AlCTE - Distinguished Professional Scheme
₹15,000/day honorarium · industry professionals mentoring students · India
AICTE's Distinguished Professional Scheme invites India's top scientists, engineers, and industry leaders to visit AICTE-approved technical colleges and mentor students and faculty, earning ₹15,000 for each full-day visit. Nominated professionals hold the position for up to 3 years (or until age 75) and are expected to make about two visits per month. Apply by filling the Google Form on the AICTE/PRL website; a monthly board reviews and approves nominations.
About This Scheme
AICTE's Distinguished Professional Scheme invites India's top scientists, engineers, and industry leaders to visit AICTE-approved technical colleges and mentor students and faculty, earning ₹15,000 for each full-day visit. Nominated professionals hold the position for up to 3 years (or until age 75) and are expected to make about two visits per month. Apply by filling the Google Form on the AICTE/PRL website; a monthly board reviews and approves nominations.
Full official description
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education, has launched the AICTE-Distinguished Professionals Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of technical education in India by leveraging the expertise of professionals, emeritus professors, and eminent personalities.
Objective:
The Distinguished Professional Scheme (DPS) intends to utilize the expertise of highly qualified and eminent professionals by creating a pool of experts from industry, institutes, research labs, and senior civil service officers in their domain to motivate and inspire the students/faculty members of AICTE-approved institutes.
Expectations from Distinguished Professionals:
(i) Interaction with faculty, UG /PG, and Ph.D. students. (ii) Promotion of industry connect program. (iii) Promotion of Research and Innovation. (iv) Promotion of startups and entrepreneurship. (v) Support the Institution to enhance the employability of students. (vi) Promotion of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and activities related to societal upliftment.
Duration:
The Distinguished Professional Scheme nominees can hold their position for up to three years or until they turn 75, whichever comes first. Extensions are possible based on fitness.
Benefits
- ₹15,000 honorarium per full-day interaction with students and faculty
- Travel and local hospitality arranged and paid by the host institution
- AICTE certificate of recognition issued after each visit
- Opportunity to mentor at engineering colleges across India, including rural institutions
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If you're an experienced industry professional or successful entrepreneur, this scheme pays you to mentor the next generation of engineers — a paid way to give back while building your personal brand in academia.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must have made unparalleled technical or professional contributions to society in your field
- Must be a recognized leader actively engaged in research, technology development, or innovation
- Must be able to commit to approximately 2 visits per month (maximum 12 per year)
- Position is held for up to 3 years or until age 75, whichever comes first (extensions possible)
How to Apply
- Fill the Google Form application available on AICTE's website.
- Submit your resume/CV in PDF format.
- Provide educational documents (degree, master's, PhD) in chronological order.
- Attach experience certificates.
- On selection, get matched with host institutions for faculty/student interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the AICTE-Distinguished Professionals Scheme (DPS)?
The objective of the AICTE-Distinguished Professionals Scheme (DPS) is to utilize the expertise of highly qualified professionals to motivate and inspire students and faculty members of AICTE-approved institutes.
Who is eligible to apply for the DPS?
Eligible applicants must have made unparalleled, exceptional technical/professional contributions to society in their respective fields/disciplines and be acknowledged leaders in their specializations.
What is the tenure for professionals selected under the DPS?
Professionals selected under the DPS have a tenure of three years or until they reach the age of 75, whichever comes earlier, with the possibility of extension subject to fitness.
How much honorarium is provided to the professionals per day of interaction?
AICTE provides an honorarium of [?]15,000 per day for full-day interactions with faculty members/students of the host institute and nearby institutions.
How does AICTE create a pool of experts for the DPS?
AICTE creates a pool of experts from industry, institutes, research labs, and senior civil service officers through advertisement, nomination, or self-nomination.
How can individuals apply for the DPS?
Individuals can apply for the DPS by submitting nominations/applications with all necessary details through a Google form.
How are the nominations/selections of professionals communicated?
Nominations/selections of professionals are communicated immediately after approval by the competent authority of the Council on a monthly basis.
What is the duration of the offer for the AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme?
The offer for the AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme is valid for the period mentioned in the request/invitation letter, and professionals are requested to concur.
Where can interested experts find the application link for the scheme?
Interested experts can find the application link for the scheme at https://forms.gle/RBGPFPccCfbkkUwGA.
What expenses are expected to be covered by the host institute?
The host institute is expected to cover all travel and logistics expenses, provide necessary administrative support, and offer local hospitality to ensure the success of the professional's visit.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Resume/CV (profile in PDF format)
- Educational documents (degree, master's, PhD, all combined in one PDF)
- Experience certificates