AICTE-Technical Book Writing & Translation Scheme 2026
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) to boost Read More... research and innovation by fostering collaboration among TEQIP faculty, regular faculty from project institutions, and premier academic bodies in India. Read less
Details
In today's fast-paced world, research and innovation are key to progress. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) understands this and has introduced a special scheme to encourage collaborative research projects.
What Is This Scheme?
The Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) is designed by AICTE to provide financial support for research activities. It specifically aims to bring together faculty members from different institutions to work on joint research projects, thereby building a strong research community. The scheme supports young faculty recruited under the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) and other faculty members from participating institutions.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is for faculty members associated with TEQIP institutions. It encourages them to collaborate with colleagues from TEQIP or non-TEQIP institutions, including premier institutes like IITs, NITs, and central universities, as well as industry professionals. The goal is to create a network of researchers working on impactful projects.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The CRS plays a vital role in advancing technical education and research in India. By providing financial grants and encouraging teamwork, it helps faculty members to undertake meaningful research that can lead to new discoveries, technological advancements, and solutions to societal challenges. This collaboration also helps in knowledge sharing and capacity building among institutions.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Proposals must be submitted by a group of faculty members. This group should include a Principal Investigator (PI) from a TEQIP institution and at least two Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) from TEQIP or non-TEQIP institutions.
- The faculty group must comprise a minimum of 3 members.
- The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a TEQIP-faculty member from the host institution. The group can have a maximum of four Co-PIs and a minimum of two Co-PIs.
- One of the Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PI-1) should preferably be a regular faculty member from the host TEQIP institute where the PI is associated. While not mandatory, it's preferred if Co-PI-1 works in the same research area or at least belongs to the same department as the PI.
- A single Principal Investigator (PI) can submit a maximum of two proposals.
- However, only one proposal submitted by a PI will be sanctioned at any given time during the project's duration.
- Collaboration Priority: For institutional collaboration, priority should be given to partnering with TEQIP mentor institutes, NITs, IITs, or Central Universities located in the same state or region, preferably nearer to the host institute. These faculty members will serve as Co-PIs.
- Additional Co-PIs: The research group can include additional Co-PIs from any institution in India or abroad (TEQIP or non-TEQIP), as well as from industrial sectors, if necessary.
How To Apply
- Institutions must submit their Mandate Form, duly signed by the Head of the Institution and bank authorities, through the official portal. You can find the format on page 7 of the compiled sample application form.
- A Certificate of Collaboration, signed by the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and the Head of the Institution, must be submitted in the provided format.
- The bio-data of all PIs and Co-PIs needs to be submitted.
- A detailed list of proposed equipment is required.
- A brief of the Research Proposal, not exceeding 500 words, should be submitted. This should cover project activities, the schedule/timeline, the relevance of collaboration, and anticipated industrial and social outcomes.
Official Application Link: The application submission happens through the AICTE portal. Please refer to the official AICTE website for the most current application link and details.
Documents Required
- Mandate Form: This form, available on the AICTE website (refer to page 7 of the compiled sample application form), needs to be duly signed by the Head of the Institution and bank authorities and submitted via the portal. Mandate Form Link
- Certificate of Collaboration: A certificate signed by the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and the Head of the Institution.
- Bio-data: Curriculum Vitae (CV) or bio-data of all the PI and Co-PIs.
- Equipment List: A detailed list of equipment required for the research project.
- Research Proposal Summary: A brief outline of the research proposal, not exceeding 500 words, detailing project activities, timeline, relevance of collaboration, and expected outcomes.
FAQ’s
What is the maximum funding amount available under the CRS scheme?
Under the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS), the maximum funding you can receive for a research project is ₹ 25,00,000/-.
How are the project funds divided between recurring and non-recurring expenses?
The total grant sanctioned for the project is allocated with 40% for recurring costs and 60% for non-recurring expenses. This split can be adjusted if recommended by TEQIP experts.
Who is responsible for assessing the research proposals submitted?
An expert committee, consisting of three members who are not below the rank of Associate Professor, will assess the proposals. If any of the three experts are unavailable, a fourth member will evaluate the proposal.
Can a Principal Investigator (PI) lead multiple projects simultaneously?
While a PI can submit up to two proposals, only one proposal from a single PI will be sanctioned and funded at any point in time during the project's duration.
What is the project duration for a CRS grant?
The project duration for any research grant awarded under the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) is one year, starting from the date the funds are received in the institute's account.
What happens if the Principal Investigator leaves the institution during the project?
If the Principal Investigator (PI) leaves the institution without transferring the project or goes on extended leave, the Co-Principal Investigator 1 (Co-PI-1) can continue the project, provided they have the PI's consent and AICTE's approval. Such requests must be submitted to AICTE in advance. If no other co-investigator is available to carry out the project after the PI leaves, the project will be terminated, and an Utilization Certificate must be submitted by the PI and Co-PI-1.
Is it mandatory for faculty to be from TEQIP institutions to apply?
The proposal must be submitted by a group of faculty. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be from a TEQIP institution, but Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) can be from either TEQIP or non-TEQIP institutions within India or abroad. You can also include faculty from industrial sectors.
Does the scheme cover expenses for attending international conferences?
No, funds from the project grant cannot be used for attending conferences or seminars abroad. However, travel expenses for presenting a paper at a conference or seminar within India may be covered under the recurring component of the grant.
Are institutional overhead charges provided under this scheme?
No, separate institutional overheads for executing the project will not be provided under the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS).
Who manages and implements the Collaborative Research Scheme?
The Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) is managed and implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
How many faculty members are needed to form a research group for the proposal?
The research group collaborating on a proposal must consist of at least 3 faculty members. One will be the Principal Investigator (PI) from a TEQIP institution, and there will be a minimum of two Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).
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