AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS)
Free Scopus, Web of Science & ASME access · AICTE institutions · annual renewal
AICTE's e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme provides free subscriptions to major international research databases — including Web of Science, Scopus, ASME, ASCE, and Bentham Science — to eligible government technical institutions. It helps students, faculty, and researchers access high-quality academic journals without the institution bearing subscription costs. Apply by post to AICTE New Delhi every October–November.
About This Scheme
AICTE's e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme provides free subscriptions to major international research databases — including Web of Science, Scopus, ASME, ASCE, and Bentham Science — to eligible government technical institutions. It helps students, faculty, and researchers access high-quality academic journals without the institution bearing subscription costs. Apply by post to AICTE New Delhi every October–November.
Full official description
Launched by the All India Council for Technical Education, AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) provides subscriptions of e-Resources like Web of Science, Scopus, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Bentham Science to institutions. Objective: Facilitating access to e-Resource to the students, faculty and researchers, a new to augment the culture of research in the institution and overall quality of technical education.
Benefits
- Free subscription to one or more of: Web of Science, Scopus, ASME Digital Library, ASCE Library, or Bentham Science
- Subscription valid for one calendar year initially
- Renewable in subsequent years based on actual usage and continued eligibility
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Institutions receiving free Scopus and Web of Science access through eSS are actively using global research databases — if you're building research analytics, citation tools, or academic productivity software, AICTE-approved institutions are a well-defined B2B channel.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- AICTE-approved Government or Government-aided institution only (private institutions not eligible)
- Must have a digital library network with at least 32 Mbps internet bandwidth, Wi-Fi, and one or more static IP addresses
- Coordinator must be a full-time regular faculty with at least 10 years of teaching and research experience with publications
- Co-coordinator must have at least 7 years of teaching and research experience
- Institution must have a PG course in the relevant discipline:
- Mechanical Engineering → to apply for ASME
- Civil Engineering → to apply for ASCE
- Pharmacy → to apply for Bentham Science
- Any discipline → for Web of Science or Scopus
How to Apply
- Download the e-Shodh Sindhu (eSS) Application Form from the AICTE website at aicte-india.org.
- Fill in the required information and ensure every page is signed and stamped.
- Submit the completed application with all required documents to AICTE as instructed in the form.
- For renewal, submit the renewal application with updated usage data and NBA accreditation details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) Scheme?
AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) provides subscriptions of e-Resources like Web of Science, Scopus, ASME, ASCE and Bentham Science to institutions.
Which department has launched this scheme?
This scheme has been launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
What are the main objective of this scheme?
The main objective of this scheme is to facilitate access to e-Resource to the students, faculty and researchers, a new to augment the culture of research in the institution and overall quality of technical education.
What should be the criteria of the institution?
The institution should be AICTE approved Government/ Government-aided institutes.
What is the duration of the subscriptions?
Initially for one calendar year.
When the application will be open?
Applications are invited in the month of October-November every year.
By whom the subscriptions of e-Resources will be provided?
The subscriptions of e-Resources under sanctioned project will be provided by the respective vendors viz. Clarivate Analytics (for Web of Science), Elsevier (for Scopus)and GIST (for ASME, ASCE and Bentham Science) to the institutions.
Whether application can be made for renewal of the subscriptions?
Yes, renewable for further year on the basis of usage by the institute and fulfilments of other essential eligibility criteria.
What would the frequency of monitoring for this scheme?
The usage of e-Resources provided through this Scheme will be reviewed after every three months.
How evaluation of shortlisted proposals will be done?
The evaluation of shortlisted proposals shall be done by the expert committee.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- AICTE approval letter for the current year
- NBA accreditation approval letter
- Details of publications in last 3 years
- Utilisation/usage data (for renewal)