AICTE - Distinguished Chair Professor Fellowship 2026

The Student Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana (READY) aims to equip rural agriculture and allied science graduates Read More... with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Read less

Details

The Student READY program is a game-changer for agriculture and allied science graduates in India. Launched to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, this initiative focuses on nurturing entrepreneurship, providing hands-on experience, and enhancing employability.

What Is This Scheme?

Student READY stands for Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana. Its core idea is to give undergraduate students in agriculture and related fields practical exposure to rural life and farming. This helps them develop confidence, acquire indigenous technical knowledge, and prepare for self-employment, turning them into job creators rather than job seekers. The program reshapes curricula to build skills and an entrepreneurial spirit, contributing to rural livelihoods, food security, and agricultural transformation.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for students pursuing undergraduate (UG) programs in various disciplines related to agriculture and allied sciences at State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Deemed Universities (DUs), Central Agricultural University (CAU), and Central Universities (CUs) under the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES). The courses must be accredited by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board (NAEAB) of ICAR.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's competitive landscape, graduates need more than just theoretical knowledge. Student READY addresses this by offering a comprehensive one-year program that includes practical components like business model development, skill training, rural work experience, internships, and student projects. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in modern, knowledge-intensive agriculture, fostering innovation and self-reliance.

Objective

The Student Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana (READY) aims to equip rural agriculture and allied science graduates with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Benefits

The Fellowship consists of -(i) An honorarium of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand per day) for full-day interaction with the Faculty/ Students of the host institute and nearby located institutions up to a maximum of five days in a single trip.(ii) Actual expenses on travel by train / air/ car etc.(iii) In Online Mode: An institution is allowed to host only 5 online sessions/talks with only 1 (one) DCP assigned to your institution by AICTE. A session will be a minimum of 2 hours followed by 1 hour of interaction.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at SAUs, DUs, CAU, or CUs within the NARES, whose courses are accredited by the NAEAB of ICAR, New Delhi.
Must maintain a good academic record and conduct, as certified by the Head of the College/University/Institution. Absence from the program without prior permission is not allowed.
Candidates must not participate in any strikes or agitations. Taking up any part-time job or receiving other financial assistance for similar activities during the program period is prohibited.

How To Apply

The Student READY program is an integral part of the undergraduate curriculum. Universities are responsible for its implementation and require submission of necessary proposals and financial documents to ICAR. Students should refer to their respective college or university for specific internal application procedures and timelines.

Official Sources:

For detailed guidelines and institutional requirements, please refer to the official ICAR website:

https://icar.org.in

Documents Required

Institutions applying for the Student READY program typically need to submit the following:

A demand/proposal in the prescribed format.
Utilization Certificate (UC)/Audited Utilization Certificate (AUC) for the previous financial year.
Details of students in the specified format.
College-wise and Head-wise expenditure details in an annexure.
Details of any unspent balance refunded.

Official Sources:

For specific document formats and submission guidelines, please consult the ICAR website:

https://icar.org.in

FAQ’s

What is the monthly stipend provided under the Student READY program?

Under the Student READY program, students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 3,000/-. This includes Rs. 2,500/- from ICAR and Rs. 500/- from the State share.

Who is eligible to participate in the Student READY program?

To be eligible, you must be pursuing an undergraduate program in agriculture or allied sciences at an accredited SAU, DU, CAU, or CU under NARES. You also need to maintain good academic standing and conduct, and refrain from participating in agitations or taking up other jobs during the program.

How is the stipend disbursed to the students?

The stipend is directly transferred to the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), linked to their Aadhaar. Universities receive funds in bulk and are responsible for timely transfer to the students.

Can a student receive the stipend if they leave the program early?

No, the stipend will be terminated if a student leaves the course before completion. It may also be stopped if the student changes discipline or university without valid reasons and prior approval.

Besides the student stipend, are there other financial provisions?

Yes, ICAR also provides an additional Rs. 500/- per student per month to cover operational expenses for the program, such as faculty costs, contingencies, fuel, and medicines.

Where can I find the official website for the Student READY program?

The official website for information related to the Student READY program and ICAR is https://icar.org.in.

What kind of practical experience does the Student READY program offer?

The program offers diverse practical experiences, including experiential learning on business models, hands-on skill development training, Rural Awareness Work Experience (RAWE), internships, in-plant training, industrial attachments, and student projects.