concepts, often case-study or passage-based |
This section feels unpredictable because the types of questions change every year.
Difficulty Characteristics
- Questions are often strange and unconventional.
- Sometimes answers are not purely objective; the reasoning process matters more.
- Some students compare REAP to solving puzzles in a competitive coding contest.
Difficulty Comparison with JEE
| Section | UGEE Level | JEE Equivalent |
| SUPR | Easier than JEE Advanced; close to JEE Main | JEE Main level |
| REAP | Tougher in reasoning; not present in JEE | Beyond JEE, closer to CAT + NTSE mix |
| Overall | Easier in PCM, harder in logic | JEE has no reasoning component |
This makes UGEE unique: students good in reasoning can outperform even if they are average in PCM.
Pattern Variability: One important feature of UGEE is annual variability. IIIT Hyderabad changes:
- Number of questions per section
- Weightage
- Marking scheme
This prevents students from relying on past papers alone. It pushes them to focus on core skills instead of rote strategies.
UGEE Shortlisting & Cut-off System
The shortlisting system works in two steps:
| Stage | Requirement | Result if not cleared |
| SUPR | Must clear subject cut-off | Disqualified, REAP not checked |
| REAP | Must clear reasoning cut-off | Disqualified from shortlist |
| Final | Both cut-offs cleared | Eligible for interview |
SUPR cut-off check:
- Students must clear SUPR first.
- If not cleared, they are disqualified immediately.
- REAP is not even evaluated.
REAP cut-off check:
- Only students who clear SUPR are considered here.
- Marks are compared with the REAP cut-off.
Final shortlist: To qualify, both cut-offs must be cleared.
Thus, students should not ignore REAP. Even with strong JEE-level prep, failing REAP preparation can cost them admission.
How To Crack UGEE
Preparing for the UGEE exam requires a smart approach rather than just more study hours. The exam is different from JEE because it has two parts: SUPR, which checks subject knowledge, and REAP, which checks reasoning and research aptitude. Many students make the mistake of treating UGEE like another JEE paper, but that does not work. SUPR overlaps with JEE preparation, but REAP is unique and needs special focus.
The good news is that students who are already preparing for JEE do not need a completely separate UGEE preparation. Instead, they must fine-tune their JEE preparation for SUPR and add logical reasoning practice for REAP.
General Approach
- No separate UGEE coaching is needed. Students preparing for JEE already cover most of the syllabus needed for SUPR.
- JEE preparation is enough for SUPR. Topics, difficulty level, and question types are largely the same as JEE Main.
- Special focus is required for REAP. This part is unpredictable and contains reasoning, puzzles, and linguistic problems that JEE students may not have practiced before.
In short, think of UGEE as JEE Main + reasoning puzzles.
Preparing for SUPR
SUPR is a 60-minute, 60-mark test with 50 questions. Since it has negative marking, students need to balance speed and accuracy. A good strategy is to aim for 35–40 accurate attempts.
UGEE SUPR Subject-wise Focus
| Subject | Focus Areas | Preparation Strategy |
| Mathematics | Probability & Random Processes, Algebra, Geometry, Series, Permutations & Combinations | Practice high-level probability problems, revise JEE Main/Advanced sets, and solve past UGEE questions |
| Physics | Mechanics, Optics, Graph-based conceptual problems | Focus on concepts rather than heavy calculations; practice JEE Main level questions |
| Chemistry | Physical Chemistry numericals, light Organic basics, NCERT fundamentals | Revise NCERT thoroughly; focus on numericals over theory; skip heavy inorganic |
Mathematics Strategy: Mathematics dominates SUPR with 25 questions out of 50. Within mathematics, Probability and Random Processes is the most important area, often contributing nearly 20 questions. This makes it a “make-or-break” topic.
- Solve selected advanced problems in probability. Go beyond JEE Main standard.
- Practice combinatorics with time limits. Many probability questions link to permutations and combinations.
- Revise standard JEE topics like algebra and geometry, but focus more on application than rote formula use.
- Attempt curve-tracing problems from higher-order books to build conceptual flexibility.
Physics Strategy: Physics forms about 15 questions out of 50. The level is similar to JEE Main, with a major focus on Mechanics and Optics.
- Practice mechanics problems that involve conceptual reasoning rather than lengthy calculations.
- Revise ray diagrams, lens problems, and interference concepts for optics.
- Pay attention to graph-based and passage-based questions. Practice interpreting physical situations from diagrams and data.
Chemistry Strategy: Chemistry is the smallest section, with around 10 questions out of 50.
- Focus on Physical Chemistry numericals. Topics like mole concept, equilibrium, and electrochemistry are frequently asked.
- Revise basic organic chemistry reactions. Only the most common reaction mechanisms appear.
- Skip heavy inorganic chemistry memorization. Very few factual recall questions are asked.
SUPR Strategy Summary
- Attempt only the questions you are confident about.
- Don’t guess randomly because of negative marking.
- Manage time well — 1.2 minutes per question.
- Keep a balance: spend more time on maths, but do not ignore physics and chemistry.
Preparing for REAP
REAP is a 120-minute, 120-mark test with 50 questions. It is very different from JEE and often feels unpredictable. Students get more time per question (2.4 minutes), but the questions are logic-heavy.
Key Resources
- NTSE / NSO / IMO materials – These build logical reasoning, mental ability, and unconventional problem-solving.
- CAT aptitude and reasoning resources – CAT-level logical aptitude is excellent practice for puzzles, coding-decoding, and data sufficiency.
- IndiaBix – A free online platform with hundreds of puzzles, reasoning questions, and data sufficiency problems.
- IIIT-H sample papers and memory-based papers – These give the closest idea of actual UGEE questions. Websites like “Trip Prep” or “IIIT Prep” provide student experiences.
Skills to Build for UGEE REAP
| Skill | Why It Matters in REAP | How to Practice |
| Puzzle-solving speed | Many questions are multi-step puzzles | Timed practice from CAT and NTSE sets |
| Language/grammar analysis | Linguistics section uses unknown languages | Use Wren & Martin, solve translation-style puzzles |
| Structured reasoning | REAP rewards the method, not just the answer | Practice writing step-by-step solutions |
| PCM-based logical reasoning | Some problems mix science with reasoning | Work on passage-based Physics/Math case studies |
UGEE REAP Content Area Breakdown
1) Aptitude & Reasoning:
- Questions are like CAT logical reasoning: seating arrangements, family trees, coding-decoding, cryptarithmetic.
- Example: “In a family of 6, A is the father of B… Who is C?”
2) Linguistics:
- Pattern-based reasoning on unknown languages.
- Example: “In a made-up language, karo means tree, karo-pil means green tree. What does pil mean?”
3) Mental Ability:
- NTSE-style fun puzzles: missing terms, shape shifting, cube problems.
- These test creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
4) PCM-based logical problems:
- Puzzles that mix reasoning with Physics, Chemistry, or Math.
- Example: a graph-based problem where you must reason about trends rather than calculate exact values.
UGEE Resource Recommendations
For SUPR:
- NCERT books + JEE Main prep material – Ensure strong basics.
- Selected advanced probability problems – Build depth in the most important area.
- Official IIIT-H sample papers – Practice in actual exam style.
- Video lectures on Probability/Combinatorics – Good for conceptual clarity.
For REAP:
- Wren & Martin – For linguistic reasoning and grammar.
- CAT reasoning books – For puzzles and logical aptitude.
- IndiaBix (free) – Daily practice of reasoning and data sufficiency.
- NTSE/NSO question banks – For mental ability puzzles.
SUPR + REAP Strategy Table
| Section | Focus | Resources | Target Strategy |
| SUPR | PCM subjects (50 Q, 60 min) | JEE Main prep, NCERT, advanced probability | Attempt 35–40 with accuracy |
| REAP | Aptitude, Linguistics, Logic (50 Q, 120 min) | NTSE/NSO, CAT reasoning, IndiaBix, IIIT papers | Build speed + reasoning depth |
Key Takeaways
- JEE prep covers SUPR → Don’t reinvent; just polish maths (probability), mechanics, and physical chemistry.
- REAP is the real challenge → Puzzles, reasoning, and language analysis must be practiced separately.
- Avoid random guessing → Negative marking can ruin scores.
- Use official and free resources → IndiaBix, NTSE books, and sample papers are enough.
- Practice structured reasoning → In REAP and interviews, the process matters more than the final answer.
UGEE Interview Process
The UGEE interview is the final stage of selection after students clear both SUPR and REAP. Many students think of it as a tough oral exam, but in reality, the interview is more of an interactive discussion. The purpose is not to catch students off guard but to test how they think, reason, and explain their ideas. IIIT Hyderabad looks for students with strong concepts, curiosity, and the ability to approach problems creatively.
Shortlisting to Interview
Students who clear both the SUPR and REAP cut-offs receive an email notification with their interview schedule. The mail contains the date, time, and format of the interview.
Before the interview, there may be a verification process. In online interviews (such as during COVID), students had to undergo audio and video checks to confirm identity and connectivity. For in-person interviews, verification is done at the venue. Normally, interviews are conducted in person at IIIT Hyderabad, but in exceptional cases (like during COVID), they may be held online.
Format of the UGEE Interview
- The interview is conducted by a panel of multiple faculty members.
- Each panel usually consists of professors from Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Humanities, depending on the type of questions.
- The environment is interactive and friendly. Students are not interrogated. Faculty often provide hints and guiding questions to help the student move forward.
- The purpose is to understand the thinking process, not just the answer.
Unlike school viva exams, the UGEE interview is not a stress test. It is closer to a problem-solving discussion where students are encouraged to explore different ideas.
Nature of Questions in UGEE Interview
The interview questions are usually conceptual and application-based. They may connect classroom concepts with real-life scenarios.
Key Characteristics:
- Questions often do not have a single correct answer.
- Students are expected to reason out their thought process.
- Faculty may give small hints to nudge students in the right direction.
- Silence is discouraged. Students are advised to keep talking and explain their ideas even if unsure.
Examples of Past Questions:
1) Physics example: “Why doesn’t the electron fall into the nucleus?”
- Expected reasoning: standing wave patterns, quantized angular momentum, uncertainty principle.
- Focus: conceptual clarity rather than advanced equations.
2) Linguistics example: “Construct a sentence using only pronouns.”
- Expected reasoning: understanding of grammar and creativity in language.
- Focus: ability to think differently and play with ideas.
3) Logical reasoning example: “If all squares are rectangles and some rectangles are circles, can we say some squares are circles?”
- Focus: step-by-step logical deduction.
4) Open-ended example: “How would you design an experiment to test if plants grow better under blue light or red light?”
- Focus: scientific thinking and ability to design a simple experiment.
UGEE Interview Evaluation Criteria
The panel evaluates students across multiple dimensions:
| Evaluation Area | What They Look For |
| Conceptual clarity | Strong understanding of basics in Physics, Math, or Chemistry |
| Problem-solving method | Step-by-step reasoning, logical approach |
| Communication & articulation | Ability to explain thoughts clearly and confidently |
| Soft skills & demeanor | Confidence, curiosity, calmness under pressure |
The interview is not about remembering facts. Instead, it is about showing how you think. A student who explains ideas clearly, even if not 100% correct, can score better than someone who stays silent or panics.
How to Perform Well in UGEE Interviews
- Think aloud: Share your reasoning step by step, even if you are unsure.
- Stay calm: If you get stuck, take hints from the panel. They expect you to learn during the discussion.
- Be curious: Treat the interview as a problem-solving session, not a test.
- Be honest: If you do not know something, admit it instead of bluffing. Faculty respect honesty and willingness to learn.
- Work on communication: Practice explaining simple concepts in your own words. This shows clarity.
The UGEE interview is not meant to filter out students based on memory or speed. If you clear the exam, treat the interview as an opportunity to show your passion for learning. Express your thought process openly, enjoy the discussion, and stay confident. With these skills, you can leave a strong impression and secure admission at IIIT Hyderabad.
Conclusion
Cracking UGEE may look tough at first, but with the right strategy, it is completely achievable. The exam is not about memorizing long formulas or solving endless question banks. It is about showing accuracy in SUPR and creativity in REAP. If you are preparing for JEE, you already have a strong start for SUPR.
What makes the real difference is your approach to reasoning, puzzles, and problem-solving in REAP.
Remember that UGEE is designed to find students who enjoy thinking differently. It rewards clarity, patience, and logical reasoning more than speed alone. Even the interview is not a test of perfection, but of how you explain your ideas and handle unfamiliar questions.
Stay calm, practice smart, and use resources wisely. Aim for accuracy, avoid blind guessing, and treat every section as a challenge to enjoy. If you keep your concepts clear and your thinking sharp, you can confidently face UGEE 2026 and secure a place at IIIT Hyderabad.
