Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) gives research support to young faculty members working in TEQIP institutes across India. It is a research grant scheme run by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under Ministry of Education, and it helps TEQIP faculty team up with regular faculty members and premier technical institutions to build a strong research community.
For the financial year 2026-27, CRS continues to accept proposals from AICTE approved TEQIP funded institutes. The scheme is open for young faculty members who want to carry out a one year collaborative research project. Apply through the official AICTE partner portal at portal.aicte.gov.in.
Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) - Introduction
Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) helps close the gap between different technical institutes and supports high quality research. The main aim is to build a strong research culture by bringing together TEQIP faculty, regular faculty members of project institutions and premier institutions of the country.
Launched by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the scheme provides money help to young TEQIP faculty members. This support lets a research team set up a useful research network and share knowledge and new ideas within the technical education sector.
The project duration is limited to one year, counted from the date the funds reach the institute's account.
Expert committees look at every proposal in detail to make sure it is good. Each committee is made of at least three experts with a minimum rank of Associate Professor, and at least two of them are experts in the same field for a fair technical review.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) |
| Level | Central |
| Launched By | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | University / Institution |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Project Duration | One year |
| Maximum Grant | ₹ 25,00,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | portal.aicte.gov.in |
Benefits
The scheme gives a good amount of money help to start research work. The maximum funding available for one project is ₹ 25,00,000.
| Grant Component | Allocation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Recurring (Regular) Costs | 40% |
| Non-Recurring Costs | 60% |
The council releases 25% of the total approved non-recurring grant and 25% of the regular grant as the first installment. The remaining funds are paid only after the Utilization Certificate and all required documents are submitted, followed by a successful progress review by the expert committee.
The institute should open a separate bank account in a nationalized bank to manage CRS funds. Re-appropriation of funds between heads is not allowed, and the list of equipment decided by experts during review is final.
Eligibility
To apply, a group of at least three faculty members must be formed. The Principal Investigator (PI) must belong to a TEQIP supported institution. Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) can be included from either TEQIP or non-TEQIP institutions.
One regular faculty member from the PI's host institute must be named as Co-PI-1. It is preferred that Co-PI-1 works in the same research area and belongs to the same department. Other conditions are given below.
- Mentors from NITs, IITs or Central Universities can be included, and it is better to choose ones from the same region for easy coordination.
- Additional Co-PIs can be added from any institution, domestic or international, or from the industrial sector.
- A PI can submit a maximum of two proposals, but only one proposal can be active at any given time.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the official AICTE portal. The institute registration starts on the Official AICTE Partner Portal.
STEP 1 - Go to the official AICTE partner portal at portal.aicte.gov.in and click on the option to register a new institute. Existing users can log in directly with their registered details.
STEP 2 - For new users, complete the sign up by verifying the institutional email and mobile number through the OTP sent to them.
STEP 3 - After login, open the 'CRS Application' tab. The institutional details will fill in on their own. Enter the bank details and save them to enable the 'New' application button.
STEP 4 - Select 'Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS)' from the dropdown. Add faculty IDs, project details and the budget breakdown for regular and non-recurring costs. Download, fill and upload all required forms as PDF or image files before final submission.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
- A copy of the Mandate form in the given format, signed by the Head of Institution and the bank authority.
- A Certificate of Collaboration signed by the PI, all Co-PIs and the Head of the Institution.
- Updated Bio-data of the PI and all Co-PIs involved.
- A detailed list of required Equipment.
- A short Research Proposal (under 500 words) with the activities, timeline, collaborative relevance and expected outcomes.
References
Use the official resources below for full details, forms and guidance:
FAQ's
What is Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS)?
Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) gives money support to TEQIP faculty and researchers to encourage collaboration across different technical institutes.
Who manages this scheme?
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) manages this scheme under Ministry of Education.
Who can submit a proposal under this scheme?
A group of at least three faculty members can apply, with the Principal Investigator (PI) from a TEQIP institute.
How many proposals from one PI are sanctioned?
Only one proposal per PI can be active at any given time.
How long does a project run?
The project runs for one year from the date funds are credited to the institute's account.
What is the funding limit?
The maximum grant provided is ₹ 25,00,000.
How is the grant divided?
The grant is split into 40% for regular costs and 60% for non-recurring costs.
Are there special bank account rules?
Yes, the institute must open a separate account in a nationalized bank to receive these funds.
How are proposals assessed?
An expert committee of at least three members reviews each proposal for scientific and technical merit.
Where is the official website?
The official AICTE partner portal is at portal.aicte.gov.in.