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The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) in 2018 Read More... to support faculty pursuing doctoral degrees in top-ranked international universities. Read less
Details
Are you a faculty member looking to pursue a PhD from a world-class university abroad? The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has a programme designed just for you!
What Is This Scheme?
The Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University), or QIP-FU, is an initiative by AICTE that builds upon the original QIP program started in 1970. This programme aims to help eligible Indian faculty members get admitted to PhD programmes in the world's top 500 universities, as recognized by QS, Times, and Shanghai rankings. It's about enhancing the quality of technical education in India by exposing our faculty to international research standards.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is specifically for full-time, permanent faculty members working in AICTE-approved degree-level colleges across India. If you've completed your Master's degree in a relevant field and have at least three years of teaching experience at the graduate level, you might be eligible.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The QIP-FU programme plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between faculty with postgraduate degrees and those holding PhDs. By encouraging doctoral studies abroad, it aims to make Indian faculty more competitive on a global stage. It also opens doors to advanced research facilities, better guidance from international experts, and potentially more employment opportunities beyond teaching, thereby strengthening India's overall research landscape.
Objective
Benefits
- Monthly Fellowship:Eligible candidates will receive a fellowship amount of ₹55,000/- per month along with HRA as per norms.
- Research Grant:Selected fellows will be provided a research grant of ₹2.00 Lakhs per year for project-related activities.
- Field Demonstration Support:Financial assistance of ₹1,00,000/- will be provided for field demonstration during the project tenure.
- Equipment Assistance:Support for the purchase of small equipment up to a maximum of ₹2,00,000/- will be provided.
- Institutional Overhead Charges:Institutional overhead charges will be given as per DST norms.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a full-time, permanent faculty member in an AICTE-recognized degree-level college.
- Need to have at least three years of teaching experience at the graduate level.
- Must hold a Master's degree in the relevant field.
- Should have secured admission to a PhD program in a foreign university that is among the top-ranked institutions according to QS, Times, or Shanghai rankings within the last five years.
How To Apply
The application process involves submitting a completed application form along with necessary documents to the AICTE. Detailed application guidelines and the specific portal or address for submission can be found on the official AICTE website.
- Obtain admission to a PhD program in a listed top-ranked foreign university.
- Submit the duly filled application form along with photograph.
- Provide documents from the foreign university confirming admission, including the start and end dates of the program.
- Submit copies of your passport and valid visa, including your onward journey date.
- Attach an attested copy of the Mandate Form, signed by your college/institute head.
- Submit a copy of the 'Undertaking' furnished to your parent institute in India.
- Include details of your onward journey date.
- Provide authentication/recommendations from your parent institute confirming your eligibility and approval for your leave.
Documents Required
- Completed application form with a photograph.
- Official documents from the foreign university confirming your admission, duration, and dates (start and end).
- A copy of your passport and valid visa, showing your travel date.
- An attested copy of the Mandate Form, signed by the Head of your College/Institute.
- A copy of the 'Undertaking' you've submitted to your parent institution in India.
- Your onward journey date confirmation.
- A recommendation letter from your parent institute stating that you meet the eligibility criteria and that you have been duly relieved for the program.
FAQ’s
When was the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme approved?
The Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme received approval during the 55th Council Meeting of AICTE, which took place on August 14, 2018.
What does AICTE offer to faculty pursuing PhD abroad under this scheme?
If a faculty member secures admission to a PhD program in one of the top 500 ranked foreign universities and submits the required authenticated documents along with the Mandate Form, AICTE will provide a scholarship for the first year (12 months) of the program.
Can faculty who already have a PhD apply for this scheme?
No, individuals who have already obtained a PhD are not eligible to apply for the QIP(FU) programme.
Who is eligible to apply for the QIP-FU scheme?
The scheme is open to full-time, permanent faculty members of degree-level colleges recognized by AICTE. Applicants should also meet the teaching experience and educational qualification criteria.
Why is the scholarship only provided for the first year?
AICTE provides the scholarship for the first 12 months because it's understood that foreign universities and international agencies often offer scholarships, fellowships, or student assistantships. Faculty members are expected to secure such financial aid for subsequent years of their PhD studies.
Is it possible to get a waiver on the eligibility requirements for studying at a foreign university?
No, the eligibility criteria mentioned in the scheme document must be met by the exact deadline specified by the foreign university. No relaxation will be given.
Can someone already pursuing a PhD in India under an AICTE QIP programme apply for QIP (FU)?
Faculty members who have already gained admission and are pursuing a PhD in an Indian university, and are receiving scholarships under AICTE's QIP programme or any other Indian government scheme, are not eligible for the QIP(FU).
What is the short name for the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme?
The Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme is commonly referred to by its acronym, QIP (FU).
What kind of subjects can faculty pursue their PhD in under this programme?
The subjects for PhD must be from the core subjects or courses that were approved by AICTE either in 2017 or in any subsequent modifications or additions made by the council.
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