AICTE Industry Fellowship 2025: Know the Eligibility

Hey students! Ever wondered how engineering teachers stay up-to-date with the latest tech trends? The AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme is one answer. This exciting program connects college faculty with real-world roles in top companies, helping them gain hands-on experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a teaching career or just curious about tech education, this guide breaks everything down in simple terms—eligibility, finances, duration, and how to apply. Let’s jump in!

What Is the AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme?

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) created this program to strengthen ties between colleges and industries. It gives faculty members from technical institutes the chance to work full-time in companies. Why? So, they can learn the latest technologies and bring fresh, practical knowledge back to the classroom.

Imagine this: Over 350 fellowships are available for the 2025-26 session, focusing on trending areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, and more. Since its launch, thousands of teachers have joined, helping improve India’s tech ecosystem. Applications for this year opened on September 8, 2025, so the excitement is real!

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Made Simple

The program isn’t for everyone, but the rules are easy to understand. Faculty must meet the following criteria:

• Age Limit: Below 45 years. This ensures energetic professionals take part.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required. Many participants have a master’s or PhD, but it isn’t mandatory.
• Teaching Experience: At least five years of full-time teaching at an AICTE-approved college. Part-time or contract teaching doesn’t count. PhD or research leave periods are also excluded.
• Extra Achievements: Pick at least one from this list to strengthen your profile:
• Passed exams like GATE, GRE, CAT, NET, or JRF
• Published five or more papers in top journals (Scopus or Web of Science)
• Led a government project worth Rs 15 lakh or more
• Won awards such as Young Scientist or top ranks in UG/PG

For companies hosting fellows, eligibility is also strict: they must operate in India for at least five years and have an average turnover of Rs 100 crore in the last three years. PSUs and listed companies often get priority. This ensures quality placements.

How Much Money Does It Offer?

Let’s talk numbers. The fellowship pays well, making it easier for faculty to join without worrying about finances:

• AICTE Stipend: Rs 75,000 per month
• Industry Contribution: At least Rs 25,000 per month, sometimes more depending on the company
• College Salary: Your home institution continues your regular pay

In total, fellows can earn up to Rs 1 lakh or more per month. Travel and project funds may also be provided. Over a year, AICTE alone invests around Rs 12 crore for 350 fellows. It’s a smart way to gain skills while earning.

Duration and Key Dates

The fellowship lasts a minimum of one year and can extend to two years with mutual consent. It starts on December 1, 2025, syncing with the academic calendar.

Key dates:

• Apply by: October 15, 2025
• Selection Review: November 1–15, 2025
• Start Date: December 1, 2025

This setup allows teachers to return with fresh industry insights by mid-2026—short enough to try, long enough to make a difference.

How to Apply

The process is online and easy:

1. Sign Up: Create an account on ifp.aicte.gov.in
2. Fill the Form: Include education, experience, and achievements
3. Upload Documents: Passport photo (<100 KB), Aadhaar, PAN, mark sheets, experience letters, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college
4. Submit: Before October 15 and track status online

Pro tip: Double-check your documents. Late or incomplete applications are rejected. Last year, over 1,000 faculty applied—early submission helps!

Selection Process

Selection happens in three steps:

1. Document Verification: Eligibility and completeness check
2. Interviews: Host companies assess your fit for the role
3. Final Approval: Industry confirms everything before selection

Around 350 fellows are chosen by late November.

Why Join?

This isn’t just a job—it’s a career booster. Fellows gain hands-on experience in sectors like AI, space tech, smart cities, and agritech. Teachers return with real-world stories, making lessons more engaging for students. For students, it means better-prepared faculty. India aims to train 10,000 fellows by 2030, creating networks that may open doors for internships and jobs.

Final Thoughts

The AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme connects classroom learning with industry reality. With easy eligibility, excellent pay, and a one-year immersive experience, it’s a golden opportunity for teachers—and a win for students. If your professors are eligible, encourage them to apply before the deadline.

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