The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) officially launched the AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme (IFP) 2026–27 on May 26, 2026 - a one-year structured fellowship that embeds college faculty members inside real industries. The programme was unveiled by AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh, alongside Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath, in New Delhi.
Programme at a glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| AICTE Fellowship | ₹75,000/mo |
| Industry Stipend (Minimum) | ₹25,000/mo |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Openings (2026) | 134 Seats |
| Application Deadline | 25 June 2026 |
| Programme Start | 20 July 2026 |
AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 5 Years Teaching
- Age ≤50 Years
- Regular Faculty Only
- Strong Publication Record
Financial support
| Category | Salary |
|---|---|
| AICTE | ₹75,000 per month |
| Industry | ₹25,000+ per month (min.) |
| Parent Institution | Full salary + benefits continue |
Faculty participants will not lose their regular pay. Their parent institutions will continue to disburse their full salary and applicable benefits throughout the fellowship period - meaning there is no financial risk for applicants. The combined monthly income can reach ₹1,00,000 or more, making this one of the most financially rewarding fellowship opportunities available for technical faculty in India.
The fellowship spans eleven high-priority sectors that align with India's technology and manufacturing ambitions under the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors - two of the most strategically important sectors for India's digital economy - are prominently featured, alongside Space & Defence and Smart Mobility.
Participating companies (2026 cycle)
For the 2026 cycle, three reputed companies - Tata Consumer Products Limited, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., and Volvo - have collectively offered 134 fellowship positions. AICTE is expected to onboard more industry partners in subsequent cycles as the programme scales.
Important dates
| Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| 26 May 2026 | Programme launch & application portal opens |
| 25 June 2026 | Last date to apply online |
| 20 July 2026 | Programme commencement |
Prof. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary of AICTE, highlighted that the knowledge and skills gained by faculty through the fellowship will ultimately transform classroom teaching - making it more industry-oriented and relevant. "The direct industry exposure will benefit students through more practical, current, and employment-focused learning," she stated at the launch event.
The expected outcomes of the programme include improved quality of technical education, greater innovation and research collaboration between academia and industry, and the creation of a future-ready technical education ecosystem in India. AICTE believes that faculty who have experienced real industrial environments are far better equipped to mentor the next generation of engineers and technologists.
How to apply for AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme 2026?
Here's the complete application guide for AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme 2026: Official Portal:ifp.aicte.gov.in. Last Date: June 25, 2026 | Programme Start: July 20, 2026.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- First, get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your Principal or Director. Without this, your application will not be accepted.
- Open the official AICTE Faculty Registration Portal.
- Register using your email ID and mobile number, then verify your account via email.
- Fill in the application form completely.
- Upload all required certificates and documents.
- Check all details carefully and submit the form.
- After submission, save your application number safely.
