IIITH UGEE 2026 Question Paper — Quick snapshot: What this page covers

IIITH UGEE 2026 Question Paper is scheduled for May 2, 2026 , and the interview window for shortlisted candidates is June 4–6, 2026 . This guide collects the exam format, how memory‑based papers and model answer keys will be released, stepwise sample solutions, and a practical prep calendar you can follow now.

You should read this if you took the UGEE, are preparing for it, or are planning to improve your score next year. We use the official exam pattern details released by IIIT Hyderabad and explain what to expect in SUPR and REAP.

UGEE format at a glance (SUPR + REAP)

The UGEE is a Computer‑Based Test (CBT) in English only. Total duration is 3 hours (180 minutes) and both sections are mandatory.

Remember: IIIT Hyderabad does not release official question papers or official answer keys. Our memory‑based question sets and model solutions come from student recollections and expert reconstruction and will be clearly labelled as such when published.

Section‑wise breakdown: SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test)

SUPR tests Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at roughly 11th–12th level. The official guidance and past impressions put SUPR at a toughness comparable to JEE Advanced for many questions, so expect conceptual and multi‑step problems.

What to expect from SUPR

• 50 MCQs in 60 minutes — plan for tight time pressure. Many questions require correct reasoning, not just formula recall.
• Marking is conservative: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong. Guessing is costly if random; educated guesses on narrowed options can help.

Topic checklist (prioritise these in last‑minute revision)

Physics: - Mechanics basics (kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum) - Electricity & magnetism (circuits, fields, capacitors) - Modern physics fundamentals (photoelectric, basic semiconductors)

Mathematics: - Calculus (differentiation, integration, maxima/minima, sequences and series) - Linear algebra basics (matrices, vectors) and algebra (polynomial roots) - Coordinate geometry and basic probability

Chemistry: - Physical chemistry basics (stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium) - Organic functional group reactions and structure - Inorganic periodic trends and basic coordination chemistry

How to prioritise topics in last‑minute revision

• Focus on topics that appear across past UGEE memory sets and JEE Advanced overlap: calculus, mechanics, basic circuits.
• Do short, timed sets of 10–15 problems from each subject to simulate the SUPR speed requirement.
• Keep formulas slim: revise only high‑utility derivations and application patterns.

Section‑wise breakdown: REAP (Research Aptitude Test)

REAP is the research‑thinking section. It contains 50 questions in 120 minutes , mixing MCQs and fill‑in‑the‑blank style items. Each correct answer gets +2 and wrong answers attract -0.5 .

What REAP tests

• Research aptitude and application: forming hypotheses, reading short experimental descriptions and identifying flaws or next steps.
• Reasoning and logic: pattern detection, argument evaluation and puzzle‑style problems.
• Linguistics and clarity: short passages testing language precision and interpretation.

Why SUPR cutoff matters for REAP evaluation

IIIT Hyderabad first checks SUPR. Only candidates who clear the SUPR cutoff have their REAP scripts evaluated. That makes clearing SUPR non‑negotiable even if you are strong at REAP.

Memory‑based question paper and answer key: what to expect

Memory‑based papers arrive in the hours after the exam. They are compiled from students' recollections and verified where multiple independent versions match. These sets are excellent for practice but are not official papers.

What our memory‑based package will include

• A reconstructed question paper PDF labelled clearly as memory‑based.
• A model answer key with scoring based on the official marking schemes mentioned above.
• Stepwise solutions for selected questions that show the fastest approach.

How to self‑evaluate with the memory‑based key

• Score SUPR with +1 / -0.25 and REAP with +2 / -0.5 exactly as in the table above.
• Treat fill‑in answers conservatively — if unsure, give zero rather than risk a wrong answer deduction.
• Use sectional scores to see where time was lost: SUPR speed or REAP reasoning time.

Detailed solution approach: sample solved questions (practice)

Below are short, practice‑level sample questions and solutions you can try now. These are not from the official IIIT Hyderabad paper; they are representative problems meant to build the right approach.

SUPR — Physics (sample)

Question: A mass m slides down a frictionless incline of angle θ from height h. What is its speed at the bottom? (Take g as acceleration due to gravity.)

Answer and steps: - Use energy conservation: mgh = 1/2 m v^2 - v = sqrt(2gh)

Tip: In SUPR, questions may add small twists — e.g., a pulley or another mass. Always start with conservation laws and clearly state assumptions.

SUPR — Mathematics (sample)

Question: If f(x)=x^3−3x+1, find f'(x) and critical points.

Answer and steps: - f'(x)=3x^2−3 = 3(x^2−1) - Critical points where f'(x)=0: x=±1 - Use second derivative or sign chart to classify.

Tip: For calculus problems, show derivatives and test intervals quickly. In a timed set, write short notes rather than long proofs.

SUPR — Chemistry (sample)

Question: For the reaction A ⇌ B at equilibrium, addition of inert gas at constant volume will: A) Shift equilibrium towards products B) Shift equilibrium towards reactants C) Not change equilibrium D) Change amounts depending on temperature

Answer and steps: - At constant volume, adding inert gas does not change partial pressures of reactants/products; equilibrium position unchanged. Correct: C.

Tip: Many SUPR chemistry MCQs test conceptual understanding of Le Chatelier's principle in simple setups.

REAP — Research aptitude (sample)

Question: A researcher measures reaction yield three times and gets 51%, 49%, and 50%. What is the best single number to report as the yield, and why?

Answer and steps: - Report the average: (51+49+50)/3 = 50%. - Also report the spread or standard deviation (here ~1%), and mention experimental conditions. Research aptitude questions reward clarity about uncertainty.

REAP — Reasoning (sample)

Question: If every A implies B, and some B are C, which statement is definitely true? A) Some A are C B) All C are A C) Some B are not A D) None of the above

Answer and steps: - Only D is safe — you cannot deduce any relationship between A and C from the given. Choose D and justify reasoning.

Time‑saving and trap tips

• For SUPR MCQs, eliminate wrong options fast; do not try to solve algebraically if an option appears obviously wrong by units or limit checks.
• For REAP, read short passages once and underline keywords. Often questions test the ability to spot an unjustified conclusion.

Exam day checklist and time management plan

What to carry

• Admit card and a valid photo ID as specified in the admit card instructions.
• Clear wristwatch (no smart features) if allowed; check CBT rules for allowed items.
• Water bottle and light snack for breaks (if permitted outside the test hall).

CBT behaviour tips

• Read the SUPR instructions carefully; note negative marking before you start guessing.
• Use the CBT interface’s flagging feature to mark questions for review.
• Keep track of time: SUPR has 50 questions in 60 minutes — that’s ~1.2 minutes per question.

How to allocate time on the day

• SUPR: Attempt easier, high‑confidence questions first. Mark medium/difficult ones to revisit if time remains.
• REAP: It’s longer but often reasoning questions take time. Aim to finish the first pass of REAP within 90 minutes , leaving 30 minutes to review flagged or fill‑in blanks.

If you clear SUPR cutoff vs if you don’t

• If you clear SUPR: Your REAP will be evaluated and used to shortlist for interviews. Keep practising communication and project explanations while you wait.
• If you don’t: Your REAP won't be evaluated. Use this result to identify gaps and plan targeted study for next attempt or alternate application routes.

Shortlisting, interview schedule and how they evaluate you

The shortlisting flow is straightforward: SUPR cutoff → REAP evaluation (for those who cleared SUPR) → ranking by REAP score → interview shortlist. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled for June 4–6, 2026 and can be online, on‑campus or via video platforms.

What the interview focuses on

• Research aptitude and clarity of thought
• Conceptual understanding in your chosen area (CSD/CLD/CND/CHD/CGD or ECD specialisations)
• Mathematical thinking and problem‑solving approach
• Your ability to explain a small project or idea clearly

Interview likely format and preparation

• Short technical questions related to concepts you listed on your application or projects.
• A few puzzles or basic proofs to test mathematical thinking.
• A conversation about why you want a research track and what interests you.

Preparation plan: 8‑week calendar for SUPR + REAP

This is a high‑level 8‑week plan that balances SUPR subject drills and REAP thinking practice. Tweak hours based on how many daily hours you have.

Daily split guidance

• If you study 6 hours/day: 3 hours SUPR subjects (rotate), 2 hours REAP thinking drills, 1 hour mock/test review.
• Include at least one timed 60‑minute SUPR practice and one 120‑minute REAP practice every 10 days.

Expected score interpretation and next steps after results

How to read your scores

• SUPR is a gate. If you clear the SUPR cutoff, REAP gets evaluated. There is no single universal cutoff published; assume cutoff is competitive given past years’ profiles.
• Use sectional scores to decide whether your strength is conceptual (SUPR) or research thinking (REAP).

If shortlisted for interview

• Prepare a concise project summary (1 page) and rehearse explaining it in 3–5 minutes.
• Practice common interview prompts: “Why research?”, “Explain this result”, “How did you solve this problem?”

If not shortlisted

• Use the memory‑based paper and your performance report to identify weak topics, then plan a focused 3–6 month improvement cycle.
• Consider other B.Tech application routes and reattempt strategies.

Resources: curated list of books, online tests and mock papers

Subject‑wise quick picks

• Mathematics: standard calculus texts and JEE Advanced problem sets for depth.
• Physics: conceptual problem books and JEE Advanced collections for mechanics and E&M.
• Chemistry: a concise physical chemistry book plus organic reaction summary sheets.

REAP practice sources

• Short scientific articles and editorial pieces; practise extracting assumptions and identifying logical gaps.
• Puzzle books and reasoning question sets that require written justification rather than only numeric answers.

Where to find memory‑based papers and peer review groups

• After the exam, memory‑based paper PDFs compiled from students appear on educational portals and in student groups. Use them for timed practice but label them as unreleased by IIIT Hyderabad.
• Join small peer groups to discuss REAP responses and practice mock interviews.

Real student tips: post‑exam reactions and do’s/don’ts

Common student reactions after UGEE

• Relief mixed with uncertainty about exact answers — this is normal because IIIT Hyderabad doesn’t release official papers or keys.
• Immediate urge to compare answers on social media — compare selectively and rely on multiple independent recollections.

Quick do’s and don’ts before the interview

Do: - Prepare crisp responses about your project and interest in research. - Rehearse mathematics basics and short proofs.

Don’t: - Over‑claim experience on projects — be honest about your role and learnings. - Ignore the technical setup for online interviews. A poor webcam or noisy background hurts first impressions.

Appendix: consolidated tables you can use

Exam pattern table (quick reference):

Interview checklist (one‑page):

8‑week study calendar (high level): use the table in the earlier section as your roadmap. Adjust weekly hours based on your college schedule.

FAQs

Q: When is the UGEE exam and interview scheduled?

A: The UGEE exam is on May 2, 2026 . Interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled June 4–6, 2026 .

Q: Will IIIT Hyderabad release official question papers and answer keys?

A: No. IIIT Hyderabad does not release official question papers or official answer keys for UGEE. Memory‑based papers and model keys are compiled from student recollections.

Q: How much time is given for SUPR and REAP, and what are the marking rules?

A: SUPR has 50 MCQs in 60 minutes ( +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong). REAP has 50 questions (MCQs + fill blanks) in 120 minutes ( +2 for correct, -0.5 for wrong).

Q: Do I need to clear SUPR to have my REAP evaluated?

A: Yes. Only candidates who clear the SUPR cutoff will have their REAP evaluated and be considered for shortlisting.

Q: How should I prepare for the interview if shortlisted?

A: Prepare a one‑page project summary, rehearse clear explanations of your ideas, practise short mathematical proofs and logical reasoning, and run 2–3 mock interviews focusing on clarity and research interest.

Q: Where will memory‑based question papers and solution PDFs be available?

A: Memory‑based PDFs are typically released by education portals and student groups after the exam. They are useful for revision and estimating performance but are not official documents from IIIT Hyderabad.