Modernisation And Removal of Obsolescence

Modernisation And Removal of Obsolescence (MODROB) is a grant scheme of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) that helps technical institutions upgrade their laboratories, workshops, and computing facilities with modern equipment, tools, and software. Under the 2026 special drive, AICTE is inviting proposals from government institutions and government university departments in rural areas, aspirational districts, North East Region states, and Jammu and Kashmir including Ladakh.

The scheme is one of the AICTE Quality Improvement Scheme (AQIS) initiatives. It aims to remove outdated laboratory infrastructure so that students do their practical and project work on contemporary technology that matches the needs of the industry. In 2025-26, AICTE gave preference to proposals that integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into core engineering laboratories, keeping in mind its vision of 2025 as the Year of AI.

Modernisation And Removal of Obsolescence - Introduction

MODROB supports the development of laboratories with appropriate equipment, technology, tools, and software and encourages financial contribution from the industry. It modernizes and removes obsolescence in Laboratories, Workshops, and Computing facilities. Libraries are excluded from this scheme.

The scheme is currently open as a special drive mainly for government and government-aided institutions. The focus of this special drive is to develop AI-integrated laboratory setups that help students from different streams and courses. Preference is given to government institutes that have not received MODROB funds in the last ten years and to institutions that collect funds from industry before seeking AICTE funds.

Equipment financed under the scheme can be used to upgrade existing laboratory equipment, improve the performance of already installed equipment, incorporate the latest developments in engineering and technology, and replace old depreciated equipment with modern versions. The installed equipment also helps faculty and students through continuing education programs and supports training for local industry and consultancy work.

Key Information

Benefits

Institutions receive financial support to improve their laboratory and workshop facilities over a project duration of two years from the date funds are received in the institute account. AICTE provides a maximum grant of up to ₹30 lakh per proposal, covering both regular (recurring) and non-recurring expenses.

Under this special drive, AICTE will sanction a maximum of 500 proposals. The payment follows a two-part process. 80% of the approved amount is given as an advance, and the remaining 20% is released as reimbursement after the submission of the Utilization Certificate and other required documents.

Preference is given to proposals that bring AI into core engineering branches and match the AICTE Model Curriculum. Institutions should submit a detailed plan showing how regular costs such as computing maintenance, software licenses, faculty training, electricity, cooling, and data storage will be managed.

Eligibility

Eligibility under the 2026 special drive is limited to AICTE-approved government and government-aided institutions or government university departments. Private institutions are not covered under this special drive.

MODROBS - Government Institutes from Aspirational Districts, NER States, J and K (including Ladakh)

1. Your institute must be AICTE approved and should have existed for at least 5 years.
2. It should have more than 50% admissions from all programs or courses in the last 3 years.
3. You can submit a maximum of 3 proposals, and not more than one from the same department, branch, or course.

MODROBS - Government Institutes from Rural Areas

1. Your institute must be AICTE approved and should have existed for at least 10 years.
2. It should have more than 50% average admissions from all programs or courses in the last 3 years.
3. Government institutions that have not received any MODROB funds from AICTE in the last ten years are given preference.
4. You can submit a maximum of 3 proposals, with not more than one from the same department, branch, or course.

Application Process

You should submit your proposal online through the official AICTE portal. Once submitted, all applications are processed in a single lot by the Council.

STEP 1 - Go to the official AICTE website at aicte.gov.in and find the MODROB scheme page under institutional development schemes. Read the latest guidelines and the special drive notice before starting your application.

STEP 2 - Prepare your project proposal with the Head of the Department as the ex-officio project coordinator. Discuss the laboratory needs with department faculty and relevant industries before finalizing the plan.

STEP 3 - Submit the proposal online and ensure your institution is registered with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). Collect any industry funds committed for the project before seeking AICTE funds.

STEP 4 - A three-member expert committee, with members not below the rank of Associate Professor or Scientist E, assesses the proposal. After approval, the Council sends a sanction letter to your institution.

STEP 5 - Register the equipment procured under the scheme on the i-STEM portal and complete the project within two years. If the project cannot be completed on time, request an extension at least two months before the deadline.

Visit the official AICTE portal to apply online.

Documents

Keep these documents ready when applying and while claiming the final payment under the scheme.

1. Updated Application Form
2. Valid Utilization Certificate
3. Detailed Project Completion Report
4. Sanction Letter issued by AICTE

References

View Official MODROB Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

FAQ's

Is there a helpdesk for scheme-related queries?

You can send your queries to modrobidc@aicte-india.org or call (011) 29581315. The FAQ also lists 011-29581340 for scheme information.

Is there a helpdesk for technical queries?

For technical support, email it3idc@aicte-india.org or call (011) 29581334.

Who can apply under the 2026 MODROB special drive?

Only AICTE-approved government and government-aided institutions or government university departments from aspirational districts, NER states, J and K including Ladakh, and rural areas are eligible. Private institutions are not covered under this special drive.

What is the funding limit?

The maximum grant sanctioned is up to ₹30 lakh per proposal, covering regular and non-recurring expenses.

What is the project duration?

The project must be completed within two years from the date funds are received in the institute account.

How are funds disbursed?

You will receive 80% as an advance and the final 20% after submitting the Utilization Certificate and required documents.

For what purposes can the funds be used?

Funds are meant for upgrading existing laboratory equipment, improving equipment performance, replacing old depreciated equipment, and integrating modern technology including AI into laboratories to match the revised curriculum.

Is i-STEM portal registration mandatory?

Yes, institutions must register on the i-STEM portal after procuring equipment under the scheme.

Can the project be transferred to another institute?

No. The Head of the Department who submits the proposal is the ex-officio project coordinator, and the project cannot be transferred to any other institution.

Can I get an extension if the project is not completed in 2 years?

Yes, you can request an extension from AICTE at least two months before the deadline. Extensions may be granted for up to a year. If not approved, the unspent amount along with interest earned must be returned to the Council.