2-Month Residential Programme Aims to Bridge Academia-Industry Gap; Admissions Open for 1,250 Seats
Munish Sood
Mandi
In a major push towards skill development and innovation-driven learning, the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has announced its first-ever two-month summer residential programme, HIMSHIKHAR 2026, designed to equip students and young professionals with industry-aligned expertise in emerging technologies.
Launched through the institute’s Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), the programme is set to offer a unique blend of academic rigor and practical exposure, positioning Mandi as an emerging hub for advanced technical learning in Himachal Pradesh.
Immersive Learning Inside IIT Mandi Campus
HIMSHIKHAR 2026 promises an intensive on-campus experience, allowing participants to live and learn within the IIT ecosystem while working on real-world projects. The programme spans 190 hours of structured engagement, including:
• 100 hours of faculty-led sessions
• 50 hours of tutorials by PhD scholars
• 40 hours of sessions by industry experts
This hands-on approach is aimed at bridging the long-standing gap between classroom education and real industry requirements.
Five High-Demand Specialization Tracks
The programme offers five carefully curated tracks aligned with current and future industry demands:
• Software Development with AI: Building intelligent applications with integrated AI capabilities
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Developing systems for data analysis and problem-solving
• Agentic AI Systems: Exploring autonomous AI capable of independent decision-making
• Data Science: Focusing on analytics, visualization, and predictive modelling
• Entrepreneurship & Venture Building: Encouraging start-up ideation and innovation-led growth
Focus on Real-World Skills
Speaking on the launch, Prof. Tushar Jain, Head of CCE at IIT Mandi, emphasized that the programme is designed with an outcome-driven approach.
He noted that HIMSHIKHAR 2026 integrates academic excellence with practical training, where every module focuses on building, problem-solving, and working with real tools under expert guidance.
Eligibility and Admission Process
The programme is open to candidates who have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board. The selection process includes:
• Online application submission
• Entrance test to assess reasoning and analytical skills
• Counselling for shortlisted candidates
• Final admission after fee confirmation
Seats and Schedule
A total of 1,250 seats are available across five tracks, with 250 seats per specialization.
The programme will begin in May 2026, with reporting from May 16 and classes commencing from May 18.
Strengthening Mandi’s Educational Landscape
With HIMSHIKHAR 2026, IIT Mandi continues to reinforce its commitment to nurturing future-ready talent. The initiative not only enhances opportunities for youth across the country but also strengthens Mandi’s growing reputation as a center for high-quality technical education and innovation.
Interested candidates can apply through the official programme portal.
