Lodha Genius Programme
Fully Funded STEM Program
580 participants
A fully funded, multi-year educational program by Lodha Foundation and Ashoka University for exceptional Indian students in Grades 9-12 passionate about STEM, fostering future leaders and changemakers.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual
Duration
This program includes a 4-week on-campus residential program and year-round online continued learning and mentorship.
Time needed
Residential, 4 weeks on campus, then online learning all year
Eligibility
The Lodha Genius Programme invites exceptional Grade 8–11 students (entering Grades 9–12) with strong academics, leadership, and a passion for learning. Selection includes an entrance test in science, math, and logic. Parent consent and a principal’s recommendation are required.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Exceptional academic performance in Science and Mathematics, demonstrated leadership qualities, and a passion for continuous learning. Students should be eager and curious to learn and consistently at the top of their class.
- Prerequisites
- Strong foundational knowledge in Science and Mathematics.
- Demonstrated curiosity and eagerness to learn.
- Ability to think critically and solve problems.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
The program is fully funded, covering all student costs including travel, accommodation, meals, and all study materials for the entire duration of the program.
Certificate
Certificate from Ashoka University
Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate recognized by Lodha Foundation and Ashoka University, adding significant value to their academic and professional profiles.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation in this prestigious program, with its rigorous curriculum and mentorship from Ashoka University faculty, significantly enhances applications to leading universities in India and abroad. The exposure to advanced topics and research provides a competitive edge.
Career pathways
The program facilitates access to prestigious internship opportunities in India and abroad, providing invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities in STEM fields.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Dec 2025
- Registration closed
- 15 Jan 2026
- Dates
- 16 May 2026 to 15 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Visit the Official Website Go to www.lodhageniusprogramme.com when applications open.
- 2Register Online Fill in your basic details like name, grade, school, and contact information.
- 3Submit the Application Form Upload your academic records and other required information.
- 4Take the Online National Entrance Test Test includes questions on mathematics, logic, and scientific thinking. Test Date (2025): February 8, 2025
- 5Shortlisting for Interviews Based on test performance, selected candidates are invited for an interview.
- 6Interview Round Conducted online or in person (late February to early March).
- 7Final Selection & Offer Letter Results are announced around the first week of April 2025.
- 8Confirm Participation Accept the offer and prepare for the summer residential program.
- 9Attend the On-Campus Programme Fully funded one-month STEM residential program at Ashoka University. Dates (2025): May 17 – June 16
Rules and guidelines
- Students must be currently in Grade 8 to Grade 11 to apply.
- Age between 13 and 18 as of May of the program year.
- Full commitment is expected during the 4-week residential program.
- No faculty or parents are allowed to stay on campus during the program.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer or device for online application and admission test.
- Stable internet connection for online learning modules and mentorship sessions.
- Email access for communication and OTP verification.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The Lodha Genius Programme is a fully funded scholarship program with zero financial liability on the students, their parents, or their schools. It covers course fees, study materials, travel, and lodging for the on-campus module. Travel expenses to and from Ashoka University are reimbursed upon arrival and submission of invoices.
Financial support
This is a 100% scholarship program provided by the Lodha Foundation in partnership with Ashoka University. It is designed to support gifted children across India, irrespective of their income background. The scholarship includes course fees, study materials, travel, and lodging for the on-campus module. Students are responsible for booking their own return train/flight/bus tickets to and from Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, which will be reimbursed upon arrival and submission of invoices. The program aims to make this opportunity accessible to diverse economic backgrounds.
Refund policy
Not applicable as the program is fully funded and has no fees. However, if a certificate of completion is lost, a second copy can be obtained for a fee of INR 500.
About this opportunity
The Lodha Genius Programme, a flagship initiative of the Lodha Foundation in collaboration with Ashoka University, is a fully funded, multi-year educational journey designed for some of India’s most exceptional students in Grades 9 to 12. This prestigious programme aims to identify, nurture, and empower future leaders and changemakers with a strong passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Participants engage in a rigorous academic curriculum, receive mentorship from leading academics and industry experts, and gain exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation. Strengthening its academic ecosystem, the programme now includes a strategic partnership with IISER Pune, enhancing access to advanced scientific research environments and expertise.
A key enrichment component is the Science Circles programme, which enables students to explore scientific concepts in depth through collaborative discussions, inquiry-based learning, and problem-solving sessions guided by researchers and faculty. These initiatives further deepen conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and research-oriented learning.
Beyond academics, the Lodha Genius Programme fosters a vibrant community of high-potential peers, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to societal impact. The programme provides comprehensive financial support, covering all costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access for deserving students, while preparing them for admission to top global universities and impactful careers in STEM.
What your child will do
- Annual 4-week on-campus residential program at Ashoka University, Sonipat, featuring immersive learning and hands-on projects.
- Great Ideas Seminars by globally recognized researchers, scientists, and Nobel laureates.
- Mathematics problem-solving seminars focusing on Olympiad-level problems and advanced mathematical concepts.
- Hands-on science projects and workshops using state-of-the-art scientific equipment across various disciplines.
- Life skills training covering financial literacy, persuasive communication, well-being, gender and sexuality, and entrepreneurship.
- Year-round online mentorship sessions and continued learning modules with personalized guidance.
- Access to e-resources and journals via the Ashoka library portal.
- Opportunities for prestigious internships in India and abroad (e.g., UCSC's Science Internship Programme, Centre for Wildlife Studies).
- Participation in national and international competitions (e.g., ETEAM competition, Stockholm Junior Water Prize).
- Cultural and co-curricular activities including movie screenings, gardening, performing arts, sports, and discussions on ethics.
- Field visits to research institutions and observatories.
- Shadow-the-Scientist remote observing sessions with professionals.
Mentors and faculty
Sustained and regular support from dedicated mentors, including personalized mentorship for academic journey, college prospects, career trajectories, and socio-emotional well-being. Mentors include specialized field experts, postdoctoral fellows (Scienspur), and Ashoka undergraduate teaching assistants. The student-to-teaching assistant ratio is 5:1.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The Lodha Genius Programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum combining rigorous study of core STEM subjects with practical applications and exposure to cutting-edge research. The program includes: Great Ideas Seminars with globally recognized researchers, scientists, and Nobel laureates on major advances and unsolved problems in their fields. Mathematics Problem-solving Seminars focus on developing problem-solving and communication skills in mathematics, including Olympiad-level problems, taught by esteemed professors from premier institutes. Science Projects and Workshops provide hands-on training using state-of-the-art scientific equipment, allowing students to conduct experiments and engage in research-level projects across various disciplines like astronomy, microscopy, ecology, and AI. Life Skills Courses cover practical modules such as financial literacy, persuasive communication, well-being, gender and sexuality, and entrepreneurship. Continued Learning Modules offer year-round online classes, self-paced courses, and personalized mentorship to ensure continuous engagement and growth beyond the campus experience. An Academic Bridge Program is provided online before the campus engagement to enhance English communication and presentation skills. The program also features Specialized Tracks: a Junior Track (Grades 9-10) for exploring various scientific fields, and Science/Mathematics Tracks (Grades 11-12) for deeper specialization. The curriculum emphasizes logical reasoning, complex problem-solving, and the application of mathematical concepts in scientific contexts, with courses in Number Theory, Geometry, Experimental Mathematics, and more. Students also engage in discussions on ethics and integrity, including topics like ethics in artificial intelligence and genetic engineering.
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare for the rigorous academic demands of the Lodha Genius Programme?
Students should focus on strengthening their foundational knowledge in Science and Mathematics, practice critical thinking and problem-solving, and cultivate a genuine curiosity for learning beyond their school curriculum. Engaging with advanced concepts and interdisciplinary topics can also be beneficial.
What kind of long-term support and mentorship can participants expect after the residential phase of the program?
Beyond the residential program, participants receive year-round online continued learning modules, self-paced courses, and personalized mentorship from leading academics and industry experts. This sustained engagement supports their academic journey, college prospects, and career trajectories.
How does the Lodha Genius Programme ensure a balanced approach to academic rigor and student well-being?
The program integrates life skills courses covering financial literacy, persuasive communication, and well-being. It also offers a vibrant community, cultural activities, and dedicated mentors who provide socio-emotional support, ensuring holistic development alongside academic excellence.
What are the key differences between the Ashoka University and IISER Pune programs, and how are students placed?
The LG-AUP (Ashoka University) is for Grades 9-12, while the LG-IISER (IISER Pune) is for Grades 8-10. Both offer advanced STEM, but students are placed into the appropriate program based on their grade level and selection outcomes, ensuring a tailored learning experience.
How does the program track student progress and measure the impact of its multi-year engagement?
Student progress is tracked through continuous online engagement, performance in learning modules, and feedback from mentors. The program measures impact by observing academic growth, skill development, participation in research, and success in higher education and career paths.
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