Admissions · HCD Institute, DIC Hub, IIT Hyderabad

Apply to an HCD Institute programme.

One application for every programme. It takes about 45 minutes once your essays are drafted, and your answers are saved in this browser as you go. There is no fee to apply. We read every application ourselves and reply within ten working days.

Start your application See the questions first

Before you start

What you'll need.

  • Your detailsContact details. Applicants under 18 also need a parent or guardian's name, email and phone: we email them to confirm their consent.
  • LinksA link to your résumé or CV (not needed for school students) and, if you have one, a portfolio. Share files as "anyone with the link can view".
  • One projectSomething you made, organised or changed: a school project, a product, a lesson, a campaign.
  • EssaysA statement of purpose and three short answers. Draft them first, then paste them in. Word counts are guides, not strict limits.
  • Financial assistanceYou can ask for financial assistance on the form. Requests are reviewed separately, and assistance depends on available funding.
  • FeesNothing is paid now. If you receive an offer, it comes with the fee and our bank details. You then confirm your payment on the payment page.

The essay questions, by applicant

School student
  1. Statement of purpose: why this programme, and why now? (150–400 words)
  2. Describe a problem you noticed in your school, home or neighbourhood that others seemed to ignore. What did you do, or what would you do? (50–150 words)
  3. Tell us about a time you changed your mind because of evidence or someone else's point of view. (50–150 words)
  4. What is something you are curious about that is not taught in class? (30–100 words)
  5. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (up to 200 words, optional)
College student or graduate
  1. Statement of purpose: why this programme, and how does it fit your path? (300–600 words)
  2. Describe a problem you noticed that others overlooked. How did you understand it before trying to solve it? (100–250 words)
  3. Tell us about the project you are proudest of. What was your part, and what would you do differently? (100–250 words)
  4. Describe a time you changed your mind because of evidence or another person's view. (50–150 words)
  5. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (up to 200 words, optional)
Working professional
  1. Statement of purpose: what do you want to change in your work, and why this programme? (300–600 words)
  2. Describe one live challenge you would bring to the programme. Who is affected, and what have you tried so far? (100–250 words)
  3. Tell us about a decision at work that did not go as planned. What did you learn about the people involved? (100–250 words)
  4. How will your team or organisation benefit from what you learn? (50–150 words)
  5. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (up to 200 words, optional)
Teacher or educator
  1. Statement of purpose: what do you want to change in how your students learn? (300–600 words)
  2. Describe a lesson or classroom moment you would like to redesign. What happens now, and what do you wish happened? (100–250 words)
  3. Tell us about a student who changed how you teach. (50–150 words)
  4. How will you share what you learn with colleagues at your school? (50–150 words)
  5. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (up to 200 words, optional)

Step 1 of 8

Which programme are you applying for?

Choose who you are applying as, then the programme. Not sure? See all programmes or ask us.

After you apply

What happens next.

  • 1 · ReviewOur admissions team reads your application in full. For applicants under 18, review starts once a parent or guardian confirms by email. We reply within ten working days.
  • 2 · ConversationShortlisted applicants are invited to a short online conversation. For school students, a parent or guardian joins. Tell us if you need any adjustments.
  • 3 · OfferOffers are sent by email from dic@hcd.institute with the programme dates, the fee, any financial assistance, and HCD Institute's bank details for transfer.
  • 4 · Confirm your placePay by bank transfer (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS or UPI), then submit the transaction reference on the payment page. Your place is confirmed when the payment is received.

Merit first · Equal opportunity

How we decide.

  • Merit firstWe admit on the quality of your thinking and work: your project, your essays and, if shortlisted, the conversation. Every application is read against the same criteria for its programme.
  • Open to everyoneHCD Institute is an equal opportunity provider. We do not consider gender, religion, caste, ethnicity, disability, region, language background, family income or social status in admission decisions.
  • No influenceDonations, sponsorship, recommendations from influential people or connections to staff never change a decision. No capitation fee is ever charged.
  • Fair accessRequests for financial assistance are reviewed separately and do not affect the admission decision. We make reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities: tell us what you need.

If you believe a decision was unfair, write to us through feedback and support. A reviewer who was not involved will look at it again.

Emaildic@hcd.instituteCall+91 90195 12094WhatsApp+91 90195 12094

We answer Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm IST. If a technical problem stops you meeting a deadline, tell us before it passes and we'll help. HCD Institute never asks for fees by phone or WhatsApp, never sends UPI collect requests, and never asks for an OTP or UPI PIN. Bank details are shared only in your official offer email.

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