The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced the AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme (IFP) 2026, a new initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and industries. The programme was launched by AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh, alongside Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath.
According to an official press statement from AICTE, the fellowship aims to provide faculty members with practical industrial exposure, aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Prof. Yogesh Singh emphasised that direct industry experience for educators is crucial in preparing students for future workforce demands. He described the initiative as transformational, noting that it would foster innovation, creativity, and stronger ties between academia and industry.
Faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions are eligible to apply. Selected participants will work in industry for a period of one year, gaining exposure to real-world industrial environments, understanding practical technology applications, and learning about current industry practices and skill requirements.
The fellowship will cover several emerging and priority sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Advanced Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Smart Mobility, Space and Defence, Sustainability, Healthcare Technologies, Advanced Materials, Communication Systems, and Aggrotech.
Under the programme, AICTE will provide a fellowship amount of Rs. 75,000 per month. Participating industries will contribute a minimum stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month. Additionally, the parent institutions of selected faculty members will continue to pay their salary and other applicable benefits during the fellowship period.
Several leading companies have already extended support to the initiative for the 2026 cycle. Tata Consumer Products Limited, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., and Volvo are among the participating industries, collectively offering 134 fellowship opportunities.
The application process for the IFP 2026 has commenced and will remain open until June 25, 2026. The fellowship is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026. Interested faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
