Institutions of Eminence scheme
The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme selects up to 20 premier higher education institutions — 10 government and 10 private — and grants them significant autonomy plus up to ₹1,000 crore additional funding to become globally ranked research and teaching universities. Institutions must already be ranked in the top 50 nationally (NIRF) or top 500 globally (QS/THE/Shanghai) to qualify. Selection is through government nomination — institutions apply through their controlling Ministry or state government.
About This Scheme
The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme selects up to 20 premier higher education institutions — 10 government and 10 private — and grants them significant autonomy plus up to ₹1,000 crore additional funding to become globally ranked research and teaching universities. Institutions must already be ranked in the top 50 nationally (NIRF) or top 500 globally (QS/THE/Shanghai) to qualify. Selection is through government nomination — institutions apply through their controlling Ministry or state government.
Full official description
The scheme Institutions of Eminence has been launched by the University Grants Commision in 2017 to empower Higher Educational lnstitutions to help them become world class teaching and research institutions. The objective of the scheme is to provide an enabling regulatory architecture to ten public and ten private Higher Educational institutions to emerge as world-class Teaching and Research institutions. This will enhance affordable access to high quality education for ordinary Indians.
The present guidelines shall apply to Government institutions viz. Central Universities, Government owned and controlled Deemed to be Universities, institutions of National importance such as lndian lnstitutes of Technology, Indian lnstitutes of lnformation Technology, National lnstitutes of Technology and Indian lnstitutes of Science Education and Research, Government owned standalone lnstitutions working under individual MoAs, such as lndian institutes of Management and State Universities set up under a law made by Legislative
Assembly of a State (Collectively referred as Government institutions of Eminence).
Benefits
- Up to ₹1,000 crore additional central government funding for selected government institutions over the scheme period
- Complete freedom to set curriculum and syllabus without UGC approval
- Freedom to admit up to 30% foreign students
- Freedom to set fees for foreign students without restriction
- Academic collaborations with top-500 global institutions exempt from government approvals
- Freedom to mobilize funds from industry, alumni, and donors without seeking permission
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must rank in the top 50 in their category in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
- OR must be ranked in the top 500 globally (Times Higher Education, QS World Rankings, or Shanghai Ranking)
- Government institutions must apply through their controlling Ministry/Department
- State public universities must apply through the state government
- Application requires a 15-year strategic vision plan and a 5-year implementation plan
- Mix of technical, management, arts, and research universities are considered
How to Apply
- Who can applies:
Central Govt. controlled institutions: through controlling Ministry/Department.
State Public Universities: through state government.
- Application Components:
The application comprises two parts: a fifteen-year strategic vision plan and a five-year implementation plan.
The strategic plan outlines long-term objectives and characteristics, including quantified milestones and timelines for achieving world-class status.
A SWOT analysis is required, focusing on the institution's current quality status and proposed measures to address shortcomings.
The implementation plan details tangible annual action plans aligned with the strategic objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Institutions of Eminence(IOEs) scheme ?
Institutions of Eminence scheme has been launched in order to empower Higher Educational Institutions and to help them become world class teaching and research institutions,
What are the facilities of this scheme?
Financial Assistance would be provided to Government institutions up to [?] 1000 crore additional funding from the government along other benefits.
Which department has launched Institutions of Eminence(IOEs) scheme ?
Institutions of Eminence(IOEs) scheme has been launched by Department of Higher Education.
What kind of institution can apply for this scheme?
As per the guidelines, Government institutions can apply for this scheme as of now.
Is any institution eligible being in the top fifty of the ranking in their category under the latest National lnstitution Ranking Framework?
Yes , those institutions are eligible to apply.
Is any institution eligible being in top 500 of some of the internationally recognized ranking frameworks such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings or QS or SJTU (Shanghai's Jiao Tong University)?
Yes , those institutions are eligible to apply.
How Central Government controlled institutions can apply ?
Central Government controlled institutions can apply through controlling Ministry/Department.
How State Public Universities can apply ?
State Public Universities can apply through state government.
How many parts would be their in the application process?
The application will have two parts: a fifteen-year strategic vision plan as well as a five year implementation plan.
Is there any application fee for the submission in the scheme?
Processing fee of Rupees [?]1,00,00,000/- by way of Demand Draft need to deposit for the submission in the scheme.
In case any refund will be made to the applicant who were not selected?
Yes, [?] 75,00,000/- seventy five lakh shall be returned to applicants who are not selected as institutions of Eminence.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Organization Details:
- Provide information about the organization's structure.
- Financial Strength:
- Detail existing and expected revenue sources, expenditures, and corpus funds.
- Land Details:
- Specify the available land for the institution.
- Governance Structure:
- Outline the governance structure, including the apex board.
- Five-Year Implementation Plan:
- Present a comprehensive plan consisting of:
- Academic plan with proposed courses and schedule.
- Faculty recruitment policy meeting a 1:10 faculty-student ratio.
- Student admissions policy with scholarship details.
- Research plan for laboratories, facilities, and interdisciplinary research.
- Networking plan for collaborations with private sector and foreign institutions.
- Infrastructure development plan aligned with academic and admissions goals.
- Financing plan detailing sources and amounts for all plans.
- Administrative plan for accreditation, marketing, and promotion.
- Governance plan adhering to global transparency and efficiency standards.
- Clear commitment to Guideline 4 objectives with quantified milestones.
- Objective: Stabilization and credibility within five years, moving towards global repute in fifteen years.
- Recasting the Implementation Plan:
- The five-year plan will be revised for each cycle to align with the 15-year strategic plan.
- Alumni Engagement:
- Include a plan for involving alumni in institution management and leveraging their financial resources.
- Sustainability Plan:
- Develop a sustainability plan for the post-public funding period.
- Affiliation Plan:
- If provisions exist, provide a plan for affiliating other higher education institutions in the 15-year perspective plan. Deviations require EEC approval.
- Additional Information:
- Include any other information or documents specified in the application format.