Lodha Genius Programme - FAQs

The Lodha Genius Programme is a combination of on-campus and offline modules. It comprises a 4 week on-campus residential programme at Ashoka University Campus, Sonipat, where students get to experience life as a scientist or a mathematician. This is followed by continuous online mentorship.

The Lodha Genius Programme (2024) will be held from May 17, 2024 to June 16, 2024.

It is a 100% scholarship (fully-funded) programme. The scholarship includes course fees, study materials, travel and lodging (on-campus module). The student will need to book their own return train/flight/bus tickets for arrival to and departure from Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana. They will be reimbursed for the same upon arrival to the programme and submission of the invoice.

A typical day for a student at the Lodha Genius Program would like the following:

Morning: Great Ideas Seminar

- Eminent researchers and scientists present globally recognized concepts.
- Overview of mankind's greatest ideas, their historical or logical evolution.
- Invited speakers include Fellows of international and national academies, Infosys prize winners, and young inspiring scientists.

Afternoon: Practical Engagement

- Students apply theory in project work with faculty.
- Fields include mathematics, astronomy, microscopy, ecology, wildlife conservation, and many more.
- Hands-on training with state-of-the-art scientific equipment.
- Development of problem-solving skills.

Evening: Recreation and Learning

- Fun and recreational activities such as sports, performing arts, movie screenings, and gardening.
- Discussions on ethics and science, fostering a holistic learning experience.

Overall, the programme focuses on a balanced combination of intellectual stimulation and practical application. It involves exposure to diverse scientific fields and real-world problem-solving and fosters cultivation of a well-rounded perspective through ethics and recreational activities.

Distinguished faculty members from prestigious institutions across the globe such as Cambridge, Yale, and Stanford universities, alongside accomplished entrepreneurs, scientists, mathematicians, artists, and educators, were actively engaged in the program. This diverse lineup of experts brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from various fields to enrich the learning experience.

To be considered for the program, applicants must complete and submit the application form successfully. Subsequently, the selection process involves an online aptitude test, with shortlisted candidates proceeding to an online interview. The primary objective of this comprehensive evaluation is to identify students who exhibit openness and curiosity towards learning new concepts and skills.

Here are some of the key benefits of joining LGP :

1. It will give student an insight on the interdisciplinary nature of Mathematics and Science.
2. It will allow students to facilitate interaction and develop deep bonds through peer learning by bringing together academically brilliant students across our country.
3. Students will be given a certificate on successful completion of the programme.

No, no student will be allowed to go home during the duration of the course unless there is a medical emergency situation. Additionally, parents/relatives/teachers are strictly not allowed to accompany the student to the campus during the course duration. They are only allowed to drop and pick up students. Under special circumstances, students may be allowed to meet the parents after due permission from the LGP Management.

Applicants should register individually.

When completing the application form, indicate your current grade as of May 2024 based on the completion of your final exams. For instance, if you have finished the 11th-grade exams, specify "12th grade" in the form. This ensures that your application accurately reflects the grade you will have attained by the specified date, providing the most up-to-date and relevant information for our evaluation process.

The test comprises two parts. Part A consists of 60 questions covering logical reasoning, basic mathematics, and analytical reasoning, with no negative marking. Part B includes 42 questions related to Scientific Inquisitiveness and Social Intelligence, also without negative marking. The entire test has a duration of 60 minutes, with each part allotted 30 minutes.

The aptitude test is crafted to assess general reasoning and logical abilities, placing emphasis on cognitive skills rather than specific subject content. It is not anticipated that students prepare for the test, as its purpose is to gauge inherent analytical and reasoning capabilities rather than knowledge within any particular discipline.

Upon successful submission of your application, you will receive an email containing a link to the aptitude test. This email, sent close to the test date, will include your credentials and detailed instructions for accessing the test portal.

There will be a grade-wise quota. As the aptitude test measures reasoning abilities (not knowledge of content) and also takes into account the school grade of students, applicants from lower school grades will not be at a disadvantage. Students across school grades will be admitted to form a diverse cohort.

Yes. If the candidate performs well in the aptitude test, their application will certainly be considered. We require previous mark sheets only to gain a clearer picture of each candidate.

Write to lodhageniusprogramme@ashoka.edu.in

After the intensive residential programme, students can opt to remain involved in subsequent programme-related activities to the extent that suits them. We understand that students have important school-related commitments throughout the year.

Yes. We require a letter of recommendation (optional) from your counselor/principal who has interacted with you in an academic setting or a professional capacity. The letter cannot be written by your family member, friend or relative.

The letter of consent as well as recommendation will be submitted online through the application portal. We do not require any hard copies or soft copies of the letters.

You are required to provide a TWO PREVIOUS Final Exam/ Board Exam Marksheet. E.g. If you are in class 9, submit final mark sheets for classes 7 & 8. If you are in class 11, submit final mark sheets for 10th board and 9 final exams. If you don’t have any of the marksheets, please upload any latest available previous year marksheets.

No, you would not be able to make any changes in the application once it is submitted.

Yes. You and your recommender will receive confirmation once they submit their recommendation. If your Recommender is experiencing any technical difficulties then please ask them to write to us at lodhageniusprogramme@ashoka.edu.in

Yes. If you have completed your 8th grade exams but have not yet received your marksheets, please submit your most recent marksheets.

Yes. Experience in either mathematics or science is not mandatory, although both these disciplines will be the focus of the Lodha Genius Programme.

No. While practical experience is valued, this is not required.

Students living in Delhi NCR will receive transportation directly from their residences to the Ashoka University campus, while students from other locations need to book their own train/flight/bus tickets for arrival to and departure from Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana. They will be reimbursed for the same upon arrival to the programme after submission of the invoice. Outstation students will receive transportation from railway station/airport/bus stand to the Ashoka University Campus.

Yes. Food will be provided during the residential program. It is included in what we call “Boarding and Lodging”.

Yes.

Yes, different genders will stay in separate accommodations just like Ashoka undergraduates. Please find more information on accommodation here, and enjoy a video-tour of our campus here.

Our residential programme is demanding and no elements are optional. Students will not be allowed to miss parts of the programme for other activities. Under special circumstances, students may be allowed to spend time for alternative engagements after due permission from the LGP Management.

Our 100% scholarship programme covers course fees, travel, study materials, boarding, lodging, and food. Students may make other purchases including merchandise, non-canteen food, etc at their own expense.

Students will have access to all Ashoka’s sports facilities. You can read more about these here and enjoy a video-tour of our campus here.

Yes. Ashoka University has its own 16 bedded Infirmary set-up for primary healthcare. Infirmary is located at the Sports Complex and provides free First Aid and medical assistance, to the students, faculty and staff, round the clock. Please read more about medical facilities at Ashoka here.

The Lodha Genius Programme is open to all students across India.

No. The programme is open to any student studying in a high school in India.

Yes. We are planning to offer the Lodha Genius Programme every year.

No, as the dates for LGP and YSP may coincide, students are welcome to apply for both programmes, but can choose to participate in only one of them, if selected.

Each student will have the opportunity to do projects in the following fields: astronomy, microscopy, ecology, computer science, mathematics, cell biology, wildlife conservation and many more. All projects emphasize multidisciplinary and practical learning and will be focused on primary research using Ashoka University’s extensive facilities.

Yes, the programme is designed in such a way that it caters to students from different ages and grades.

The Lodha Genius Programme is a 12-month, fully-funded programme. It begins with a 1-month on-campus residential experience from May 17th to June 16th and then continues with an online mentorship component for the rest of the year.

Once the residential component of LGP is completed, students can opt to extend their journey with us by participating in an online-only program over the next 11 months, called the Light Touch Programme. This will involve periodical meetings with faculty and peers for discussions and mentorship.

The tentative online test date is 3rd February, 2024. Timings will be shared close to the date.

The interviews will take place in February, 2024.

They will receive a Letter of Recommendation online form to fill up and submit, where they need to testify their recommendation. In case, it is not possible to get it from the Principal or Counselor, so then a Teacher who has taught you for a longer period of time can also share it.

Yes.

The second round of applications will open from 1st January, 2024.