My personal research on summer opportunities for Indian high school students began in the 2016-17 academic year, during which there were limited good options to choose from. This was meant to be an easy search, but it turned into a passion project for me. In the process of helping students navigate through mentorship, I realized the availability of the massive universe of interesting opportunities, ranging from academic enhancement to research, internships, STEM, sports, arts, and more. I will start with the best summer programs for high school students in India. Then we will explore some niche summer school programs and how to leverage summer programs for college admissions in India and abroad.
14 Best Summer Programs for High School Students in India
| Program Name | Focus Area | Dates / Probable Dates | Intake (No. of Students) | Appx. Fees |
| Ashoka Young Scholars Programme (YSP) | Liberal Arts & Sciences | June 1 – June 12, 2026 | 400 – 500 | ₹49,500 – ₹85,000 + GST |
| Young Technology Scholars (YTS) by Plaksha | Coding, AI, Robotics, Economics, Engineering | Jun 1 – 7 | 100 – 120 | ₹97,500 + GST |
| UCL India Summer School | Multi-disciplinary (UK Faculty) | June 1 – June 6, 2026 | ~100 | ₹40,000 |
| FLAME Summer Immersion (FUSIP) | Liberal Education & Leadership | May – June 2026 | 150 – 200 | ₹50,000 – ₹70,000* |
| Summer at Doon | Leadership & Social Service | June 2026 (2 weeks) | 80 – 100 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,80,000* |
| Krea Summer School | Multiple Subject Areas | Apr 26 – May 3 / Jun 21 – 28 | Not Declared | ₹30,000 |
| SP Jain Summer Program | Business & Entrepreneurship | May 23 – June 27, 2026 | 100 – 150 | ₹25,000 + GST |
| Ahmedabad Grand Challenges Programme | Science, Humanities & Business | May 30 – June 6, 2026 | Not Declared | ₹50,000 |
| Amity University Summer School | Multiple Subjects, including Biotech | May – June 2026 | 500+ | ₹10,000 per course |
| Aspire India Scholar Program (O. P. Jindal) | Global Affairs, Psychology, Law | Jun 8 – 15 (7/8 days) | 120 – 250 | ₹35,000 + GST |
| Symbiosis Summer School | Management, Law, Engineering, Media, Arts, IT/Gaming, Hospitality | May 18 – 30 / Jun 1 – 13, 2026 | 100 – 150 | ₹45,000 |
| Young Thinkers Forum Summer School (Shiv Nadar) | Interdisciplinary Exploration, Critical Thinking | Multiple Batches | Not Declared | ₹35,000 + GST |
| Summer at Woodstock | Outdoor Adventure & Academics | June 1-12 / Jul 6-17, 2026 | 80 – 120 | ₹2,36,000 + ₹10,000 app fee |
| IITM SchoolConnect (IIT Madras) | Multiple Subject Areas | Jun – Sep | 8 weeks (recorded classes and live sessions on weekends) | Not Declared | ₹500 |
Also check, Best International Summer Programs for High School Students (US, UK, Canada, Singapore)
Top Summer School Programs in India (2026) for Niche Areas to Improve College Admission Chances
The Most Popular Summer Programs for STEM (AI, Robotics, and Technology)
PROMYS India (Mathematics)
A very demanding math program focusing on proof-building, thinking and excellent problem-solving abilities.
ATLAS Summer Programs (ISDI / ISME / uGDX)
ATLAS Summer School offers a truly multidisciplinary experience, allowing students to explore diverse fields across design, business, and advanced sciences. With tracks spanning animation and design (ISDI), leadership and entrepreneurship (ISME), and cutting-edge areas like physics, bioengineering, and space technologies (uGDX), it encourages intellectual exploration beyond a single discipline. The program is well-suited for students who are curious, exploratory, and still shaping their academic direction.
Inspirit AI
Inspirit AI summer program introduces high school students to artificial intelligence through real-world projects while working with university, graduate-level, or professional data scientists. Students will learn how to create their first AI project and then design their own unique AI projects that incorporate their interests and aspirations.
OMOTEC (Robotics)
A hands-on robotics program focusing on design, programming, and practical engineering applications.
Creya Learning (STEM)
An inquiry-based STEM program that supports student experimentation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning.
Veritas AI (Coding and AI)
A highly selective program focused on coding and AI with significant academic rigour and practical research-oriented projects.
Unique World Robotics – Summer Camp
Provides a beginner’s introduction to robotics and automation through hands-on, interactive learning.
RFL Academy – Summer Camp
Emphasizes applied robotics and technology skills through structured instructional workshops and competitions.
Most Popular Summer Programs for Community Service and Social Change
YLAC (Young Leaders for Active Citizenship)
YLAC provides a systematic exposure to law, public policy, and social justice through a series of workshops, campaigns, and real-life civic projects. This would be particularly useful for students interested in governance, legal studies, public policy, and impact-driven leadership; it is also well recognized for building genuine social involvement for college applications.
Tribes for Good – School of Changemakers
An experiential program focused on creating and implementing Social Change in the Community. Students will also develop skills in Leadership, Empathy, and Purposeful Problem Solving.
Cuddles Foundation – Young Heroes
Structured volunteering opportunities and advocacy exposure to Child Nutrition and Welfare, creating opportunities to provide students with a measurable impact as they gain experience serving.
Most Popular Summer Programs for Creative Processes
Artiste360 – The Art School
A hands-on experience for developing visual arts, building portfolios, designing solutions, and being mentored by professionals.
SCAD – Pre-College Summer Programs (Online)
An internationally recognised pre-college programme that provides college-level coursework to introduce students to the fields of Art, Design, Animation and Creative Careers.
TSLOR – Winter School (Mumbai)
A highly structured programme of writing and storytelling to develop critical thinking and creative expression.
Most Popular Summer Programs for Community Service and Social Impact
Tribes for Good – School of Changemakers
An experiential program focused on creating and implementing Social Change in the Community. Students will also develop skills in Leadership, Empathy, and Purposeful Problem Solving.
Cuddles Foundation – Young Heroes
Structured volunteering opportunities and advocacy exposure to Child Nutrition and Welfare, creating opportunities to provide students with a measurable impact as they gain experience serving.
Top Summer School Programs on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Startups & Business Management
StarterSky
A program designed for entrepreneurs that provides students an opportunity to create an idea, create it into a business, and give them time to practice pitching their ideas to others, and just starting to learn how to engage in the world of entrepreneurship/Product development.
Summer Startup Week from Master’s Union
A comprehensive program and on-field experience to learn the fundamentals of Business and experience firsthand what working in a Startup environment looks like.
Innovation School from Maker’s Asylum (with support from UNESCO)
A Collaborative environment for Designers and Engineers to collaborate using Sustainable, Innovative, Creative Problem Solving Techniques with a strong emphasis on hands-on work.
Top Summer Internship Program for High School Students
Teenation from UNIK Nation
A Consortium of corporations that has partnered with this organization to provide high school students with an opportunity to gain Internships and to work on and provide support to Social Impact Projects, allowing them to be mentored professionally before they reach high school graduation.
Virtual Ladder Internship Program
Ladder Internships is an extremely limited number of Virtual Internship opportunities offered to students who will work closely with Experts and receive support and guidance through the completion of Real Projects created by start-ups, international platforms, International Platforms and Companies.
Top Summer Research Programs for High Schoolers
Government Of India Opportunities
Certain initiatives carried out by the government enable students to participate in research, innovation, and national academic work.
Polygence
Individual research guidance which helps students complete independent research projects culminating in publication or presentation.
Lumiere Education
A selective research program that matches students with PhD researchers to investigate advanced academic study and research.
Horizon
Horizon assists and guides students in doing research projects and focuses on academic writing and its readiness to be published.
Reco Education
Reco Education emphasizes research skills and academic thinking through projects conducted under mentors.
Podar Eduspace
Podar’s summer school program offers exposure to Applied Research & Innovation through Guided Inquiries & Experiential Learning modules.
How to Leverage Summer Vacation for College Admissions
Why Summer Break Matters for High School Students
Summer break isn’t merely a time when students take some time away from their studies; rather, it’s an opportunity for growth.
How Summer Programs Shape Academic Profiles and College Readiness
Summer can be a significant inflexion point for students’ academic profiles and their future college success. While many students spend time relaxing, others take advantage of structured programs that provide opportunities to build skills, passion, intensity, and purpose—while also offering an advanced look at what it’s like to be a college student on a real campus.
The Role of Summer Programs in College Admissions and Skill Development
Summer programs provide high school students with the chance to further explore their areas of interest, build leadership skills, and develop a broader worldview—making them more attractive to college admissions officers. The most effective summer program experiences are purposeful, aligning with an individual’s goals, strengths, and interests rather than being chosen randomly or solely to add to a résumé. Read How to Choose the Right Summer Program for Math, Statistics & Data Science While in High School.
Exploring STEM, Arts, and Humanities Through Summer Programs and Summer Schools
Summer programs often centre around subjects ranging from STEM to the arts, culture, and humanities. They provide students with access to university campuses, allowing participation in university-level learning while experiencing student life before applying to college.
How Summer Enrichment Programs Build Higher-Order Thinking and Real Passion
Summer programs that go beyond traditional classroom courses push students to stretch their thinking and abilities. These experiences foster higher-order thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, and ultimately help students define their real interests and passions—moving beyond a simple “check-off” approach.
Let’s Design Your Perfect Summer
Navigating these choices can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Team Inomi specializes in matching students with the specific programs that will move the needle for their unique goals. Contact Team Inomi today to build a customized summer roadmap that turns your interests into a standout portfolio.
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