Maharashtra Government approves launch of Fellowship Programmes in Management at Private Institutions

These fellowships will be operated under a non-aided framework, meaning they will not receive financial support from the government. However, they must comply with the strict standards set by AICTE to ensure the quality and integrity of the education provided.

The Government of Maharashtra has approved the launch of fellowship programmes in management at select private unaided institutions, starting from the academic year 2024-25. This initiative, in line with the guidelines of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aims to enhance higher education and research opportunities in the state.

Institutions Authorized to Offer Management Fellowships

Several reputed institutions have been granted the authorization to offer these fellowship programmes. Among the first to launch these initiatives are Dr DY Patil B School and Indira School of Business Studies in Pune, which will offer the programmes with an initial intake of 10 and 20 seats, respectively.

These fellowships will be operated under a non-aided framework, meaning they will not receive financial support from the government. However, they must comply with the strict standards set by AICTE to ensure the quality and integrity of the education provided.

Emphasis on Infrastructure and Transparency

In line with the AICTE guidelines, participating institutions must ensure that their infrastructure meets the required academic standards. This includes providing well-equipped libraries and laboratories to support the educational and research activities of students. The institutions will also be required to maintain transparency by publishing detailed information about admission processes, fee structures, and course specifics on their official websites.

Admissions to these fellowship programmes will be merit-based, adhering to the criteria set by AICTE. This ensures that the selection process is fair and based on the academic qualifications and potential of applicants.

Fee Structure and Penalties for Non-compliance

The Maharashtra government has mandated that the fees for these fellowship programmes should be in line with the fees charged for Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) courses. Institutions that exceed the approved fee limits will face penalties, as stipulated under the Maharashtra Educational Institutions Act, 1987. This ensures that the programmes remain affordable and accessible to deserving students.

However, it is important to note that these fellowships will not offer government scholarships, fee concessions, or quota-based admissions, including reservations under categories such as EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). This aspect ensures a level playing field in the admission process, focusing solely on merit.

A Boost to Higher Education in Maharashtra

This new initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the development of management education in Maharashtra. By offering fellowships at prominent private institutions, the government aims to create opportunities for research and skill development while adhering to AICTE standards. The non-aided nature of the fellowship ensures that only those institutions that can maintain academic excellence are authorized to offer these programmes, while the regulatory framework ensures that students are charged fair fees.

With these measures in place, the Maharashtra government is taking a substantial step toward making advanced management education more accessible and high-quality for students across the state.

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