Looking for a summer that’s more than just a break?
If you’re a high school student eager to challenge yourself, gain new perspectives, and build practical skills, you don’t need to look overseas. India now hosts a growing range of world‑class summer schools that combine academic rigor with creativity, leadership, and hands‑on learning. These programs are designed to be affordable alternatives to international summer schools, while still offering exposure to top faculty, diverse peers, and transformative experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to liberal arts, STEM, entrepreneurship, or leadership, these summer schools let you make the most of your vacation without breaking the bank or leaving the country.
1. Ashoka University – Young Scholars Programme
Description: Flagship liberal arts immersion with tracks in Economics, Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Tech & AI, Policy, and Sciences. Students experience Ashoka’s interdisciplinary teaching style and vibrant campus life.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹85,000 or ₹49,500 (inclusive of taxes)
- Mode: Residential
- Duration: Edition 1: May 19–30, 2026; Edition 2: June 2–13, 2026
- Deadlines: Early: March 8, 2026; Final: May 12, 2026
- Link: Ashoka YSP
2. Ashoka University – Horizons Achievers Programme
Description: Focuses on critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills in a flexible online format. Great for students who want structured learning but can’t travel.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹22,000 + GST
- Mode: Online
- Duration: May 17 – June 14, 2026
- Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Link: Horizons
3. Flame University – Summer Immersion
Description: Liberal arts immersion with courses in psychology, economics, design, and leadership. Includes workshops, peer learning, and vibrant campus activities in Pune.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹50,000 (inclusive of taxes)
- Mode: Residential
- Duration: Batch I: May 22–31; Batch II: June 26–July 5, 2026
- Deadlines: Batch I: May 15; Batch II: June 3, 2026
- Link: Flame Summer
4. YLAC – High School Achievers Program
Description: Leadership program combining workshops in policy, social impact, and communication. Runs in Bangalore and Delhi.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹14,000 + GST
- Mode: Residential (Bangalore & Delhi)
- Duration: Bangalore: May 4–11; Delhi: Jun 8–15, 2026
- Deadlines: Bangalore: Apr 6; Delhi: Apr 20, 2026
- Link: YLAC Achievers
5. Krea University – Summer School
Description: Hands‑on tracks in Finance + Data, Marketing + Films, and Entrepreneurship. Students work on projects, presentations, and creative problem‑solving.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹30,000 (incl. food & accommodation)
- Mode: Residential (Chennai)
- Duration: Apr 27–May 4; Jun 22–29, 2026
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Link: Krea Summer
6. Plaksha University – Young Technology Scholars
Description: STEM‑focused residential program where students tackle real‑world tech challenges, guided by faculty and industry mentors.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹97,500 + GST
- Mode: Residential (Punjab)
- Duration: May 25 – June 7, 2026
- Deadlines: Round 1: Feb 23; Round 2: Mar 23, 2026
- Link: Plaksha YTS
7. UCL India – Indian Summer School
Description: Exposure to UCL faculty and global perspectives in humanities and sciences, right in India.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹40,000
- Mode: Campus (New Delhi)
- Duration: June 2–7, 2026
- Deadline: Feb 28, 2026
- Link: UCL India
8. Woodstock School – Summer at Woodstock
Description: Residential program in the Himalayas combining academics, outdoor learning, and cultural immersion. Known for its focus on life skills, friendship, and fun.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹190,000 + ₹7,500 application fee
- Mode: Residential (Mussoorie)
- Duration: Session 1: Jun 2–13; Session 2: Jul 7–18, 2026
- Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Link: Woodstock Summer
9. SP Jain – Summer Program
Description: Business immersion introducing global management concepts.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹20,000 + GST
- Mode: Campus (Mumbai)
- Duration: May 19–26, 2026
- Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Link: SP Jain Summer
10. Northeastern University – Accelerate Pre‑College Program (India)
Description: Short residential program offering exposure to Northeastern faculty in business, STEM, and leadership.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹30,000
- Mode: Campus (Mumbai & Delhi)
- Duration: Mumbai: Jun 16–17; Delhi: Jun 26–27, 2026
- Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
- Link: Northeastern India
11. Case Quest – BITS School of Management
Description: National case‑study challenge where students solve real business problems and present solutions. Great for budding strategists.
- Eligibility: Grades 11–12
- Tuition: ₹80,000 + GST
- Mode: Campus (Mumbai)
- Duration: Jun 26–29, 2026
- Deadlines: Early: Apr 20; Regular: May 20, 2026
- Link: Case Quest
12. BITS Pilani – Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp (YEB)
Description: Entrepreneurship bootcamp where students develop startup ideas, pitch to mentors, and learn innovation skills.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: ₹20,000 + ₹500 application fee
- Mode: Residential (Goa)
- Duration: May 9–24, 2026
- Deadline: Apr 20, 2026
- Link: BITS YEB
13. Atlas Skilltech University – ISME Summer School
Description: Management immersion with workshops, case studies, and industry projects. Students get exposure to entrepreneurship and leadership in a business‑school environment.
- Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Tuition: Contact university
- Mode: Campus (Mumbai)
- Duration: May 20–30; June 3–13; June 24–July 4, 2026
- Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Link: ISME Summer
Summer doesn’t have to be idle or expensive. The programs above show that India now offers diverse, high‑quality opportunities for high school students to explore new subjects, sharpen their skills, and connect with peers from across the country. From liberal arts and leadership to STEM and entrepreneurship, these summer schools are designed to transform a few weeks into experiences that last a lifetime.
Instead of looking abroad, students can find world‑class learning right here at home — often at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re preparing for college, curious about new fields, or simply want to spend your summer productively, these programs prove that India’s educational landscape is evolving fast.
The takeaway: Your summer can be more than a break. It can be the start of your next big chapter.
