The Trust Lab is now accepting applications for its prestigious IIT Bombay Summer Internship Program 2025. If you’re a student passionate about cybersecurity, cryptography, or digital privacy, this is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research at one of India’s premier institutions.
This detailed article covers everything you need to know — from eligibility and stipend details to the list of projects, application process, important deadlines, and expert tips to help you submit a strong application.
Overview of the Internship #
Organized by the Trust Lab at IIT Bombay, the internship is focused on real-world challenges in the fields of digital trust, security, and privacy. The selected interns will work on research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members and will be required to be physically present on campus throughout the internship duration.
- Internship Duration: 15 May to 15 July 2025 (2 months)
- Location: IIT Bombay Campus (Onsite only)
- Fields: Cybersecurity, Privacy, Cryptography, Digital Trust
Stipend and Other Benefits #
Interns will receive a monthly stipend in the range of Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000. The exact amount may vary based on the nature of the project and individual performance. Apart from financial support, the internship offers several academic and career benefits:
- Mentorship from IIT Bombay faculty
- Exposure to research-oriented projects and tools
- Certificate of Internship upon completion
- A chance to network with like-minded peers and researchers
Who is Eligible? #
Students currently enrolled in a recognized undergraduate or postgraduate program are eligible to apply. Below are the specific eligibility criteria:
- You must be pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, or a closely related field.
- You should be in at least the second year of your program at the time of application.
- You must be available for full-time, onsite work at IIT Bombay between May 15 and July 15, 2025.
- You should meet the prerequisites for at least one of the listed projects.
List of Available Projects for Summer 2025 #
The internship involves direct work on one of the selected research projects. Candidates can indicate their preferences based on the project code.
| Project Code | Faculty Mentor | Project Title | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProjCode-001 | Prof. Sayandeep Saha | Practical Evaluation of Physical Security | Experience with embedded devices or oscilloscopes |
| ProjCode-002 | Prof. Saravanan Vijayakumaran | Folding-Based Zero-Knowledge Proofs for PQ Signatures | Rust programming, knowledge of cryptography |
| ProjCode-003 | Prof. Devashish Gosain | Cookie Banner Accuracy and Privacy Policy Alignment | Computer networks course, Python programming |
| ProjCode-004 | Prof. Chethan Kamath | Watermarking in Language Models | Discrete mathematics, probability, basic cryptography |
For a detailed description of each project, students are advised to review the official project list provided in the application form and also below
View Full Project Details: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iAZALU8cL6iucoDGEE_QmAZcYH5Eohjh96F0f7RRuXk/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Application Timeline #
Make sure you keep track of the following important dates:
- Last date to apply: 20 April 2025
- Start of internship: 15 May 2025
- End of internship: 15 July 2025
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
How to Apply #
The application process is fully online and requires careful preparation. Follow the steps below to apply successfully:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Before filling out the form, ensure you have the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format (maximum file size: 1 MB)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your interest in the internship (not exceeding 500 words, PDF format)
- Referee Information: Names and contact details of two academic referees (preferably college professors you’ve worked with)
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
The application form collects basic personal and academic information, as well as your project preferences. You will be asked to upload your CV and SOP directly through the form.
Access the application form at the following link:
Apply Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf20hg7Y96O4xJ0t2CMpguUSo25c5HWXyu7Nkmz3ie8XK9PEg/viewform
Make sure to review the list of projects before indicating your preferences. The document link is available in the form itself or directly at:
Project List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iAZALU8cL6iucoDGEE_QmAZcYH5Eohjh96F0f7RRuXk/edit?gid=0#gid=0
What to Include in Your SOP #
A well-written Statement of Purpose can significantly improve your chances. Here’s what to focus on:
- Why you’re interested in cybersecurity or the specific research area
- Any prior academic or project work in related fields
- Skills that align with your selected project(s)
- What you hope to gain from working at IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab
Selection Process #
Applications will be reviewed based on academic performance, relevance of skill set to the project, strength of the SOP, and referee inputs. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further clarification or a short discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Do I need to be from IIT to apply?
No. Students from any recognized institution in India or abroad may apply.
Is this internship open to first-year students?
Generally, only students in their second year or above are considered.
Is the internship remote or hybrid?
No, all selected interns must be physically present on campus at IIT Bombay.
Do I need to submit actual recommendation letters?
No. You only need to provide names and contact details of two referees. The team may reach out to them if required.
Will accommodation be provided?
Accommodation details have not been officially mentioned. Selected candidates should contact the lab coordinator or relevant department after selection.
