March 23rd , 2026 | Mandi: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), one of India's leading IITs, through its Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), invites applications for its first 2-month summer residential programme, HIMSHIKHAR 2026. The programme is designed to equip students and young professionals with industry aligned skills in emerging technologies and entrepreneurship, while bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The programme offers an immersive on-campus experience, enabling participants to live and learn within the IIT Mandi ecosystem while working on real-world projects under the guidance of faculty and industry mentors. Structured across 190 hours of engagement, the programme includes 100 hours of faculty-led sessions, 50 hours of tutorial sessions conducted by PhD scholars, and 40 hours of sessions delivered by industry experts.

Five Specialized Tracks Across Emerging Technologies:

1. Software Development with AI: Focuses on building intelligent applications by combining core software development skills with AI Driven capabilities.

2. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning : Covers key concepts of AI and ML to develop systems that can analyse data, learn patterns and solve real world challenges.

3. Agentic AI Systems: Introduces autonomous AI systems that can independently perform tasks and make decisions in dynamic environments.

4. Data Science: Emphasizes data analysis, visualization and predictive modelling to derive actionable insights for decision-making.

5. Entrepreneurship & Venture Building: Develops entrepreneurial skills, focusing on start-up ideation, business model creation, and innovation-driven growth.

Speaking on the launch, Prof. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi, said, "HIMSHIKHAR 2026 programme combines academic rigor, national skilling infrastructure, and outcome-driven training for learners. Every module emphasises building, problem-solving, and working with real tools, guided by practitioners, and faculty who understand industry demands."

Eligibility and Admission Process:

• Minimum Eligibility: Candidates are eligible to apply for various specialization tracks, with the starting minimum entry requirement being passed in Class 12 or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board.
• Application Submission: Interested candidates are required to fill out the online application form through the official website of HIMSHIKHAR 2026.
• Entrance Test: Applicants must appear for an entrance test assessing reasoning and analytical abilities.
• Counselling Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for counselling, where they can select their preferred track and receive provisional admission details.
• Final Admission: Candidates must confirm their seat by completing the admission formalities and fee payment within the stipulated timeline.

Total Seats Available: 250 seats in each track (1250 seats in total)

The programme will commence in May 2026, with reporting starting from May 16, 2026, followed by the beginning of classes from May 18, 2026.

Through this initiative, IIT Mandi continues to strengthen its commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by equipping young learners with future-ready skills in emerging technologies and innovation-driven domains.

HIMSHIKHAR 2026: https://cce.iitmandi.ac.in/himshikhar-2026

About IIT Mandi:

Indian Institutes of Technology Mandi is one of the top second-generation IITs located in Kamand Valley, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, and recognized as one of Institutes of National Importance. IIT Mandi's permanent campus about 14 km (8.7 mi) from Mandi consists of the South and North campuses connected by a narrow neck. The South campus is on the left bank of the Uhl River below Kamand village. The North campus is along the Kataula Khad opposite Salgi village. A transit campus at Government Post graduate College, Mandi was handed over by the Himachal Pradesh Government on 16 November 2009. The Kamand campus ground-breaking ceremony, to mark the start of construction, was held on 13 April 2012. On 25 April 2015, IIT Mandi became the first of all the new IITs to completely shift B. Tech students to its permanent campus in Kamand. Since its inception the institute has been involved with more than 275 Research and Development (R&D) projects worth more than ₹120 crore. In the past 10 years, the institute has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with as many as 11 international and 12 national universities.

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Please visit our official website: https://www.iitmandi.ac.in/