AICTE AURA (Augmenting Utilization of Research Assets) 2024 Scheme
AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The AICTE AURA (Augmenting Utilization of Research Assets) 2024 Scheme helps students and teachers in AICTE-approved colleges do more research. The government has built expensive research labs and equipment across India, and these are listed on the I-STEM (India Science Technology Engineering Facilities Map) Portal. AURA pays you back for the cost of using this registered equipment so you can carry out your research.
Who is it for? Full-time faculty of AICTE-approved institutions, students of AICTE's PG Scholarship, ADF or QIP schemes, and all Diploma, UG and PG students of AICTE-approved institutions. Diploma/UG/PG students must get their application verified and forwarded by their Head of Institution (HOI). There is no age limit, and you can use the scheme a maximum of two times in your career.
What do you get? Up to Rs. 2 lakhs is reimbursed to the researcher after you submit the payment receipt for using equipment or facilities registered on the I-STEM Portal. Each research project can run for two years.
How does the money come? Bills are submitted twice a year (April–September, before 31st October; October–March, before 30th April). Payment is sent directly to your bank account by RTGS/NEFT.
Always confirm current details and how to apply on the official AICTE page before proceeding.
At a glance
| Who can apply | ITI/diploma, UG, PG |
|---|---|
| Streams | Engineering/Technical |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | — |
| Benefit / amount | Up to Rs. 2 lakhs (reimbursed) |
| Duration | 2 years (per project) |
| Renewable | No |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Payment receipt for utilization of equipment/facilities registered on I-STEM Portal
- Verification/forwarding by Head of Institution (for Diploma/UG/PG students)
- Bank account details for RTGS/NEFT
How you're selected
Eligible faculty/students use equipment or facilities registered on the I-STEM Portal, then submit bills half-yearly for reimbursement (up to Rs. 2 lakhs). Diploma/UG/PG student applications must be verified and forwarded by the Head of Institution. No competitive selection or merit ranking is stated in the guidelines.
FAQs
Who can apply? Full-time/regular faculty of AICTE-approved institutions, students of AICTE's PG Scholarship, ADF or QIP schemes, and all Diploma, UG and PG students of AICTE-approved institutions. Diploma/UG/PG students need their Head of Institution to verify and forward the application.
How much money do I get? Up to Rs. 2 lakhs is reimbursed to you. The guidelines state: "An amount of up to Rs. 2 lakhs would be reimbursed to the researcher... after submitting the payment receipt for utilization of equipment/ facilities registered on I-STEM Portal."
What is the last date to apply? The official page and the scheme guidelines do not state a current last date. Please check the official AICTE notification for the latest application window. Note that reimbursement bills are submitted half-yearly (before 31st October and before 30th April).
Is there an age limit or income limit? No. The guidelines clearly say: "There will be no age limit to avail the benefits of the scheme." No income ceiling is mentioned.
How long does the project last? The project duration is two years. You can avail the scheme a maximum of two times in your career.
How is the money paid to me? Payment is released online through RTGS/NEFT directly to the researcher's bank account, after you submit your bills for the equipment/facilities used.