Institutions of Eminence scheme helps higher educational institutions in India reach world-class status in teaching and research. Under this scheme, selected public institutions get up to ₹1000 crore in extra funding along with operational freedom, so they can compete globally and offer affordable, high-quality education to Indian students.
Institutions of Eminence scheme was launched by the University Grants Commission in 2017, after the Finance Minister announced it in the 2016 budget speech. The plan is to create twenty Institutions of Eminence, ten from public institutions and ten from private institutions, to become world-class teaching and research centres. As of August 2026, twelve of the twenty institutions have been officially notified, and the scheme continues to run for the remaining institutions.
Institutions of Eminence Scheme - Introduction
Institutions of Eminence scheme gives a flexible regulatory environment to selected higher educational bodies. The main aim is to help these institutions become globally competitive universities through greater academic, administrative and financial autonomy. Public institutions receive financial support, while private institutions mainly get regulatory freedom to move faster on curriculum, research and global tie-ups.
The scheme covers central universities, government-controlled deemed universities, and national institutes like IITs, NITs, IISERs and IIMs. It also includes existing private higher educational institutions and sponsoring organizations that want to set up new Institutions of Eminence. For example, a premier technical university could use this support to upgrade its laboratory facilities and research output.
Applications are reviewed by an Empowered Experts Committee, which recommends candidates to the University Grants Commission. The UGC then forwards the names to the Ministry of Education, which signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the chosen institutions before formal notification.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Institutions of Eminence scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infrastructure |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | University / Institution |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Official Website | ioe.ugc.ac.in |
Benefits
Institutions selected under this scheme get a set of clear benefits that help them improve their teaching, research and global standing. The main benefits are listed below.
- Government institutions receive up to ₹1000 crore in additional financial support.
- Institutions gain freedom to raise resources from industry, alumni or donors without seeking prior government permission.
- Institutions can admit up to 30% foreign students and set their own fee structures for them.
- Institutions may decide domestic student fees, provided they offer strong scholarship and loan programs to support needy students.
- Institutions have full flexibility in designing their curriculum and syllabus.
- Academic collaborations with international institutions ranked in the top 500 globally are free from government approval.
Eligibility
To qualify as an Institution of Eminence, an organization should meet the following criteria.
- The applicant must be one of the institutions selected for this status.
- The group must include a mix of technical, management, arts and central universities.
- Institutions must rank within the top 50 in their category according to the latest National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
- Alternatively, applicants should rank within the top 500 in recognized international lists like Times Higher Education, QS or Shanghai Ranking.
Application Process
Applications for the scheme are invited from eligible institutions under three categories: existing government institutions, existing private institutions, and sponsoring organizations for new Institutions of Eminence. The process is handled through the official channels described below.
STEP 1 - Central government-controlled institutions should apply through their controlling Ministry or Department. State public universities should apply through their state government.
STEP 2 - Prepare the application with two detailed parts, a fifteen-year strategic vision plan and a five-year implementation plan. Include a SWOT analysis showing the current quality status and how the institution plans to overcome existing gaps.
STEP 3 - Submit the application so it is reviewed by the Empowered Experts Committee, which recommends candidates to the University Grants Commission.
STEP 4 - After the UGC forwards the names to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the chosen institutions before formal notification.
Documents
Applicants should organize their application documents as follows.
- Organization Details: Provide a clear summary of the institutional structure.
- Financial Strength: Document all revenue sources, expenditures and corpus funds.
- Land Details: Confirm the availability of sufficient land.
- Governance Structure: Explain how the apex board operates.
- Five-Year Implementation Plan: Create a road map covering faculty recruitment, student admissions, research facilities and administrative goals.
- Alumni Engagement: Describe how the institution will involve alumni in management.
- Sustainability Plan: Explain the financial strategy for the period after public funding ends.
- Additional Requirements: Include any other information requested in the official application format or required for the specific category.
References
Official Institutions of Eminence website
Official Guidelines for Institutions of Eminence
FAQ's
What is the Institutions of Eminence scheme?
This scheme helps select higher educational institutions become world-class centres for teaching and research.
What are the financial benefits?
Government institutions receive up to ₹1000 crore in additional funding.
Which department oversees this scheme?
The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education manages this scheme.
Who can apply?
Government institutions, existing private institutions and sponsoring organizations for new institutions can apply.
Do rankings matter?
Yes. An institution is eligible if it is in the top 50 under the National Institutional Ranking Framework or the top 500 in recognized international rankings like QS or Times Higher Education.
How do I submit my application?
Central government institutions apply via their parent ministry, while state universities apply through their state government.
What is the application format?
Applicants must submit a 15-year vision plan and a 5-year implementation plan.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, a processing fee of ₹1,00,00,000 is payable via Demand Draft.
Is the fee refundable?
If an institution is not selected, the government will refund ₹75,00,000.