AICTE Launches AURA 2024 Scheme to Boost Use of I-STEM in Research and Development

The AICTE introduced the AURA Scheme to enhance the use of I-STEM, and offer financial support to faculty and students in AICTE-recognised institutions. Know details here 

The All India Council for Technical Education introduced the AICTE AURA (Augmenting Utilization of Research Assets 2024) scheme, which aimed to promote the use of I-STEM (India Science Technology Engineering Facilities Map) by offering financial support to educators and learners at AICTE-recognised institutions. This initiative is designed to facilitate access to I-STEM resources and enhance research efforts. 

AICTE AURA Scheme 2024 

The AICTE AURA Scheme is designed to encourage research utilising I-STEM by offering financial aid to full-time or regular faculty at AICTE-approved institutions, as well as students receiving PG scholarships, ADF fellowships, and those participating in the QIP scheme. Additionally, the program extends its benefits to PG students at AICTE-approved institutions who have not received PG scholarships.

Under this scheme, researchers can receive financial support of up to INR 2 lakh for accessing equipment and resources listed on the I-STEM portal, with the project duration capped at two years. The scheme imposes no age restrictions for eligibility. Nonetheless, a qualified faculty member or researcher may only benefit from the scheme a maximum of two times throughout their career.

The scheme was launched by AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G.Sitharam at AICTE HQ, New Delhi. During the launch, he emphasised that “Investing in R&D creates opportunities for collaboration with academic institutions and research organizations. The aim of AURA scheme is to augment existing research by utilization of public funded hardware and software R&D facilities mapped by I-STEM, and thereby developing a culture of research in technical education Institutions”.  

The Government of India, through various ministries and departments, is investing in research and development infrastructure, establishing top-notch facilities across the country within leading educational institutions and national laboratories. Spearheaded by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (OPSA), the creation of the India Science Technology Engineering Facilities Map (I-STEM) Portal marks a significant initiative aimed at improving the use of publicly funded infrastructure.

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