Are you interested in studying at one of India’s top institutes for computer science and research? If yes, then the UGEE exam could be your gateway. UGEE, or Undergraduate Entrance Examination, is conducted by IIIT Hyderabad every year. This exam opens the door to the five-year dual degree programs, where you earn both a B.Tech and an MS by Research.
What makes this path special is the chance to start research work during your undergraduate years. Instead of waiting until postgraduation, you will explore projects, publish work, and gain real research experience while still in college. This gives you a strong edge for higher studies, competitive research jobs, and opportunities in global universities.
If you enjoy solving problems, love science, and want more than a regular engineering degree, UGEE 2026 is the exam you should focus on.
What Is UGEE?
UGEE stands for Undergraduate Entrance Examination, which is conducted by IIIT Hyderabad, one of India’s leading institutes in computer science, electronics, and research-driven education. The exam is the main gateway for admission to the institute’s five-year dual degree programs. These programs are designed for students who are interested not only in engineering but also in research from the early stages of their education.
Purpose of UGEE: The primary purpose of UGEE is to admit students into dual degree programs that combine a B.Tech degree with an MS by Research degree. Unlike regular engineering courses, these programs encourage students to participate in research projects and innovative problem-solving during their undergraduate years.
Benefits of the Dual Degree Pathway:
- Students earn two degrees: B.Tech and MS by Research.
- They start working on research projects as early as their third year.
- The program allows close interaction with faculty and research labs.
- It builds a strong base for higher studies such as a PhD.
- Graduates often receive opportunities at top universities, research labs, and companies worldwide.
Structure of Programs: The dual degree pathway is spread over five years. The first two years focus on core engineering subjects, mathematics, and foundational courses. From the third year onwards, students balance research work with advanced electives. The program concludes with the submission of a research thesis, making graduates well-prepared for research-oriented careers or higher studies. In short, UGEE offers students an early entry into research, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about innovation and technology.
When Is UGEE Exam 2026?
The UGEE (Undergraduate Entrance Examination) for IIIT Hyderabad is usually conducted in April every year. For reference, the UGEE 2025 exam was held on April 19, 2025, in computer-based mode across designated centers in India. The official date for the UGEE 2026 exam has not yet been announced, but it is expected to follow a similar schedule. Typically, the application process begins in February and closes by March, after which admit cards are released before the exam.
Important Dates for UGEE Exam 2025 & Timeline
Here is the complete timeline of UGEE 2025. Even though these dates have already passed, students preparing for UGEE 2026 and beyond can use this as a reference checklist to track how the admission process usually unfolds.
| 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 |
This timeline shows that the process stretches from February to July, giving students nearly six months of important milestones. Keeping a personal checklist of these deadlines helps avoid last-minute mistakes and ensures smooth participation in the admission process.
Eligibility Criteria for UGEE 2026
- Students must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics by June 2026.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2022 or earlier are not eligible.
- IIIT Hyderabad has not specified a minimum percentage, but strong knowledge of PCM is necessary to perform well in the exam.
Application Process for UGEE 2026
The application process for UGEE 2026 will be fully online. It involves multiple stages starting from registration, exam, interview, and finally seat allocation. Each step is important and must be completed within the given deadlines to secure admission.
Step 1: Registration and Application Form
The first step for every applicant is to register on the IIIT Hyderabad admission portal. Students need to create an account using their email ID and set a password. Once registered, the application form becomes accessible.
The application form requires:
- Personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Academic details including Class 10 and Class 12 subjects, board, and marks (if available).
- Choice of programs under the UGEE mode.
After filling in all the details, applicants must carefully review the form before submission. Any incorrect detail can create problems later in the admission process.
Step 2: Application Fee Payment
The next step is payment of the application fee. The amount is:
- ₹3000 for male candidates
- ₹1500 for female candidates (as part of the diversity initiative).
The fee must be paid online using debit card, credit card, or net banking. Only after payment is successful, the application will be considered valid.
Step 3: Admit Card Download
Once the application process is over, IIIT Hyderabad releases the admit card. For UGEE 2025, admit cards were available from 10th April 2025. Applicants must log in to the admission portal and download their admit card. It is necessary to carry this document to the exam center.
Step 4: UGEE Exam
Applicants then appear for the UGEE exam, which is a 3-hour computer-based test with two sections:
- SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) based on Class 11 and 12 PCM subjects.
- REAP (Research Aptitude Test) focusing on logical reasoning and research-based problem-solving.
Performance in these sections decides shortlisting for the interview.
Step 5: Interview Round
Only shortlisted students are called for an online interview. The interview tests conceptual understanding, clarity of thought, problem-solving skills, and interest in research. Based on performance, applicants are ranked by the panel.
Step 6: Seat Allotment Rounds
After interviews, the seat allocation process begins. This is conducted in multiple rounds. Applicants who qualify are allotted seats based on their rank and program preference.
The seat allocation process works as follows (see flowchart for clarity):
1) Seat Allotted – If a student is allotted a seat in a program, they can:
- Accept the seat and pay fees → Admission is confirmed.
- Decline the seat → They exit the admission process.
- Consent to continue → They are considered in the next round.
2) Locking the Seat – If an applicant is happy with the allotted seat, they can lock it. Once locked, the seat cannot be changed, and the student is admitted to IIIT Hyderabad.
3) Upgrade Option – If the student does not lock the seat, they will be considered for an upgrade in the next round (to a higher-preference program, if available).
4) No Seat Allotted in a Round – If no seat is allotted in one round, the applicant can continue to the next round by giving consent.
Step 7: Payment for Seat Allocation Continuation
For applicants who wish to continue in further rounds, a one-time payment of ₹20,000 is required:
- ₹10,000 for seat allocation.
- ₹10,000 as advance towards tuition fee.
This payment ensures that the applicant stays in the process for later rounds.
Step 8: Physical Reporting
Finally, students who secure admission must report physically to the IIIT Hyderabad campus on the given date (26th July for the year 2025). They need to submit original documents, pay the balance fees, and complete registration. The next day, a Parents’ Meeting is organized by the institute.
UGEE 2026 Exam Pattern
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:
1) SUPR – Subject Proficiency Test
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Content: Questions are based on the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Marking Scheme: Negative marking of 25% is applied for every wrong answer. This means accuracy is as important as speed.
2) REAP – Research Aptitude Test
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- Content: The section does not follow a fixed syllabus. Instead, it focuses on creative thinking, logical reasoning, and research aptitude.
- Type of Questions: Applicants may face problems that involve scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and analysis of unfamiliar scenarios. The questions are designed to test how well students can apply logic rather than just recall formulas.
- Marking Scheme: Like SUPR, this section also has 25% negative marking for wrong answers.
UGEE 2026 Shortlisting Process
The evaluation process is multi-step:
- First, applicants are filtered based on their SUPR score. Only those who meet the required standard in subject proficiency are considered further.
- Next, eligible applicants are ranked according to their REAP score. Since REAP measures aptitude for research, it carries greater weight in the shortlisting process.
- Based on this ranking, students are invited for the interview round.
How to Prepare for UGEE 2026?
Preparing for the UGEE 2026 exam requires the right mindset, strategy, and consistency. Unlike exams that test only speed, UGEE focuses more on problem-solving ability, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. Students who want to study at IIIT Hyderabad must treat this exam as a unique challenge. Let us understand the steps and strategies to prepare effectively.
1) Understand the Exam Pattern
The first step in preparation is to know the exam pattern. UGEE 2026 will have two main sections: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test) and REAP (Research Aptitude Test). SUPR checks your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Classes 11 and 12. REAP tests your logical reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills. The exam is computer-based and multiple-choice in format. By knowing the structure, you can plan your study hours better and avoid surprises during the test.
2) Strengthen Class 11 and 12 Basics
A strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is essential. Most UGEE questions in SUPR come directly from NCERT-level concepts. Instead of memorizing formulas, focus on understanding the logic behind them. Practice derivations, numerical problems, and application-based questions. For example, in Mathematics, work deeply on calculus, algebra, and coordinate geometry. In Physics, concepts of mechanics, electricity, and optics are important. In Chemistry, physical chemistry and organic basics should not be ignored. Mastering basics will give you confidence during problem-solving.
3) Develop Logical Reasoning Skills
REAP is different from most entrance exams because it does not rely on direct syllabus-based questions. It checks how you think and how you approach unfamiliar problems. To prepare for this, solve puzzles, play reasoning games, and attempt non-routine math questions. Books like “How to Solve It” by George Polya can help build problem-solving skills. You can also practice logical reasoning question banks available online. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with open-ended thinking.
4) Practice with Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers give you a clear idea about the difficulty level and style of UGEE questions. Many students say UGEE is less about direct answers and more about process and reasoning. By solving older papers, you learn how questions are framed. You also discover your weak areas and can focus on improving them. Time yourself while practicing so that you get used to answering within the exam duration.
5) Create a Balanced Study Routine
A good timetable is necessary for steady progress. Divide your daily schedule into three parts: revision of Class 11 and 12 topics, logical reasoning practice, and test-taking practice. Do not spend all your time on one subject. Instead, rotate subjects to stay fresh. Keep evenings or weekends for mock tests. Most importantly, take short breaks after 50–60 minutes of study to avoid burnout.
6) Use the Right Resources
Choosing the right books and materials saves time. For SUPR, NCERT textbooks are enough for building the base. You can also use JEE preparation books like H.C. Verma for Physics, R.D. Sharma for Mathematics, and O.P. Tandon for Chemistry. For REAP, focus on reasoning puzzles, math olympiad questions, and problem-solving books. Online learning platforms and YouTube channels also provide free problem-solving sessions that can strengthen your preparation.
7) Focus on Problem-Solving Over Memorization
UGEE rewards creativity and logical steps rather than rote learning. Instead of cramming, spend time understanding why a solution works. If you face a tough problem, do not immediately look at the solution. Try different approaches. Even if you fail, you will learn new methods of thinking. Over time, this habit will help you solve REAP questions more effectively.
8) Take Mock Tests Regularly
Mock tests are one of the most powerful tools for preparation. They help you practice time management and accuracy. Take at least one mock test per week in the beginning, and increase the frequency to two or three tests per week as the exam approaches. After every test, analyze your mistakes carefully. Note the topics where you lose marks and revise them again. This cycle of testing and improvement will boost your confidence.
9) Stay Consistent and Motivated
UGEE is competitive, but students who stay consistent can crack it. Do not compare yourself with others. Track your own progress and celebrate small wins, like solving a new type of problem. Surround yourself with positive support from teachers, family, or peers. Remember that UGEE not only checks academic knowledge but also your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Conclusion
The UGEE exam is one of the most unique engineering entrance tests in India. Unlike exams that focus only on subject knowledge, UGEE also evaluates your ability to think critically and approach research problems. Through this exam, IIIT Hyderabad admits students into its five-year dual degree programs, where graduates earn both a B.Tech and an MS by Research.
For 2025, the UGEE exam was held on April 19, 2025, with results declared on May 8, 2025. Interviews were conducted between June 4 and June 6, followed by seat allocation rounds in June and July. The selected students joined IIIT Hyderabad in July 2025 to begin their research-driven education.
The UGEE (Undergraduate Entrance Examination) for IIIT Hyderabad is typically held in April each year. According to the institute’s official schedule, the UGEE 2025 exam took place on April 19, 2025. The UGEE 2026 exam date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to follow a similar timeline. Generally, the application portal opens in February and closes in March, after which admit cards are released before the exam.
If you are preparing for UGEE 2026 or later, remember that success is not only about revising Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics but also about sharpening reasoning skills and cultivating a research mindset. With consistent practice and dedication, you can secure admission into this prestigious program and build a strong foundation for a future in technology and research.
FAQs
1) When was the UGEE 2025 exam conducted?
The UGEE 2025 exam was conducted on 19th April 2025 in online mode at designated test centers across India. Thousands of students appeared for the exam to secure admission into IIIT Hyderabad’s dual degree programs. The test date was officially announced earlier in the year.
2) What was the timing of the UGEE 2026 exam?
The UGEE 2026 exam is expected to take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Students were required to reach the exam center at least an hour before the exam began for verification and instructions. The entire duration was three hours, and the test was held smoothly in online mode.
3) When will the UGEE 2026 application process start?
The application process for UGEE 2026 will start in January 2026. Students were able to fill out the form online through the official IIIT Hyderabad admission portal. The deadline for applications will be March 2026. Only registered candidates were eligible to appear for the entrance exam in April.
4) Is UGEE conducted every year on the same date?
No, UGEE is not conducted on the exact same date every year. While it is an annual entrance exam for IIIT Hyderabad’s dual degree programs, the dates may vary. In 2025, the exam was scheduled and successfully conducted on 19th April, as per the official exam calendar.
5) When will the UGEE results be announced?
The results of UGEE are expected in May, a few weeks after the exam. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for interviews, which play an important role in the final admission process. The final merit list will be prepared based on interview performance and exam results.
