i) Scheme Type

• Institutional financing mechanism established by the Government of India for higher educational infrastructure development.
• A not-for-profit Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Joint venture of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India and Canara Bank.
• Provides long-term financing support for creation of educational and research infrastructure in higher educational institutions.
• Financing-based model (loan assistance) for capital asset creation rather than grant-based direct funding.

ii) Objectives

• Provide financial assistance for creation of world-class educational infrastructure.
• Support development of advanced laboratories, research and development (R&D) facilities, hostels, classrooms, libraries, and academic buildings.
• Improve academic and research ecosystem in premier educational institutions.
• Strengthen institutional quality and global competitiveness of Indian higher educational institutions.
• Facilitate timely creation of infrastructure without complete dependence on budgetary grants.
• Promote scientific and technological advancement through improved R&D infrastructure.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Central Universities.
• Institutions of National Importance (INIs).
• AIIMS and other premier institutions.
• Government-funded Higher Educational Institutions.
• Institutions approved by the Ministry of Education and eligible under HEFA norms.
• Institutions having repayment capability through internal resources or budgetary support.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Financial assistance is generally provided in the form of loans for capital asset creation.
• Projects are sanctioned after technical and financial appraisal.
• Repayment obligations are governed by the terms approved by HEFA and the Government of India.
• Institutions are required to utilize funds only for approved infrastructure projects.
• Periodic monitoring, utilization certificates, and project progress reports are mandatory.
• Funding support may cover academic infrastructure, research facilities, hostels, digital infrastructure, and related assets.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and approval details.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Project cost estimates and financial projections.
• Approval of competent authority/Governing Body.
• Land ownership and infrastructure-related documents, where applicable.
• Financial statements and repayment plan.
• Any additional documents prescribed by HEFA.

vi) How to Apply

1. Eligible institution identifies infrastructure requirements and prepares a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
2. Proposal is submitted to HEFA through the prescribed mechanism.
3. Technical and financial appraisal is carried out.
4. Project is evaluated and approved by competent authorities.
5. Loan agreement and related formalities are completed.
6. Funds are released in phases based on project progress.
7. Institutions submit periodic reports and utilization certificates.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Education, Government of India

Implementing Agency

Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)

Promoters

Ministry of Education and Canara Bank

Official Website

https://hefa.co.in

Ministry Website

https://www.education.gov.in

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

HEFA provides long-term financing assistance for creation and modernization of infrastructure in eligible higher educational institutions. Assistance is generally provided through project-based loans and not as direct grants to individual students.

Major Areas Supported under HEFA

i) Scheme Type

• Flagship ranking initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
• Implemented through the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) established at AICTE.
• A systematic institutional ranking framework to assess Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) on innovation, entrepreneurship, start-up support, and research commercialization.
• Introduced in 2018 to encourage innovation-driven campuses and healthy competition among HEIs.
• Evaluates institutions based on innovation outcomes rather than only academic performance.

ii) Objectives

• Promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Higher Educational Institutions.
• Encourage institutions to develop strong start-up and innovation ecosystems.
• Assess institutions on innovation-related indicators and best practices.
• Improve quality of research, intellectual property creation, and technology transfer.
• Facilitate commercialization of innovative ideas and student/faculty start-ups.
• Encourage institutions to establish incubation centres, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship support systems.
• Create healthy competition among HEIs for becoming globally competitive innovation institutions.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• All Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) recognized by appropriate statutory bodies are eligible.
• Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed-to-be Universities, Private Universities, Government Colleges, Government-aided Colleges, and Private Institutions can participate.
• Institutions should have valid approval/recognition from UGC, AICTE, or other competent authorities, wherever applicable.
• Participation is voluntary.
• Institutions are required to register and submit data through the ARIIA portal as per prescribed guidelines.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Ranking is based on parameters relating to innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Institutions are required to submit authentic and verifiable information.
• Data submitted by institutions may be subjected to scrutiny and validation.
• Institutions are evaluated under different categories and sub-categories.
• Ranking methodology and weightages are determined by the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC).
• The ranking exercise is conducted periodically.
• Institutions are expected to comply with all guidelines and timelines notified by MIC.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and approval details.
• AISHE Code and accreditation information.
• Details of innovation and entrepreneurship activities.
• Information relating to incubation centres, IPR, patents, start-ups, research commercialization, and technology transfer.
• Supporting documents and evidences for claims made in the application.
• Faculty and student innovation-related achievements.
• Annual reports and other documents prescribed under ARIIA guidelines.

vi) How to Apply

1. Visit the ARIIA portal.
2. Register the institution under the appropriate category.
3. Fill in institutional information and innovation-related details.
4. Upload supporting documents and evidence.
5. Submit the application within the notified timeline.
6. Participate in the evaluation and verification process.
7. Final rankings are announced by the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC).

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Education, Government of India

Implementing Agency

Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC), AICTE

Official Website

https://www.aicte-india.org/innovation

ARIIA Portal

https://www.ariia.gov.in

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

ARIIA is primarily a ranking and recognition framework and does not provide direct financial assistance to participating institutions. The major benefits are institutional recognition, visibility, and promotion of innovation ecosystems.

i) Scheme Type

• Flagship programme of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
• A national initiative aimed at connecting Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with rural communities for sustainable rural development.
• Launched on 11 November 2014 to leverage the knowledge base of educational institutions for solving rural development challenges.
• Focuses on technological interventions, participatory rural development, and community engagement through higher education institutions.
• Coordinated nationally by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi as the National Coordinating Institute (NCI).

ii) Objectives

• Connect Higher Educational Institutions with local communities to address rural development challenges.
• Enable faculty members and students to understand rural realities through field engagement.
• Design and implement appropriate technological and sustainable solutions for village development.
• Promote eco-friendly and decentralized technologies for rural livelihoods, sanitation, water, energy, agriculture, health, and education.
• Strengthen the relationship between academic institutions and society.
• Facilitate effective implementation of Government schemes in rural areas through institutional support.
• Develop socially responsible and community-oriented learning among students.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Any recognized Higher Educational Institution (HEI) in India having a valid AISHE Code.
• Institution should be willing to actively participate in rural development activities.
• Institution should be willing to adopt at least five villages in consultation with local administration.
• Institution should have interested faculty members and students willing to engage in village development activities.
• Participation is voluntary, subject to institutional registration under UBA.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Participating Institutions (PIs) are required to identify and adopt five villages for intervention activities.
• Institutions are expected to conduct village studies, need assessments, and identify local developmental challenges.
• Activities should focus on sustainable, locally suitable, and technology-based solutions.
• Institutions are encouraged to involve students, faculty members, NSS units, and local stakeholders.
• Funds, where sanctioned, are to be utilized strictly according to UBA guidelines.
• Institutions are required to submit periodic reports, utilization certificates, and progress updates.
• No capital assets can generally be created using UBA seed money.

v) Documents Required

• AISHE Code of the institution.
• Institutional profile and details of faculty coordinator(s).
• Proposal for participation in UBA activities.
• Details of adopted villages and planned intervention areas.
• Institutional approval/consent of competent authority.
• Progress reports and utilization documents (for funded activities).
• Supporting documents for project implementation and outcomes, if applicable.

vi) How to Apply

1. Visit the official UBA portal.
2. Register the institution through the online UBA registration system.
3. Provide institutional details including AISHE Code and faculty coordinators.
4. Select/adopt villages in consultation with district administration or Panchayati Raj Institutions.
5. Conduct village surveys and need assessments through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA).
6. Submit intervention plans and participate in UBA activities under guidance of Regional Coordinating Institutions (RCIs).
7. Implement approved activities and submit periodic reports.

i) Scheme Type

• Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India under the Ministry of Education.
• Approved by the Union Cabinet to strengthen technical education institutions in India.
• Focuses on improving quality, equity, governance, research, employability, and multidisciplinary learning in technical education institutions.
• Implemented in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Supported through financial assistance from the World Bank and Government of India.

ii) Objectives

• Improve the quality, equity, and governance of technical education institutions.
• Modernize curriculum and align technical education with NEP 2020 and labour market needs.
• Strengthen research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystems in technical institutions.
• Improve laboratories, digital infrastructure, and learning environments.
• Enhance employability skills and multidisciplinary education opportunities for students.
• Promote gender inclusion, especially leadership and academic opportunities for women faculty members.
• Improve accreditation, institutional quality assurance, and governance mechanisms.
• Increase transition and participation rates among different student groups in technical education.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Government and Government-aided technical institutions across States and Union Territories.
• Selected Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, and Affiliating Technical Universities (ATUs).
• Selected National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and State Engineering Institutions.
• Institutions willing to implement reforms aligned with NEP 2020 and quality improvement measures.
• Institutions selected through the prescribed appraisal and approval process under MERITE.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Scheme implementation period: 2025–26 to 2029–30.
• Institutions are selected based on predefined quality and reform criteria.
• Financial support is linked to institutional performance, reforms, and compliance.
• Participating institutions are required to implement academic, governance, and curriculum reforms.
• Regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation mechanisms are mandatory.
• Funds are released through a Central Nodal Agency to participating institutions.
• Institutions are expected to strengthen accreditation, quality assurance, and student learning outcomes.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and accreditation details.
• Proposal / Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Academic development and curriculum modernization plan.
• Laboratory and infrastructure strengthening proposal.
• Institutional financial and governance information.
• Utilization certificates and audit reports, where applicable.
• Approval/recommendation from competent State/UT technical education authority or Ministry, as prescribed.

vi) How to Apply

1. Eligible institutions are identified/selected through the Ministry of Education and designated implementation mechanism.
2. Institutions submit proposals and required project documentation.
3. Technical and financial appraisal of proposals is conducted.
4. Approved institutions receive support through the MERITE implementation framework.
5. Institutions periodically submit progress reports, utilization certificates, and performance outcomes.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Education, Government of India

Implementing Department

Department of Higher Education

Official Website

https://www.education.gov.in/higher_education

Ministry Website

https://www.education.gov.in

Scheme-related Notifications

Available through PIB and Ministry of Education notifications.

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

Major Coverage under MERITE

i) Scheme Type

• A flagship research infrastructure strengthening scheme of the Government of India.
• Implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
• Intended to strengthen Science & Technology (S&T) infrastructure in universities and higher educational institutions.
• Supports creation, modernization, and augmentation of laboratory and research facilities for postgraduate teaching and advanced research.
• Aims to strengthen research ecosystems in emerging and interdisciplinary areas of science and technology.
• Institutional infrastructure support scheme and not a scholarship or student financial assistance programme.

ii) Objectives

• Strengthen scientific research and postgraduate teaching infrastructure in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).
• Modernize laboratories and improve research facilities in science and engineering disciplines.
• Promote research and development (R&D) in emerging and frontier areas of science and technology.
• Attract and retain talented researchers and faculty in higher educational institutions.
• Enhance institutional research quality and competitiveness.
• Support acquisition of advanced scientific equipment and computational facilities.
• Promote collaborative and interdisciplinary research ecosystems.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Departments / Schools / Centres of Universities and Degree-awarding Institutions.
• Science and Engineering Departments having strong postgraduate teaching and research programmes.
• Institutions recognized or regulated by UGC / AICTE / State Education Departments.
• Eligible institutions generally must have established postgraduate and research programmes for a prescribed minimum duration.
• Government, Government-aided, and eligible private higher educational institutions may apply under prescribed categories.
• Colleges are generally considered as a whole for eligible postgraduate S&T departments only.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Support is generally provided for a period of five (5) years.
• Assistance is meant for research infrastructure and laboratory strengthening, not for individual research projects.
• Fresh building construction is generally not supported, but renovation and modernization of existing laboratories are permitted.
• Funding support may include laboratory equipment, computational facilities, networking infrastructure, software, databases, books, maintenance, and refurbishment of facilities.
• Institutions are required to ensure proper utilization, maintenance, and reporting of funded facilities.
• Beneficiary institutions are encouraged to make facilities accessible to wider research communities through platforms such as I-STEM.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and accreditation details.
• Proposal / Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Departmental research profile and faculty information.
• Details of postgraduate and research programmes.
• Existing laboratory and infrastructure status report.
• Proposed equipment and infrastructure development plan.
• Budget estimates and justification.
• Utilization certificates and progress reports for previous grants, if applicable.

vi) How to Apply

1. Eligible institution/department submits proposal during the notified call for applications.
2. Application is generally submitted through the prescribed online portal/system of DST.
3. Proposal undergoes scientific and technical evaluation by expert committees.
4. Shortlisted institutions may be assessed based on research output, faculty strength, and institutional preparedness.
5. Approved institutions receive phased funding support for infrastructure development.
6. Institutions are required to submit progress reports and utilization certificates periodically.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Implementing Department

Department of Science & Technology (DST)

Official Website

https://dst.gov.in

Scheme Website

https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/scientific-engineering-research/fund-improvement-st-infrastructure-higher-educational-institutions-fist

Department Address

Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016

Contact

Department of Science & Technology (R&D Infrastructure Division) as notified on the official website.

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

Indicative Funding Levels under FIST

i) Scheme Type

• A flagship institutional research support programme of the Government of India.
• Implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
• Launched in 2009 exclusively for the University sector in India.
• Designed to strengthen university research ecosystems and improve scientific excellence in higher educational institutions.
• Supports research infrastructure, interdisciplinary research, manpower, scientific facilities, and innovation ecosystems in universities.
• Institutional support scheme and not a scholarship or direct financial assistance programme for individual students.

ii) Objectives

• Strengthen the research capacity of performing Indian universities.
• Nurture robust university-based research ecosystems and strengthen the R&D base.
• Promote high-impact, interdisciplinary research aligned with national priorities.
• Enhance scientific excellence in universities through advanced research support.
• Support thematic and mission-oriented research.
• Encourage collaboration among departments and research groups within universities.
• Improve research productivity, scientific publications, and innovation outcomes.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Universities demonstrating significant research output and scientific publications.
• Institutions having strong research ecosystems and interdisciplinary capabilities.
• Universities meeting the prescribed DST-PURSE eligibility criteria and performance indicators.
• Selection is generally based on research productivity and quality of scientific publications.
• Eligible institutions may include Central Universities, State Universities, and other recognized universities.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Financial assistance is provided for strengthening research infrastructure and promoting scientific excellence.
• Support is generally provided in phases according to the approved category and performance.
• Funds are to be utilized strictly for approved activities and infrastructure.
• Periodic monitoring and evaluation are carried out by DST.
• Universities are required to submit utilization certificates and progress reports.
• Institutions are expected to maintain transparency and ensure effective utilization of resources.
• Continuation of support may be linked with performance and achievements.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and UGC recognition details.
• Research performance and publication records.
• Detailed proposal and research development plan.
• Information regarding faculty strength and research facilities.
• Details of ongoing and completed research projects.
• Budget estimates and justification.
• Previous utilization certificates and audit reports, where applicable.
• Any additional documents prescribed by DST.

vi) How to Apply

1. DST invites proposals or identifies eligible universities based on research performance indicators.
2. Eligible universities submit proposals along with supporting documents.
3. Proposals are evaluated by expert committees constituted by DST.
4. Selected institutions are approved for support under appropriate categories.
5. Funds are released in phases subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions.
6. Universities submit progress reports, utilization certificates, and performance outcomes periodically.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Implementing Department

Department of Science & Technology (DST)

Official Website

https://dst.gov.in

Scheme Information

https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/promotion-university-research-and-scientific-excellence-purse

Department Address

Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

DST-PURSE provides institutional support for strengthening research ecosystems and scientific excellence in universities. The assistance is intended for infrastructure, equipment, interdisciplinary research, and related activities and does not constitute direct financial assistance to individual students.

Major Components Supported under DST-PURSE

i) Scheme Type

• A flagship scientific infrastructure support programme of the Government of India.
• Implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
• Focuses on establishing and strengthening shared scientific infrastructure, national research service facilities, and advanced technology platforms in Life Sciences and Biotechnology.
• Designed to provide access to scientific resources and high-end facilities that may not be feasible for a single laboratory or department to establish independently.
• Supports collaborative research ecosystems involving universities, research institutions, colleges, start-ups, and industry.
• Institutional infrastructure support programme and not a scholarship or direct financial assistance scheme for individual students.

ii) Objectives

• Strengthen scientific research infrastructure in universities and research institutions.
• Provide access to world-class and state-of-the-art scientific facilities to researchers across India.
• Promote collaborative and interdisciplinary research in Life Sciences and Biotechnology.
• Support establishment and modernization of national service facilities, research resources, and scientific platforms.
• Foster academic–industry collaboration and translational research.
• Improve institutional research capacity, training, and technology-driven skill development.
• Enhance accessibility to advanced instrumentation for universities, colleges, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.
• Promote sustainability of scientific facilities through service-based operational models.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Universities and Higher Educational Institutions.
• Research institutions and centres recognized by the Government of India.
• Institutions engaged in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and allied disciplines.
• Institutions possessing the capability to maintain and manage shared scientific facilities.
• Collaborative consortia involving academia, research organizations, and industry may also be eligible.
• Eligibility is subject to the guidelines prescribed by DBT from time to time.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Financial assistance is intended for strengthening scientific infrastructure and advanced facilities.
• Funds are to be utilized only for approved purposes.
• Institutions are required to maintain transparency, proper accounts, and records.
• Periodic monitoring and review are undertaken by the Department of Biotechnology.
• Beneficiary institutions are required to submit progress reports and utilization certificates.
• Facilities created are expected to function as shared resources for the research community.
• Sustainability mechanisms and operational models may be required for long-term functioning.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and recognition details.
• Detailed proposal/project report.
• Research profile and scientific achievements of the institution.
• Details of existing facilities and proposed infrastructure.
• Budget estimates and justification.
• Collaboration details, where applicable.
• Previous utilization certificates and audit reports, if applicable.
• Other documents prescribed by DBT.

vi) How to Apply

1. DBT invites proposals through notifications and calls for applications.
2. Eligible institutions submit proposals in the prescribed format.
3. Applications undergo scientific and technical evaluation by expert committees.
4. Selected institutions are approved for support under appropriate categories.
5. Funds are released in phases in accordance with approved norms.
6. Institutions submit periodic reports, utilization certificates, and performance outcomes.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Implementing Department

Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Official Website

https://dbtindia.gov.in

Department Website

https://dbtindia.gov.in/schemes-programmes

Department Address

Block-2, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

DBT-SAHAJ provides institutional support for strengthening scientific infrastructure and establishing shared facilities. The support is intended for research institutions and does not constitute direct financial assistance to individual students.

Major Components Supported under DBT-SAHAJ

i) Scheme Type

• Central Sector institutional-financing scheme operationalized through the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Provides financing for the creation and upgradation of campus accommodation (hostels) and student facilities in higher educational institutions.
• Aimed at enhancing on-campus living and social infrastructure.
• Infrastructure development initiative focused on improving student experience and campus life.
• Supports creation of residential and related facilities through a financing-based model.
• Institutional support scheme and not a direct scholarship or student financial assistance programme.

ii) Objectives

• Augment hostel accommodation and residential capacity in higher educational institutions.
• Create and upgrade student facilities that enhance the campus social experience.
• Support institutions in meeting growing infrastructure needs as enrolment expands.
• Improve the quality of campus life and student well-being.
• Promote inclusive and safe residential environments.
• Strengthen social, recreational, and common-use infrastructure within campuses.
• Enhance overall institutional attractiveness and student support ecosystem.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Central Universities and other institutions funded by the Government of India.
• Institutions of National Importance (INIs).
• Government Higher Educational Institutions eligible under HEFA norms.
• Institutions having approved proposals for development of student accommodation and facilities.
• Institutions possessing repayment capability and fulfilling financing requirements.
• Other institutions approved by the Ministry of Education and HEFA from time to time.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Financial assistance is provided through the HEFA financing mechanism.
• Support is intended for capital asset creation and infrastructure development.
• Institutions are required to utilize funds strictly for approved projects.
• Projects are subject to technical and financial appraisal.
• Periodic monitoring and submission of utilization certificates are mandatory.
• Repayment obligations are governed by the approved financing arrangements.
• Institutions are required to comply with guidelines issued by HEFA and the Ministry of Education.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and approval details.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Project cost estimates and financial projections.
• Approval of competent authority/Governing Body.
• Infrastructure plans and land-related documents, wherever applicable.
• Financial statements and repayment plan.
• Any additional documents prescribed by HEFA or the Ministry of Education.

vi) How to Apply

1. Eligible institutions identify requirements relating to hostel and student facility infrastructure.
2. Detailed Project Report (DPR) and supporting documents are prepared.
3. Proposal is submitted through the prescribed HEFA mechanism.
4. Technical and financial appraisal is undertaken.
5. Approved projects are sanctioned by the competent authority.
6. Funds are released in phases based on implementation progress.
7. Institutions submit utilization certificates and periodic reports.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Education, Government of India

Implementing Agency

Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)

Official Website

https://hefa.co.in

Ministry Website

https://www.education.gov.in

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

CAFES provides financing support for creation and upgradation of campus accommodation and student facilities. The benefits accrue to institutions and students through improved residential and social infrastructure and do not constitute direct financial assistance to individual students.

Major Components Supported under CAFES

i) Scheme Type

• Central Sector institutional-development schemes of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• A suite of schemes covering laboratory modernization (MODROBS), research promotion (RPS), innovation labs (IDEA Lab), institutional mentoring (Margdarshan), faculty development programmes (FDPs) and recognition awards (Vishwakarma).
• Aimed at strengthening technical institutions, their faculty and their research and innovation capacity.
• Supports modernization of laboratories, research activities, innovation ecosystems, institutional mentoring and faculty capacity building.
• Encourages industry interaction, entrepreneurship and outcome-based education.
• Institutional support schemes and not direct scholarship programmes for individual students.

ii) Objectives

• Modernize and remove obsolescence in laboratories (MODROBS).
• Promote research and development in technical institutions (Research Promotion Scheme).
• Establish hands-on innovation/tinkering labs (IDEA Lab) to foster a culture of innovation.
• Enable well-performing institutions to mentor others (Margdarshan).
• Enhance faculty capability through Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs).
• Recognize excellence through Vishwakarma Awards.
• Promote innovation, entrepreneurship and quality improvement in technical education.
• Strengthen research and industry-oriented learning ecosystems.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• AICTE-approved institutions and technical universities.
• Engineering colleges, polytechnics and management institutions recognized by AICTE.
• Institutions fulfilling the eligibility requirements prescribed for the respective schemes.
• Faculty members and departments may participate under specific components such as FDPs and RPS.
• Institutions having valid approval and complying with AICTE regulations.
• Eligibility conditions vary depending upon the specific scheme component.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Financial assistance is governed by the norms prescribed by AICTE for each component.
• Funds are to be utilized only for approved purposes.
• Institutions are required to maintain proper accounts and records.
• Periodic monitoring and reporting requirements are applicable.
• Beneficiary institutions are required to submit utilization certificates and progress reports.
• Continuation of support may depend upon satisfactory performance and compliance.
• Institutions must adhere to AICTE guidelines and timelines.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and AICTE approval details.
• Detailed proposal/project report.
• Departmental profile and faculty details.
• Infrastructure and laboratory information.
• Budget estimates and justification.
• Research and innovation-related information, wherever applicable.
• Previous utilization certificates and audit reports, if applicable.
• Other documents prescribed by AICTE.

vi) How to Apply

1. AICTE invites applications through notifications and online portals.
2. Eligible institutions submit proposals under the relevant scheme component.
3. Applications are examined and evaluated by expert committees.
4. Selected institutions are approved for support under the respective schemes.
5. Financial assistance is released in accordance with approved norms.
6. Institutions submit periodic reports and utilization certificates.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Education, Government of India

Implementing Agency

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

Official Website

https://www.aicte-india.org

Scheme Information

https://www.aicte-india.org/schemes

Headquarters

Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

AICTE Institutional Development Schemes provide support for laboratory modernization, research promotion, innovation ecosystems, mentoring, faculty development and recognition of excellence. Benefits are mainly institutional and academic in nature and do not constitute direct financial assistance to individual students.

Major Components Supported under AICTE Institutional Development Schemes

i) Scheme Type

• Central Sector research-infrastructure scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the WISE-KIRAN umbrella.
• Supports the development of research infrastructure and capacity in women's universities and women-focused institutions.
• Aimed at enhancing research excellence and participation of women in science.
• Provides support for strengthening scientific facilities and promoting advanced research ecosystems.
• Focuses on institutional development and not on individual scholarship assistance.
• Encourages women-centric higher educational institutions to achieve scientific excellence and innovation.

ii) Objectives

• Develop and strengthen research infrastructure in women's universities and institutions.
• Enhance research output and innovation among women students, researchers and faculty.
• Reduce gender disparity in access to research facilities.
• Promote excellence and consolidation of university research in women-focused institutions.
• Encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative research activities.
• Strengthen scientific and technological capabilities of women universities.
• Promote women participation and leadership in science and technology.

iii) Eligibility Criteria

• Women's Universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Women-focused Higher Educational Institutions and Universities.
• Institutions having postgraduate teaching and research programmes in Science and Technology disciplines.
• Institutions demonstrating research potential and commitment to scientific excellence.
• Eligibility and selection are governed by the guidelines issued by DST.
• Institutions are required to satisfy the prescribed criteria under the WISE-KIRAN programme framework.

iv) Terms & Conditions

• Financial support is intended for strengthening research infrastructure and scientific facilities.
• Funds are to be utilized only for approved purposes.
• Institutions are required to maintain proper accounts and records.
• Periodic monitoring and review are undertaken by DST.
• Progress reports and utilization certificates are required to be submitted periodically.
• Continuation of support may depend on satisfactory performance and compliance with scheme guidelines.
• Institutions are expected to ensure effective utilization and maintenance of facilities created under the scheme.

v) Documents Required

• Institutional profile and UGC recognition details.
• Detailed proposal/project report.
• Research profile and publication records.
• Information regarding faculty strength and existing infrastructure.
• Details of postgraduate programmes and research activities.
• Budget estimates and justification.
• Previous utilization certificates and audit reports, where applicable.
• Any additional documents prescribed by DST.

vi) How to Apply

1. DST invites applications through notifications and calls for proposals.
2. Eligible institutions submit proposals in the prescribed format.
3. Applications are evaluated by expert committees constituted by DST.
4. Selected institutions are approved for support under appropriate categories.
5. Financial assistance is released in phases according to approved norms.
6. Institutions are required to submit progress reports and utilization certificates periodically.

vii) Government of India / Sponsoring Department

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Implementing Department

Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Programme Framework

WISE-KIRAN Programme

Official Website

https://dst.gov.in

Scheme Information

https://dst.gov.in/women-scientists-programmes

Department Address

Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016

viii) Entitlement / Financial Benefit

DST-CURIE provides institutional support for strengthening research infrastructure and promoting scientific excellence in women universities. The benefits are intended for institutions and their research ecosystem and do not constitute direct financial assistance to individual students.

Major Components Supported under DST-CURIE