Winter programmes offer high school students an opportunity to explore new subjects, experience university life and develop skills beyond the school curriculum. Universities and educational organisations offer short-term winter schools, workshops, residential programmes and academic immersion experiences for students in Classes 8–12.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. More programmes and dates may be announced in the coming weeks.
From Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to Law, Entrepreneurship, Design and Public Policy, here are some winter programmes (online and offline) to explore:
1. Design Thinking for Young Minds – IIT Bombay
A two-day hands-on workshop introducing students to design thinking, creative problem-solving, ideation, prototyping and innovation through practical activities and team challenges.
- Dates: 12–13 December 2026
- Eligibility: Classes 8–12
- Mode: In-person, IIT Bombay campus
- Fee: ₹8,850 (inclusive of GST)
- Registration: IIT Bombay School Outreach
2. Young Leaders Hub – Indian School of Business and Finance (ISBF)
ISBF is organising two interschool competitions for students, offering opportunities to explore entrepreneurship, business ideas, general knowledge and teamwork.
- Interschool Shark Tank Challenge
- Dates: 19–20 November 2026
- Venue: ISBF Campus, Delhi
- Team format: Up to 3 teams per school, with 4 members per team
- Brainwave Interschool Quiz
- Date: 20 November 2026
- Team format: 2 members per team; schools can enter any number of teams
- Registration: ISBF Young Leaders Hub
3. SHAPERS 5.0 – Jio Institute
A five-day winter programme covering Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Sports and eSports Management. Students work on prototypes, business models and presentations, with exposure to industry environments.
- Dates: 21–25 December 2026
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Mode: Residential, Navi Mumbai
- Fee: ₹38,000
- Registration: SHAPERS 5.0
4. IMAANDAAR Winter Programme – O.P. Jindal Global University
A pre-law programme introducing students to mooting, advocacy, legal reasoning, negotiation, arbitration and dispute resolution. Students also develop communication, argumentation and public-speaking skills.
- Dates: 18–24 December 2026
- Eligibility: Classes 8–12
- Mode: Residential, Sonipat, Haryana
- Fee: ₹50,000 (all-inclusive)
- Registration: IMAANDAAR Winter Programme
5. Model NITI Aayog and Entrepreneurship in Action – One Young India
One Young India offers online programmes that introduce students to public policy, governance and entrepreneurship through practical learning and project-based activities.
- Programmes: Model NITI Aayog and Entrepreneurship in Action.
- Dates: Model NITI Aayog: 24–27 December 2026 and 7–10 January 2027. Entrepreneurship in Action: 21–24 Nov and 7–10 January 2027.
- Eligibility: Grades 8–12
- Mode: Online
- Fee: Model NITI Aayog – ₹17,700.
- Registration: One Young India Programmes
6. Winter School – Somaiya Vidyavihar University
A multidisciplinary learning programme where students can explore AI and Design Thinking, Sports and Fitness, and Future Pathways through interactive learning and campus experiences.
- Dates: 26–30 December 2026
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Mode: On-campus, Mumbai
- Fee: ₹12,500 (early bird, until 30 November); ₹14,500 (regular). Residential accommodation is available at an additional ₹6,000.
- Registration: Somaiya Winter School
7. Winter Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2026 – Amity University, Noida
A seven-day programme combining academic learning, industry exposure and campus experience. Students learn from Amity faculty and industry experts, work on real-world projects and participate in interactive sessions and group activities.
- Dates: 18–24 December 2026
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Duration: Seven days. Days 1–3 focus on academic modules in the chosen discipline, Days 4–6 offer industry exposure, and Day 7 is dedicated to project presentations.
- Registration: One week winter academic internship programme
8. Winter Bootcamp 2027 – University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT)
A five-day winter bootcamp for students interested in exploring design, innovation and technology.
- Dates: 5–9 January 2027
- Mode: Residential at UDIT, Gurugram
- Fee: ₹50,000 for residential & ₹35,000 without accommodation
- Registration: UDIT Winter Bootcamp 2027
9. HKU AI+ Challenge Bootcamp Edition – The University of Hong Kong
A two-day bootcamp organised by The University of Hong Kong (HKU), introducing students to Artificial Intelligence and innovation through interactive learning and practical activities.
- Dates: 3–4 December 2026
- Venue: Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Gurugram, India
- Mode: In-person
- Registration Fee: ₹2,400
- Registration: HKU AI+ Challenge Bootcamp
How Should Students Choose a Winter Programme?
Before enrolling, students should consider:
- Academic interests: Choose a programme that allows you to explore a subject or career pathway you are curious about.
- Learning experience: Look for hands-on projects, faculty interactions, workshops and opportunities to collaborate with other students.
- Format and duration: Check whether the programme is online, residential or on-campus, and whether it fits your winter break schedule.
- Eligibility and fees: Review the age or grade requirements, programme fee, accommodation costs and application deadlines.
- Learning outcomes: Consider what you will take away from the experience, rather than choosing a programme only for its certificate.
Winter programmes can be a useful starting point for discovering new interests, building confidence and making more informed academic choices. Students should visit the official programme websites for the latest application updates, availability and registration requirements.
