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AICTE Launches Innovative Fellowship Program for PhD Students

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a new fellowship program designed for PhD students, focusing on transforming research into practical solutions. With a budget of ₹245 crore over five years, the initiative aims to support 150 fellows in addressing real-world challenges through innovative projects. The program not only provides financial assistance but also encourages multidisciplinary research, allowing scholars to explore both technical and non-technical domains. Each fellow can receive a monthly stipend and an additional innovation grant to further their research endeavors. This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic research and industry applications.
By Ambika Singh Sep 5, 2026, 16:59 IST

Introduction to the New Fellowship Scheme



The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has unveiled a groundbreaking fellowship initiative aimed at PhD candidates. This program seeks to extend the scope of research beyond traditional theses and academic papers, focusing instead on the development of products, technologies, startups, and solutions that tackle real-world challenges.


Details of the AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Program

Under the AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Program (AIEDPF), a total of 150 fellowships will be granted. The initiative is backed by a projected budget of ₹245 crore over a span of five years.


Encouraging Practical Research

The AIEDPF encourages researchers to engage in projects that address pressing societal issues. The focus is not solely on completing academic requirements but also on achieving tangible outcomes. This initiative aims to foster the development of new technologies, prototypes, intellectual property, and even the establishment of startups, ensuring that research findings benefit both society and industry.


Inclusivity in Research Domains

The fellowship program is not limited to technical research; it also promotes non-technical innovation. AICTE is committed to supporting multidisciplinary research, allowing scholars to merge various fields and address challenges that align with both national and global priorities.


Financial Support for Researchers

Participants in the AIEDPF will receive financial support for up to five years, contingent on meeting specific eligibility criteria. The fellowship offers a monthly stipend of ₹60,000 along with applicable housing rent allowance (HRA) for the first three years. In the subsequent two years, this amount will increase to ₹70,000 per month, plus HRA.


Additional Innovation Grants

Each fellow may also qualify for an innovation grant of up to ₹10 lakh. This funding is intended for activities that advance research concepts into practical applications. Eligible expenditures include prototype creation, testing, field trials, data collection, travel, and other essential research activities. The goal of this grant is to support projects that have demonstrated initial promise but require additional resources to reach real-world implementation.


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