AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme is open for nominations in 2026. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) keeps accepting applications from experts, emeritus professors, industry leaders and senior civil service officers who want to share their knowledge with students and faculty of AICTE approved institutions.
Selected professionals get an honorarium of ₹15,000 per day for full day interaction, and the host institution takes care of travel and local hospitality. The scheme runs under the Ministry of Education, and AICTE keeps adding new names to its pool of distinguished professionals throughout the year.
AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme - Introduction
AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme helps improve the quality of technical education in India by using the experience of professionals, emeritus professors and eminent personalities. This scheme by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education, encourages a collaborative environment where industry leaders share their unique insights with students and teachers.
Objective: The scheme will use the vast experience of highly qualified professionals by creating a pool of experts from industries, research labs, institutes and senior civil service backgrounds. These experts work to motivate and inspire students and faculty members in AICTE approved institutions.
Expectations from Distinguished Professionals:
- Help with interaction between faculty, UG, PG and PhD students so both sides learn from each other.
- Promote industry connect programs in the institution.
- Promote research, innovation, startups and entrepreneurship among students.
- Support the institution to improve student employability.
- Promote the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and activities related to societal upliftment.
Duration: As a nominee for this scheme, you can hold your position for up to three years or until you reach the age of 75, whichever comes first. Extensions are possible based on your physical fitness.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning, Skills & Employment, Science, IT & Communications |
| Target Beneficiaries | University/Institution |
| Sub Category | Apprenticeships, training, and Research & Development |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Tags | AICTE, Student, Honorarium, Technical Education, Professors |
Benefits
By taking part in this scheme, you get these benefits:
- An honorarium of ₹15,000 per day for full day interactions with faculty members and students, paid by AICTE.
- Travel and local hospitality arranged and handled by the host institution.
- You are encouraged to visit at least three rural institutions every year to extend your impact to more students.
Eligibility
To apply for this scheme, you should meet the following criteria:
- You have made exceptional technical or professional contributions to society in your specific area of expertise.
- You are an acknowledged leader in your field with active engagement in research, technology development and innovation.
- You can commit to 2 visits per month, with a maximum of 12 visits per year.
Application Process
AICTE accepts nominations throughout the year and has invited fresh nominations to expand the pool of distinguished professionals. You can apply through the official application form given below.
STEP 1 - Open the official AICTE-Distinguished Professional application form on your phone or computer and click on the form link.
STEP 2 - Fill in the required details carefully and upload all the required documents like your resume, academic credentials and experience certificates.
STEP 3 - Submit the form and wait for the reply. The Council reviews applications monthly, and you will be informed immediately after the competent authority approves your nomination. Please confirm your acceptance once the offer is extended.
Host Institute Responsibilities:
- The host institute should issue an expression of interest in response to AICTE calls.
- The institute and the delegated professional should schedule the visit based on mutual convenience.
- The host institute should cover all travel and logistics expenses while providing local hospitality.
- Post-visit, the institute must submit a report and participant feedback. Upon submission, AICTE will issue a certificate of recognition to the professional.
- The institute should also submit the completed honorarium form to the AICTE.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before you start the application: resume or CV in PDF format, academic credentials including all degrees in one chronological PDF, experience certificates in order, proof of recognized contributions in your professional field, evidence of commitment to teaching, research and community service, and proof of reputation in student supervision, mentorship and educational leadership.
Other AICTE Schemes
AICTE runs many other schemes for students and institutions. Girl students doing technical courses can check the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme, and institutions working on gender equality can check the AICTE-Lilavati Award.
References
Read the Official Scheme Document 2024-25 (PDF)
Visit the Official AICTE Website
AICTE Nomination Call to Expand the Pool of Distinguished Professionals
Download Honorarium Form for Experts (Annexure C1)
Download Report on DPS Lectures Form (Annexure B)
FAQ's
What is the objective of the AICTE-Distinguished Professional Scheme?
The objective is to use the expertise of highly qualified professionals to motivate and inspire students and faculty members in AICTE approved institutes.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Eligible applicants must have made exceptional technical or professional contributions to society and be acknowledged leaders in their respective fields. They should also be able to commit to 2 visits per month with a maximum of 12 visits per year.
What is the tenure for professionals selected under this scheme?
The tenure is up to three years or until the professional reaches the age of 75, whichever comes earlier, with possible extensions based on fitness.
How much honorarium is provided per day of interaction?
AICTE provides an honorarium of ₹15,000 per day for full day interactions with faculty and students.
How does the Council create a pool of experts?
The Council identifies experts from industry, research labs, institutes and civil services through advertisements, nominations or self-nominations.
How can individuals apply for this scheme?
You can apply by submitting your details via the official Google form link given in the application process section. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
How are the selections communicated?
Nominations and selections are communicated monthly after the competent authority approves them.
What is the duration of the offer?
The offer is valid for the specific period mentioned in your invitation letter, for which you must provide concurrence.
Where can I find the application form?
You can apply directly at the official AICTE application form.
What expenses does the host institute cover?
The host institute covers all travel and logistics expenses, provides administrative support and manages local hospitality to make sure the visit is successful.