Dreaming of a career that goes beyond classrooms and textbooks? The UGEE exam can open that door for you. It is not just another entrance test—it is your ticket to IIIT Hyderabad’s unique dual-degree programme. In five years, you will earn both a B.Tech and a Master of Science by Research, combining world-class technical training with hands-on research. This path is perfect for students who want to innovate, explore, and create solutions for real-world problems.
In this guide, you will find clear steps to apply, a timeline of important dates, and a breakdown of how the test works. We will also explain what each programme offers and how many seats are available. Finally, you will get practical tips on studying, managing time, and performing well in the interview. Read on to begin your UGEE journey with confidence.
What is the UGEE Exam?
The UGEE exam is an entrance test conducted by IIIT Hyderabad. It is held every year to admit students into the dual degree programmes. These programmes are different from regular B.Tech programmes because they also focus on research.
The main purpose of the UGEE exam is to select students who can perform well in both academics and research. IIIT Hyderabad uses this exam to find students who have strong knowledge in science and mathematics and also the ability to think critically.
UGEE Dual Degree Programme Explained
A dual degree means that students get two degrees after completing the course. Under UGEE, students get:
- A Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
- A Master of Science by Research
The total duration of the programme is 5 years.
These programmes prepare students for research-based careers. They also help students who want to go for higher studies, research jobs, or innovation-based fields.
Programmes Offered under UGEE
IIIT Hyderabad offers different dual degree programmes under UGEE. Each programme has a specific abbreviation and a fixed number of seats.
The programmes are:
| Programme | B.Tech Specialization | Master’s Specialization | Seats |
| ECD | Electronics & Communication | Electronics & Communication (MS) | 20 |
| CSD | Computer Science & Engineering | Computer Science (MS) | 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 |
Total Seats: 110. Since the intake is very small, the competition is very high.
Who is Eligible to Apply for UGEE 2026?
Students must check the eligibility rules before applying.
Academic Qualification:
- Students must pass Class 12 or equivalent exams with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- They must complete their 12th by June 2026.
Year of Passing Requirement:
- Students who passed in 2022 or earlier are not eligible.
Other Important Points
- There is no upper age limit.
- The exam encourages diversity. At least 25% of the shortlisted students for interviews will be women.
- Women applicants also get a reduction in application fee.
UGEE 2026 Exam Dates & Timeline
| Event | Date 2025 | Date 2026 (Yet to release) |
| Application Start | 4 Feb 2025 | Feb 2026 |
| Application Close | 23–26 Mar 2025 | March 2026 |
| Admit Card | 10 Apr 2025 | April 2026 |
| UGEE Exam | 19 Apr 2025 | April 2026 |
| Results | 8 May 2025 | May 2026 |
| Interview | 4–6 Jun 2025 | June 2026 |
| Round-1 Seat Allocation | 25 Jun 2025 | June 2026 |
| Round-2 Results | 3 Jul 2025 | July 2026 |
| Reporting to Campus | 26 Jul 2025 | July 2026 |
| Parents’ Meeting | 27 Jul 2025 | July 2026 |
UGEE 2026 Exam Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee (₹) |
| Women Applicants | 1500 |
| All Other Applicants | 3000 |
Admission Process for UGEE 2026
The admission process for UGEE 2026 has several stages, beginning with the entrance exam and ending with final reporting at the campus. Students must carefully follow each step to secure admission to IIIT Hyderabad.
Step 1: Written Exam
Applicants who register for UGEE first appear for the computer-based exam. The exam has two parts: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) and REAP (Research Aptitude Test). Based on their performance, students are shortlisted for the next stage, the interview.
Step 2: Interview Shortlisting
Candidates who perform well in the written exam are invited to attend online interviews not necessarily online, for 2025 it was online but can be offline this year. The interview is usually online, though IIIT-H has conducted in-person interviews depending on certain years. The interview panel evaluates students on their problem-solving ability, clarity of thought, and research aptitude. Unlike many other exams, admission is not based on exam marks alone. Final ranking depends entirely on interview performance.
Step 3: Final Ranking
Once the interviews are over, candidates found suitable are ranked. This ranking is used in the seat allotment process. Only qualified applicants (those who clear both exam and interview) are considered for seats.
Step 4: Seat Allotment Rounds
The seat allotment happens in multiple rounds. This ensures that unfilled seats from one round are carried forward to the next. The process works as follows:
1) Seat Allocation – In each round, candidates may be allotted a seat in one of their preferred programmes, depending on their rank and availability.
2) Accepting the Seat – If a candidate is happy with the seat offered, they must accept it by paying the fee within the deadline. Acceptance requires:
- ₹10,000 seat allocation fee
- ₹10,000 advance towards tuition fee.
- Together, students must pay ₹20,000 at this stage.
3) Locking the Seat – Candidates who are satisfied with their allotted programme can choose to lock their seat. Once locked, they are not considered in further rounds and are admitted directly after completing payment.
4) Upgrading – If a candidate accepts the seat but does not lock it, they remain eligible for a possible upgrade in the next round if a higher-preference programme becomes available.
5) Declining the Seat – If a candidate declines the allotted seat, they exit the admission process. Their seat is offered to another candidate in the next round.
6) Consent to Continue – If a candidate does not get a seat in the current round, they must give consent to be considered in the next round. Without this consent, they are removed from further seat allocation.
Step 5: Multiple Rounds Until Final Admission
- Candidates may go through two or more rounds of seat allocation.
- In every round, they must respond by either accepting, locking, or declining the seat within the deadline.
- Failure to act within the time limit is treated as a decline, and the applicant is out of the process.
Step 6: Final Reporting and Admission
After the final round, candidates who have accepted and locked their seats must report physically to the IIIT Hyderabad campus. This step includes document verification, fee payment, and completion of admission formalities. Parents are also invited to a Parents’ Meeting, where they are given details about the programme and the institute.
UGEE Exam Structure: What to Expect in UGEE 2026
The Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) is the pathway for admission to IIIT Hyderabad’s dual degree programmes. Applicants in this mode need to appear for a computer-based test (CBT).
The exam will be held in April 2026. The test is designed to evaluate both subject knowledge and research aptitude.
The UGEE exam runs for a total of three hours and is divided into two main sections:
- SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) – 60 minutes
- REAP (Research Aptitude Test) – 120 minutes
Let’s look at both sections in detail.
SUPR – Subject Proficiency Test
The SUPR test evaluates a student’s understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The questions are based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus of CBSE and most state boards.
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Level: Class 11 and Class 12 topics
- Purpose: To test basic subject knowledge for engineering courses
This section is also used for the initial shortlisting of candidates.
REAP – Research Aptitude Test
The REAP test is unique to UGEE. It is not just about solving standard questions from the syllabus. Instead, it checks critical and creative thinking. Students face questions that test logic, reasoning, and analytical ability. School-level concepts from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics may be used, but the emphasis is on how you think, not just what you know.
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Skills Tested: Logical reasoning, problem-solving, creativity
- Purpose: To assess potential for research and innovation
UGEE Exam Structure Table
| Section | Duration | Subjects / Skills Tested | Based On | Purpose |
| SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) | 60 minutes | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Class 11 & 12 syllabus | Used for initial filtering |
| REAP (Research Aptitude Test) | 120 minutes | Logic, reasoning, creative and critical thinking | School-level concepts | Used for ranking and interview shortlisting |
UGEE Shortlisting and Selection Process
The selection happens in two stages.
Stage 1: Written Exam
- SUPR scores are used for filtering.
- REAP scores are used for shortlisting students for interviews.
Stage 2: Online Interview (4th–6th June 2026)
- Students who clear the written test attend an interview.
- The interview focuses on understanding, problem-solving, and research interest.
- The final decision is based only on interview performance.
Final Seat Allocation
- Round-1 and Round-2 results are declared in June and July.
- Students must physically report to campus on the given date.
- A parents’ meeting is also held before classes start.
UGEE Examination Centers
The UGEE exam will be conducted in multiple cities across India. Students can select their preferred center while filling the application form. The list is released officially by IIIT Hyderabad. Below is the exam center list (state-wise):
| State/UT | City |
| Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur, Guntur, Kadapa, Kakinada, Kurnool, Nellore, Ongole, Rajahmundry, Srikakulam, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar, Naharlagun |
| Assam | Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Silchar |
| Bihar | Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Patna |
| Chhattisgarh | Bilaspur, Bhilai Nagar, Durg, Raipur |
| Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi |
| Goa | Panaji |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Vadodara |
| Haryana | Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Kurukshetra |
| Himachal Pradesh | Hamirpur, Shimla |
| Jammu & 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 | Amravati, 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 |
Preparation Strategy for UGEE 2026
Preparing for the UGEE exam requires a different approach compared to other engineering entrance exams. While exams like JEE Main or state-level tests focus mainly on solving Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics questions, UGEE also checks your ability to think critically and creatively. The exam has two parts: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) and REAP (Research Aptitude Test). To perform well, you need to balance both knowledge and reasoning. Let us go step by step and see how you can prepare effectively for each part.
Understanding the UGEE Syllabus
1) SUPR Section:
- Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Questions are from the 11th and 12th level syllabus of CBSE and most state boards.
- NCERT textbooks are the best source for revision.
2) REAP Section:
- Focuses on critical and creative thinking.
- Tests reasoning, logic, and problem-solving abilities.
- Questions may combine concepts from science and mathematics but are framed in a way that checks your thought process.
- There is no fixed syllabus, so practice is the key.
Preparation Strategy for SUPR
- Master NCERT Textbooks: Start with NCERT for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These books cover all the basics that UGEE expects.
- Focus on Concepts: Unlike rote learning, UGEE questions test if you understand concepts. For example, in Physics, instead of memorizing formulas, learn how to apply them in different situations.
- Practice Previous Year Questions of JEE Main: Even though UGEE is different from JEE, solving JEE-level problems helps strengthen your basics.
- Make Short Notes: Write formulas, important definitions, and key points in a notebook. Revise them regularly.
- Time-bound Practice: Since SUPR is only 60 minutes, practice solving questions within a fixed time. This will help you manage speed and accuracy.
Preparation Strategy for REAP
The REAP section is what makes UGEE unique. It is 120 minutes long and checks how well you can think, analyze, and solve problems.
- Work on Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles, riddles, and reasoning-based questions. Books like RS Aggarwal’s “Logical Reasoning” can help.
- Practice Creative Problem Solving: Try brainteasers, lateral thinking problems, and mathematical puzzles. Websites and puzzle books are good resources.
- Strengthen Your Basics: REAP often asks questions that use 11th and 12th concepts but in new ways. For example, applying knowledge of probability in real-life scenarios.
- Go Beyond Routine Questions: Unlike board exams, you will not always find direct formula-based problems. Be ready to face unusual or open-ended questions.
- Use Sample Questions: IIIT Hyderabad provides sample questions for both SUPR and REAP. Attempt them seriously to get a feel of the exam style.
Balancing SUPR and REAP Preparation
- Dedicate around 60% of your time to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for SUPR).
- Dedicate around 40% of your time to problem-solving, reasoning, and puzzles (for REAP).
- Do weekly mock tests combining both sections. This will help you build exam stamina for 3 hours.
Time Management Tips
- In SUPR, do not spend too much time on a single question. Since there is negative marking, attempt only what you are confident about.
- In REAP, read every question carefully. Many students lose marks because they rush.
- Divide the 120 minutes of REAP into smaller blocks (like 30 minutes for reasoning puzzles, 30 minutes for analytical problems, etc.).
Preparing for the Interview Round
Clearing the written exam is just the first step. The final selection is based on your performance in the interview.
- Be prepared for questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- The interview panel may ask you to solve problems on the spot. Stay calm and explain your thought process clearly.
- They may also ask questions to check your curiosity in research. For example: “Why are you interested in Computational Linguistics?”
- Be honest. If you don’t know something, say so politely. The panel looks for logical thinking, not memorization.
Conclusion
The UGEE exam is more than just another entrance test. It is the gateway to IIIT Hyderabad’s dual degree programmes that combine engineering with research. In five years, students complete both a B.Tech and a Master of Science by Research. This gives them an edge in fields like technology, research, and higher studies.
The competition is high because there are only 110 seats across all programmes. This means every student must prepare carefully. Success depends on strong basics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as well as clear thinking and problem-solving skills for the REAP section. The interview is also an important stage, where performance and attitude matter most.
Students who aim for UGEE should follow the exam timeline, fill the application form on time, and practice with NCERT books and sample papers. Balancing board exams with UGEE preparation is also important.
If you are passionate about research, innovation, and technology, UGEE can be the perfect opportunity for you. With the right preparation and focus, you can secure a place at IIIT Hyderabad and start your journey towards a bright academic and professional future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) When exactly was the 2025 UGEE exam held?
The UGEE 2025 exam was conducted on 19th April 2025. It took place in online mode at selected test centers across India. The timing of the exam was from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Students who appeared had to attempt both SUPR and REAP sections within three hours.
2) What if I missed the application deadline?
If you missed the UGEE application deadline, you could not apply for this year’s exam. The application window closed in late March. Students are advised to keep track of official announcements and apply early in the next cycle to avoid missing important dates again.
3) How important are the 12th board results?
Board exam results are important only to the extent that you must pass Class 12 with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry by June. The actual selection, however, depends mainly on your performance in the UGEE written exam and the interview stage. Boards act as eligibility, not ranking criteria.
4) Can I select my exam center?
Yes, students were allowed to select their exam center while filling out the UGEE application form. IIIT Hyderabad offered multiple cities across India as test locations. The final exam center was allotted based on availability and preference. Students had to report to their assigned center on exam day.
5) Is there a reservation for women?
Yes, IIIT Hyderabad ensured that at least 25% of the students shortlisted for interviews were women. This was part of their diversity policy. In addition, women applicants received a reduced application fee. However, apart from this policy, no separate reservation category existed for women in UGEE admissions.
6) Can I apply if I was repeating 12th in 2026?
Yes, repeat students could apply for UGEE 2026 if they were completing their Class 12 by June 2026. There was no restriction on attempting the exam after a repeat year. However, candidates who passed Class 12 in 2022 or earlier were not eligible to appear for this exam.
