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AICTE-INAE Travel Grant Scheme For Engineering Students From AICTE Approved Engineering College/Institution 2026

This fellowship supports outstanding Indian engineers to excel in engineering, innovation, and technology development through translational research. Read More... Read less

Details

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), in partnership with the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), introduced the "Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship" in 2017. This fellowship aims to identify, nurture, and back engineers in India who are dedicated to transforming fundamental research into practical technological products and processes. It's all about achieving top-notch results in engineering, innovation, and technology development, honouring the spirit of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

What Is This Scheme?

This fellowship is designed to support engineers working in government-funded institutions across India. Its main goal is to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications, turning innovative ideas into usable technologies. The scheme is managed by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and carried out by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The fellowship is open to Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who are employed in permanent roles at publicly funded institutions in India. Applicants need a solid background in engineering, at least a bachelor's degree, and a proven record of innovation or technology development.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This fellowship plays a crucial role in fostering innovation within India. By supporting translational research, it encourages the development of commercially viable technologies, patents, and working prototypes. This not only advances engineering excellence but also contributes to India's self-reliance in technology. The fellowship covers all fields of engineering, innovation, and technology, ensuring a broad impact.

Objective

This fellowship supports outstanding Indian engineers to excel in engineering, innovation, and technology development through translational research.

Benefits

Financial Support
  • The reimbursement of 100% Registration Fee, Visa Fee including travel insurance up to ₹5000.
  • The reimbursement of 50% of the actual Airfare or discounted /concessional air tickets along with local transport from the airport to the venue for presentation, in case not claimed from any other source.
  • Actual fare not exceeding AC II-Class train fare will be admissible for travel from the Technical Institution to the nearest airport and back in India).
  • The maximum financial support per student for all the above reimbursements is limited to ₹1,00,000.
  • Sources and references

    Eligibility Criteria

    • You must be an Indian national working in a publicly funded institution in India, or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) working in a permanent position in such an institution.
    • You should have appropriate professional qualifications and hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
    • You need to demonstrate an outstanding track record in innovation or technology development.
    • You must have at least five (5) years of service remaining in your current organization from the fellowship award date.
    • You cannot hold any other fellowship simultaneously. If selected, you must choose only one.

    How To Apply

    Nominations for this fellowship can be sent throughout the year. Self-nominations are not accepted. Nominations should be sent by:

    • Heads of Institutions/Organizations
    • Presidents/Fellows of National Science/Engineering Academies
    • SS Bhatnagar Awardees
    • JC Bose Awardees

    For details on where to submit nominations, please refer to the official notification or the INAE website.

    Documents Required

    • Candidate's identity proof
    • Passport-sized photograph
    • Proof of age
    • Proof of current employment
    • Certificates of educational qualifications
    • Details of professional awards, recognition, or fellowships
    • Endorsement Certificate from the parent institution
    • Bank details (Account Number, Bank Name, Branch, IFSC Code)
    • Any other documents as requested

    FAQ’s

    How long can someone receive this fellowship?

    The fellowship is initially granted for three years. It can be extended for up to two more years based on your performance, making the maximum duration five years.

    Can I apply for this fellowship myself?

    No, self-nominations are not accepted for this fellowship. Nominations must come from authorized individuals or heads of institutions.

    What is the main goal of the Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship?

    The primary objective is to foster excellence in engineering, innovation, and technology development by supporting engineers to turn research into practical, deployable technologies.

    Who is responsible for managing this fellowship program?

    The fellowship is implemented by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and administered by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

    What kind of financial support does a fellow receive?

    Selected fellows get a monthly personal fellowship of ₹25,000 (in addition to their regular income), an annual research grant of ₹15.00 lakh, and an annual overhead grant of ₹1.00 lakh for their host institution.

    Does this fellowship cover all engineering fields?

    Yes, this fellowship is open to all areas of engineering, innovation, and technology.

    When did this fellowship program begin?

    The Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship was launched in the year 2017.

    Can overseas citizens of India apply for this fellowship?

    Yes, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who are working in permanent positions in public-funded institutions in India are also eligible to apply.

    What happens if I'm already receiving another fellowship?

    If you are selected for this fellowship and are already holding another fellowship, you will have to choose and opt for only one of them.

    Is the money received as a fellowship subject to tax?

    Yes, the personal fellowship amount received under this scheme is taxable according to the income tax rules of the Government of India.

    Can I continue this fellowship after I retire?

    No, you cannot continue the fellowship after superannuation. The eligibility criterion requires that you must have at least five years of service left in your parent organization from the date the fellowship is awarded.

    Who is eligible to nominate candidates for this fellowship?

    Nominations can be submitted by Heads of Institutions/organizations, Presidents/fellows of National Science/Engineering Academies, SS Bhatnagar Awardees, and JC Bose awardees.

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