- AICTE launches the Industry Fellowship Programme to strengthen industry-academia collaboration by providing faculty members with one-year industrial exposure in emerging technology sectors and innovation-driven industries.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the Industry Fellowship Programme (IFP) to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and equip faculty members with practical industrial exposure. The initiative aims to bridge the long-standing gap between classroom teaching and real-world industry requirements by enabling educators to work directly with companies in emerging and critical sectors.
The fellowship programme, which is set to begin from the 2025–26 academic session, will initially provide opportunities to 350 faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions. AICTE plans to gradually expand the programme and increase participation to nearly 1,500 fellows annually over the next few years. Officials state that the initiative is designed to improve teaching quality, modernise curricula, and strengthen innovation-driven learning across technical institutions in India.
Under the programme, selected faculty members will work full-time in industry for a minimum duration of one year. Participants will gain exposure to advanced technologies, industrial practices, and research-driven innovation in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced computing, sustainability, smart mobility, aerospace, quantum technologies, healthcare, agritech, and climate-focused engineering. The acquired industry knowledge is expected to help faculty deliver more practical and industry-aligned education to students after returning to their institutions.
AICTE has specified that eligible applicants must be regular faculty members with at least five years of teaching experience in AICTE-approved institutions. Candidates must also fulfil additional academic or professional criteria, including research publications, funded projects, national-level examination qualifications, or recognised academic achievements. Participating companies are required to meet financial and operational eligibility norms to ensure quality industrial exposure for fellows.
Selected fellows will receive financial support exceeding Rs 1 lakh per month, including a stipend from AICTE and a contribution from host industries, while continuing to receive their institutional salaries. Applications are being accepted through the official AICTE Industry Fellowship portal, with the programme expected to commence later this year after screening and selection processes are completed.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader push to enhance employability, research capability, and innovation in higher education. By fostering direct interaction between educational institutions and industries, AICTE aims to create a stronger ecosystem for technical education, skill development, and future-ready workforce training.
