AI SummaryAICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) supports higher education by giving accredited institutions subsidized access to premium e-resources like Web of Science, Scopus, ASME, ASCE, and Bentham Science to improve research standards.
AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) is a central scheme of the All India Council for Technical Education under the Ministry of Education. It helps AICTE-approved government and government-aided institutions subscribe to world-class digital databases at a lower cost, so students, faculty, and researchers can use quality academic content without money problems.
The scheme covers leading databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Bentham Science. Subscriptions run for one calendar year and can be renewed for later years based on usage and eligibility.
Applications are invited every year in October and November through the AICTE web portal. AICTE keeps reviewing the use of e-resources every three months to make sure institutions get good value from the subscriptions.
AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) - Key Details
| Scheme Name | AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | University / Institution |
| Sub Category | Resources for schools |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
Benefits
Through AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS), an institution gets access to prestigious e-resources such as Web of Science, Scopus, ASME, ASCE, and Bentham Science. These tools provide extensive journals and research papers to support academic excellence.
The subscription remains valid for one calendar year at first. Institutions can apply for renewal in later years if they keep good usage records and meet all eligibility conditions.
The main aim of the scheme is to build a strong research culture in technical colleges and raise the overall quality of technical education in the country. It removes the money barrier that often stops smaller institutions from using paid international research databases.
Eligibility
To take part in this scheme, an institution should meet the following conditions:
- The institution must hold AICTE approval and be a Government or Government-aided body.
- It should run a digital library network with at least 32 Mbps internet bandwidth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and static IP addresses.
- The proposed coordinator must be a full-time regular faculty member with at least 10 years of teaching and research experience, including published work.
- A co-coordinator who is a faculty member with at least 7 years of teaching and research experience should also be named.
An institution must also offer specific postgraduate programs depending on the resources requested:
- For ASME: a PG course in Mechanical Engineering is required.
- For ASCE: a PG course in Civil Engineering is required.
- For Bentham Science: a PG course in Pharmacy is required.
- For Web of Science/Scopus: any discipline is fine.
Application Process
Institutions have to follow the offline application process to register for this scheme. Here are the steps to apply.
STEP 1 - Download the official Application Form for AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) from the AICTE website.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the requested details correctly and make sure the Head of the Institute stamps and signs every page of the form.
STEP 3 - Attach all the required supporting documents along with the filled form.
STEP 4 - Send the complete package by registered or speed post to: Advisor (IDC), Institutional Development Cell, All India Council for Technical Education, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070.
Applications are accepted only during the window in October-November every year. Only applications received by post are accepted; email submissions are not taken up. For help, contact the helpdesk at (011) 29581313 for scheme queries or (011) 29581334 for technical support, or write to essidc@aicte-india.org and it2idc@aicte-india.org.
Documents
When applying for the first time, institutions should prepare and attach the following documents:
- Current year AICTE approval letter.
- NBA accreditation certificate.
- Records of publications from the last 3 years.
- TEQIP documentation.
- List of faculty members qualified with a Ph.D.
- Documentation on consultancy and research projects completed in the last 3 years.
- List of current professors.
For the annual renewal of subscriptions, the following should be sent in October: usage reports from 1st January to 30th September, formal feedback from the Principal, coordinators, and faculty, and a formal request with an undertaking for renewal of subscriptions.
References
FAQ's
What is AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS)?
AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) provides subsidized subscriptions of premium e-resources like Web of Science, Scopus, ASME, ASCE, and Bentham Science to help institutions strengthen their research capabilities.
Which department oversees this scheme?
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) manages this scheme under the Ministry of Education.
What is the primary objective of this scheme?
The main aim is to give students, faculty, and researchers access to global e-resources so that the research culture grows and the quality of technical education improves.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Eligible institutions include AICTE-approved Government or Government-aided colleges that meet specific infrastructure and faculty seniority conditions.
How long are the subscriptions valid?
Subscriptions are granted for one calendar year at first and can be renewed based on usage.
When can we apply for this scheme?
Applications are accepted every year during the window of October to November.
Who provides the actual e-resources?
Resources are provided through vendors like Clarivate Analytics, Elsevier, and GIST directly to the approved institutions.
Is renewal possible for this scheme?
Yes, subscriptions can be renewed every year based on the institution's usage performance and compliance with eligibility conditions.
How is the usage of these resources monitored?
The governing body reviews the use of e-resources every three months to make sure they are used well.
How are proposals evaluated?
An expert committee reviews and evaluates all shortlisted applications for final approval.