The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), established in November 1945, functions as a national-level apex advisory body. Its primary objective is to ensure the structured and integrated development of technical education across India. In accordance with the National Policy of Education (1986), AICTE was endowed with statutory authority to oversee key aspects of technical education. This includes planning, formulating, and maintaining norms and standards, as well as ensuring quality through a robust accreditation process. Furthermore, AICTE undertakes funding in critical and priority sectors, while actively monitoring and evaluating educational outcomes. It also works towards maintaining the parity of certification and awards and is tasked with the overall management of technical education systems in the country. Through its initiatives, AICTE aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, ensuring students receive relevant and updated knowledge and skills. The council continuously collaborates with stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to foster innovation and improve the employability of graduates. Its programs and fellowships are designed to enhance the quality of faculty and institutions, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth in science, technology, and research.

The AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme is a strategic initiative aimed at immersing experienced faculty members from technical institutions into full-time roles within industry settings for one year. Launching from the academic year 2025-26, this fellowship seeks to bridge the gap between academic teaching and real-world industrial applications. Initially, 350 faculty members will be selected as AICTE Industry Fellows, with the program expanding to 1,500 participants annually by 2029-30. Fellows will be placed in sectors categorized as emerging and critical to national development, such as advanced computing, space and defence, sustainable technologies, semiconductor development, healthcare, agrotech, and core engineering branches.

The purpose of this one-year industry immersion is to equip faculty with updated knowledge and practical insights, enhancing their ability to deliver industry-aligned education to students. It ensures a two-way flow of knowledge between academia and industry, promoting innovation and research-driven solutions. Selected fellows will receive a consolidated stipend of ₹1,00,000 per month, split between AICTE and the host industry. The program is expected to significantly contribute to faculty development, curriculum improvement, and enhanced industry-academia collaboration, ultimately strengthening India’s technical education ecosystem.