Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience
SCAFE (CAFES) is an AICTE grant that provides up to ₹3.25 crore to government and government-aided engineering colleges to build student hostels, gyms, indoor sports clubs, and libraries specifically for SC/ST, NER, and differently-abled students. The goal is to give disadvantaged students a supportive residential environment so they can focus on their education without domestic burdens. Institutions apply through the AICTE web portal using their institutional login credentials.
About This Scheme
SCAFE (CAFES) is an AICTE grant that provides up to ₹3.25 crore to government and government-aided engineering colleges to build student hostels, gyms, indoor sports clubs, and libraries specifically for SC/ST, NER, and differently-abled students. The goal is to give disadvantaged students a supportive residential environment so they can focus on their education without domestic burdens. Institutions apply through the AICTE web portal using their institutional login credentials.
Full official description
"Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)" introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Department of Higher Education (DoHE), aims to support the construction or extension of hostels to ensure that students have a suitable living space that promotes academic growth and personal development. It caters to SC/ST, differently-abled, and NER students, enabling them to pursue education without the burden of domestic responsibilities. Financial aid is provided for constructing the hostel and related facilities like gyms, sports clubs, and libraries, aiming to create a holistic learning environment.
Benefits
- Up to ₹3 crore for construction of student hostel
- ₹10 lakh for indoor sports club equipment
- ₹10 lakh for library supporting competitive exam preparation
- ₹5 lakh for gym equipment
- Maximum total assistance: ₹3.25 crore per institution
- Disbursed in 3 installments: 50% upfront, 40% after inspection, 10% on completion
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an AICTE-approved Government or Government-aided engineering college, university department, or polytechnic
- Institution must have been operating for at least 5 years
- For SC/ST hostel: at least 200 SC/ST students currently on roll
- For NER hostel: at least 60 students from North-Eastern states per year
- For Differently-Abled hostel: at least 150 differently-abled students on roll
- Annual Progress Report must be submitted within 2 months of each year's end
How to Apply
Step 1: Kindly visit the AICTE Web Portal and log in through the Institute's Login Credential (Username & Password). Step 2: Select the Scheme to apply i.e. CAFES scheme application. Step 3: To fill out the application form, kindly refer to the validating User Manual on the AICTE website. Step 4: After completion, click on SUBMIT. Step 5: Verify that every page of the application form has the signature and stamp of the Institute’s Head. Step 6: After submitting the application form, click on reports. Step 7: In Run Report, select "CAFES" and Submit (download the report). Step 8: Upload all the essential documents along with the online application form.
Helpdesk:
For Scheme Related Information: Email address: cafesidc@aicte-india.org Phone Number: (011) 29581340 For Technical Information: Email address: it3idc@aicte-india.org Phone Number: (011) 29581334
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Objectives Of The "CAFES" Scheme?
Objective (a) The scheme is initiated to facilitate the continuation of education and also the interaction between the students beyond class hours for their all-around development. (b) The scheme aims to support Government/ Government-aided engineering colleges/ University departments/ Polytechnics for the construction of hostels for providing residential accommodation for students/researchers. (c) This AICTE scheme also allows the extension of existing hostels in the institute by additional construction work to benefit the students. (d) This scheme has three variants addressing the needs of: (i) CAFES - SC/ST students (ii) CAFES - NER (Institute located in North Eastern Region) (iii) CAFES - Differently Abled students
How Many Variants Are To This Scheme?
This scheme has three variants addressing the needs of: (i) CAFES - SC/ST students (ii) CAFES - NER (Institute located in North Eastern Region) (iii) CAFES - Differently Abled students
Does The Scheme Also Provide Support To Polytechnics?
Yes, the scheme aims to support Government/ Government-aided engineering colleges/ University departments/ Polytechnics for the construction of hostels for providing residential accommodation for students/researchers.
Is There An Upper Ceiling To The Financial Assistance Of The Universities?
Yes, the limit of Funding from AICTE is [?] 3.25 crore
What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Construction Of The Hostel?
Construction of Hostel: [?] 3,00,00,000
What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Establishment Of Gym Equipment?
Establishment of Gym equipment: [?] 5,00,000
Are The Funds Disbursed In Installments Or As A Lump Sum?
Disbursement of the Funds is done in installments - (a) Disbursement of 50% of the amount (1st installment) in advance upon sanction of the proposal, out of funds for the construction of the hostel. (b) Disbursement of 40% of the amount (2nd installment), out of funds for the construction of the hostel on utilization of the 1st installment to be released only after spot inspection carried out by an Evaluation Committee comprising of two engineers (one each from Civil & Architect) from AICTE approved panel to be organized by concerned RO AICTE. The EVC report should contain all the mandatory documents. (c) Disbursement of the remaining 10% of the amount (3rd installment), out of funds for the construction of the hostel on submitting a completion certificate by registered Civil Engineer/ Architect/ PWD and submission of all other mandatory documents as mentioned in the sanction letters and the parameter of the scheme.
What Are The Conditions Regarding The Funds For The Establishment Of The Gym, And Indoor Sports Club?
The funds for the establishment of the gym, indoor sports club, and the establishment of the library would be granted on submission of a proper quotation at a competitive rate after the release of the 2nd installment amount and handing over the building in all respects.
Are Newly Opened Institutes Eligible To Apply To This Scheme?
No, the Institute must be in existence for the last five years in order to be eligible to apply to this scheme.
Are All The Institutes Throughout The Country Eligible For "CAFES – SC/ST Students"?
The Institutes located in Punjab, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & UTs are not covered under the CAFES - SC/ST students scheme.
When Must The Annual Progress Report Be Submitted?
Annual Progress Report should be submitted within 2 months of completion of the year.
Who Should Audit The Utilization Certificate And Statement Of Accounts?
Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts in prescribed proforma must be duly audited by the Finance Officer/Account Officer.
What If The Institute Fails To Initiate The Construction Work Within Six Months?
If the construction work is not initiated within six months then the amount is to be refunded to AICTE with accrued interest with justification for not being able to start.
Does The Scheme Allow For Changes In The Construction Plan?
Any change in the construction plan leading to a reduction in the facilities or area would not be allowed.
What Should Be The Strength Of The CAFES Variants?
The Institute must have more than: CAFES (SC/ST students) - 200 SC/ST students on roll. CAFES (NER) - 60 students on a roll per year. CAFES (Differently abled students) - 150 Differently abled students.
Are The Institutes Located In Meghalaya, Mizoram, And Nagaland Covered In This Scheme?
No, institutes located in Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland are not covered.
Where Should The Hard Copy Of The Application Form Be Sent?
Kindly ensure all the information is correct and then send the Application form along with all the essential documents through registered post/ speed post to: Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Advisor Institutional DevelopmentCell All India Council for Technical Education, Nelson Madela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070
How Many Copies Of The Plan And Detailed Estimates Must Be Submitted?
Two copies of the plan and detailed estimates duly signed by the Engineer/Architect and countersigned by the Principal.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Hostel Plan
- Abstract of the estimates
- PWD rate certificate
- The enrolment figures given above are as per official records and depict the actual physical strength of students in that particular year. (Proforma enclosed in Annexure A)
- Two copies of the plan and detailed estimates duly signed by the Engineer/Architect and countersigned by the Principal.
- Conformity with the norms as suggested by the AICTE and the rates are as per CSR of the region. The minimum carpet area should not be less than 1200 sqm. (Proforma enclosed in Annexure B)
- A certificate from the college indicating the covered area in sq. meters cost per sq. meter, the basis of the estimates on the rates/schedule of rate, the period for the completion of the project, and the likely date of starting the construction. (Proforma enclosed in Annexure C)
- Land ownership and possession certificate from the concerned Tehsildar /SDM duly countersigned by the Principal. Also, a certificate from the Principal to the effect that the land is free from any litigation, clear from Forest Dept. Norms and also whether the institute comes under Urban/Rural area. (Proforma enclosed in Annexure D)
- Mode of construction viz. Contract/ Departmentally (at most competitive rates) or Deposit work by the PWD.
- A certificate from the competent authority (concerned Secretary, State Government for Technical Education) that expenditure over and above AICTE grant, if any, will be met by the State Govt./ or the college, and the construction will not be delayed for want of funds. (Proforma enclosed in Annexure E)
- A certificate from a competent structural engineer to certify the structural soundness of the structure to bear the load of the proposed building and soil test report etc. (Proforma enclosed in Annexure F)