AI SummaryAICTE - Scheme for Promoting Interests, Creativity And Ethics Among Students (SPICES) gives one-time financial support of ₹ 1,00,000 to AICTE-approved institutes for setting up and developing student clubs. The scheme is managed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and applications are accepted on the official AICTE portal each academic year.
SPICES encourages the complete development of students by promoting their personal hobbies, creativity, and professional ethics. The selected student club is expected to act as a model for other clubs within the institute and for student groups in other colleges.
Scheme for Promoting Interests, Creativity And Ethics Among Students - Introduction
The main idea behind this scheme is to energize student clubs, chapters, and societies. These groups give students a place to follow individual hobbies, show innovation, build networking and teamwork skills, and get exposure to management practices and professional ethics.
Each institute that is granted support gets a one-time grant of ₹ 1,00,000, paid out fully in advance. The club activities should focus on promoting hobbies, creativity, imagination, innovation, and ethical values through a wide range of student-led programs.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | AICTE - Scheme for Promoting Interests, Creativity And Ethics Among Students (SPICES) |
| Level | Central Government |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Institution |
| Sub Category | Resources for schools |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Funding Limit | ₹ 1,00,000 (one-time grant to one institute) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Implementing Agency | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Official Website | aicte.gov.in |
Benefits
Duration: One year from the date of the offer letter.
Funding Limit: The scheme provides a one-time grant of ₹ 1,00,000 to an eligible institute.
Disbursement: The full grant of ₹ 1,00,000 is paid out in advance.
Club Activities: The grant supports programs focused on hobbies, creativity, imagination, innovation, and ethical values through various student-led activities. The grant can also cover registration fees and travel costs when students take part in outstation events, up to 40% of the grant.
Eligibility
To apply for this grant, an institute must meet the following criteria:
- Institute should hold AICTE approval and have completed at least 5 years of existence.
- Only one proposal per institute is allowed, for a club with a minimum of 50 student members. The institute can choose its best-performing club for the application.
- Institute must commit a minimum of ₹ 1,00,000 toward the club. Any contribution above this amount improves the weightage of the application.
- Club coordinator should be a full-time regular faculty member with at least 10 years of teaching or industry experience.
- A co-coordinator should also be appointed, who must be a faculty member with at least 5 years of experience.
Experience and an inclination to organize co-curricular and event-based activities are desirable for both the coordinator and co-coordinator. The academic background of the coordinator should match the theme of the club.
Exclusions
Former students, ex-faculty members, and administrative officials of the institute cannot be members of the club. Also, students who are not currently enrolled in the institute are not eligible to join.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the official AICTE portal. The portal is now available at aicte.gov.in. Applications usually open at the start of the academic session.
STEP 1 - Visit the official AICTE portal at aicte.gov.in and log in using the assigned institute credentials.
STEP 2 - Go to the AQIS (AICTE Quality Improvement Schemes) section of the portal.
STEP 3 - Update the institute and bank details, making sure the account is a savings account and is not in a personal name.
STEP 4 - Download and complete the mandatory declaration and bank mandate forms, then attach the scanned PDF of the verified bank mandate form.
STEP 5 - Create a new record and select 'SPICES - Scheme for Promoting Interests, Creativity and Ethics among Students' from the dropdown menu.
STEP 6 - Fill in all sections, including coordinator details, academic credentials, and project justification, then click 'Validate' and finalize the submission by clicking 'Submit'.
Documents
After the one-year project period, the following documents must be uploaded to the AICTE portal:
- Photographs showing the various activities organized during the club's events.
- Feedback forms collected from club members using the proforma available on the SPICES review portal.
- A 2-minute video where the coordinator introduces the institute, explains the club activities and achievements, and acknowledges AICTE support.
- A performance report that includes the feedback analysis.
After completion, these documents are also required for the reimbursement process:
- A utilization certificate and a statement of expenditure, audited by the Finance Officer, Account Officer, or a Chartered Accountant.
- Original expense bills, duly attested by the head of the institute.
- Details of the additional funds provided by the institution toward the club.
References
Guidelines | FAQ | Application User Guide | Official SPICES Page
FAQ's
Q.1 What is AICTE expecting from the institution?
AICTE expects institutes to support student clubs with both funds and participation, so that the selected club becomes a model that inspires other institutions.
Q.2 What are the strong points that improve the chance of support?
Previous achievements, connections with industry, coordinator experience, and overall institutional credentials all strengthen a proposal.
Q.3 Are student chapters or societies eligible to apply?
Yes, student chapters and societies can apply under this scheme.
Q.4 How many proposals can be submitted by an institute?
An institute can seek support for only one club, provided it is willing to contribute financially as well.
Q.5 Can an institute apply again after receiving the grant once?
No, this grant is a one-time opportunity per institute.
Q.6 Can non-technical clubs apply under this scheme?
Yes, clubs from any discipline in an AICTE-approved institution are eligible.
Q.7 What is the total duration of the SPICES project?
The project runs for one year from the date of the offer letter.
Q.8 If both coordinators are transferred, how can the details be updated?
New faculty with equivalent qualifications must be appointed, AICTE approval must be obtained, and a formal request has to be submitted through the SPICES review portal.
Q.9 Does AICTE need a report after the project?
Yes, both soft and hard copies of the project report and original bills must be submitted to finalize the project.
Q.10 Is it mandatory to submit GST-compliant bills?
Yes, all expenditure bills must contain a valid GST number.