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AICTE Launches Innovative PhD Fellowship Program to Tackle Real-World Issues

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a groundbreaking PhD fellowship program aimed at addressing real-world challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. With an investment of ₹245 crore over five years, the initiative will support around 150 scholars, providing them with substantial financial assistance and grants for research. This program encourages students to focus on practical solutions and aims to foster a culture of innovation in India. The fellowship not only offers monthly stipends but also grants for prototyping and testing, enabling researchers to bring their ideas to market. Discover how this initiative is set to transform the landscape of higher education and research in India.
By Ambika Singh Sep 4, 2026, 17:12 IST

AICTE's New Initiative for PhD Research


The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has taken a significant step towards addressing real-world challenges by launching a new initiative. The AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Program aims to redirect PhD research towards innovation, entrepreneurship, and the practical application of technology for societal benefit.


Investment of ₹245 Crore for PhD Fellowships

AICTE Unveils ₹245 Crore PhD Fellowship Program


On Thursday, AICTE Chairman Professor Yogesh Singh and Member Secretary Professor Shyama Rath inaugurated this program. Over the next five years, a total of ₹245 crore will be allocated to support approximately 150 PhD scholars.


Financial Support for Selected Scholars

Monthly Stipend of ₹70,000 for 150 Scholars


The selected candidates will receive financial assistance for up to five years. In the first three years, each scholar will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹60,000 along with applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA). This amount will increase to ₹70,000 per month in the fourth and fifth years, with HRA continuing.


In addition to the monthly fellowship, each student may also receive up to ₹10 lakh as an innovation grant. This funding can be utilized for activities such as prototype development, testing, field trials, validation, and travel, enabling researchers to bring their ideas from the lab to the market or society.


Encouraging Practical Research and Startups



This initiative is noteworthy as it emphasizes research not merely as a means to obtain a degree but encourages students to select problems that can be solved through new technologies or business models. This approach not only fosters quality research but also motivates young researchers to start their own ventures or commercialize technology.


AICTE believes that such support will strengthen the culture of innovation in the country. By working on real challenges, students' research could also create new employment opportunities. Fellowships will be awarded based on eligibility and progress criteria.


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