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AICTE has launched a new fellowship scheme. Its objective goes beyond limiting research to mere theses or academic papers; instead, it emphasizes transforming research into products, technologies, startups, and solutions that can address real-world problems.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a new fellowship scheme for PhD students. The aim is not merely to confine research to theses or academic publications but to focus on converting research into products, technologies, startups, and solutions capable of solving actual problems. Under the AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Program (AIEDPF), 150 PhD fellowships will be awarded. The program entails an estimated financial outlay of ₹245 crore over five years.

AICTE Emphasizes Taking Research Out of the Lab

Researchers under the AIEDPF will be encouraged to conduct research that addresses real-world issues. This means the objective of the research will not be limited to completing a thesis or achieving academic publication; rather, practical outcomes will also be prioritized. The scheme will promote projects with the potential to lead to new technologies, prototypes, intellectual property, technology transfers, commercial products, or the launch of new businesses. AICTE’s focus is on ensuring that research outcomes move beyond universities and laboratories to reach society and the industry.

Scope for Non-Technical Research Alongside Technology

Innovation under the AIEDPF is not restricted to the technical domain. The program encourages non-technical innovation alongside technology-related research. AICTE aims to foster multidisciplinary research, enabling researchers to integrate various fields and work on issues aligned with national and global priorities.

Monthly Stipend of ₹60,000 for the First Three Years

Researchers selected under the AIEDPF are eligible to receive financial assistance for a maximum period of five years. This assistance will be subject to eligibility criteria and the specific academic and research program. Under the fellowship, a monthly stipend of ₹60,000 plus applicable HRA will be provided for the first three years. Subsequently, in the fourth and fifth years, the fellowship amount will increase to ₹70,000 per month, plus applicable HRA.

Innovation Grant of up to ₹10 Lakh for Each Scholar

In addition to the fellowship, each researcher may also receive an innovation grant of up to ₹10 lakh. These funds can be utilized for activities aimed at advancing research ideas and transforming them into practical solutions. Eligible activities include prototype development, testing and validation, field trials, data collection, travel, and other essential research-related tasks. The objective of this additional funding is to support research projects that have shown initial success but require further resources to advance to the stage of real-world application.