The AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME is a focused initiative introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education to strengthen academic exposure and global engagement of faculty members and AICTE officers. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible professionals for presenting research papers at national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia. The primary aim is to encourage knowledge exchange, professional growth, and awareness of global academic developments. The scheme supports both conferences held within India and those organized abroad, with funding limits varying by region.
Funding Coverage and Financial Support Details
The AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME offers financial assistance up to a maximum limit of ₹1,50,000, depending on the location of the conference. The reimbursement amount is calculated based on the approved country group or actual expenditure, whichever is lower.
| Country Group | Region Covered | Maximum Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | North America, Australia, South America, New Zealand | ₹1,50,000 |
| Group B | Europe, Far-East Asia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Africa | ₹1,20,000 |
| Group C | Neighboring Countries, Gulf Countries, Southeast Asia | ₹1,00,000 |
| Group D | Conferences within India | ₹50,000 |
| Group E | Other regions not covered above | As recommended by committee |
Expenses eligible for reimbursement include conference registration fees, travel costs from the nearest international airport, and daily allowance as per Central Government norms. For online conferences, only the registration fee is reimbursed under the AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
Who Can Apply for AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Eligible applicants under the AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME must meet the following conditions:
- Full-time regular faculty members from AICTE-approved institutes or university departments with at least five years of institutional existence
- AICTE officers holding the post of Assistant Director or above on regular or deputation basis
- Applicants who have not availed benefits under this scheme in the last three years
- Candidates who have received an official acceptance letter for paper presentation at a conference, seminar, or symposium
How to Apply Online for the Scheme
The application process for the AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME is conducted online through the AICTE portal.
Step 1: Visit the AICTE Partner Portal and register the institute using the “New Institute” option.
Step 2: Complete the investor login and verify credentials using OTP sent to the registered email and mobile number.
Step 3: Log in and access the AQIS Application section.
Step 4: Fill in demographic, academic, and bank details, then create a new AQIS application.
Step 5: Select AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME from the list of schemes and complete the required sections.
Step 6: Validate the application, upload the mandate form, submit the declaration, and finalize submission.
Documents Needed for Reimbursement Claims
Applicants must submit reimbursement claims within two months of conference completion through the head of the institution. The required documents include:
- Passport copies with visa and immigration proof
- Original Air India tickets and boarding passes
- Acceptance letter and copy of the presented paper
- Registration fee receipt and participation certificate
- Statement of expenditure and foreign currency vouchers
- Institutional certification of non-availment of grant in the last two years
- Conference photographs and progress report with outcomes
Important Dates and Timelines
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | At least 3 months before conference |
| Conference Participation | As per acceptance schedule |
| Reimbursement Claim Submission | Within 2 months after return |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can faculty apply for both national and international conferences under this scheme?
Yes, faculty members can apply for both. However, if a grant has been availed for an Indian conference, the international grant eligibility within three years will be adjusted accordingly.
Q2. Is the AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME applicable for online conferences?
Yes, but only the registration fee is reimbursed when the conference is conducted in online mode.
Q3. What happens if Air India flights are unavailable for the route?
In such cases, an official non-availability certificate from Air India is mandatory to claim reimbursement for other airlines.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | DOWNLOAD PDF |
| Apply Online | http://portal.aicte-india.org/partnerportal_enu/start.swe |
| Official Website | https://www.aicte-india.org |
