Scheme for Campus Accommodation and Facilities Enhancing Social Experience

Scheme for Campus Accommodation and Facilities Enhancing Social Experience, known as CAFES, is a central scheme run by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It gives money help to AICTE-approved institutions for building or expanding hostels. The aim is to create comfortable, campus-based living spaces for SC, ST, differently-abled, and North Eastern Region (NER) students so they can focus better on their studies.

Applications for this scheme are invited through the AICTE web portal. Institutions that meet the eligibility rules can apply online and receive a cash grant of up to ₹ 3.25 crore to improve hostel and related campus facilities.

Scheme for Campus Accommodation and Facilities Enhancing Social Experience - Introduction

Scheme for Campus Accommodation and Facilities Enhancing Social Experience helps AICTE-approved institutions build supportive hostel environments. By creating spaces for study and social interaction, this scheme reduces the stress of daily responsibilities, allowing students to focus fully on their education.

Introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), this scheme supports the construction or extension of hostels. It specifically caters to SC/ST students, differently-abled students, and those from the NER, making sure they have good quality living facilities. The money help covers not just the rooms, but also useful amenities like gyms, sports clubs, and libraries for a complete academic journey.

Key Information

Benefits

Institutions can receive total financial support up to ₹ 3.25 crore from AICTE to improve campus infrastructure. Here is the breakdown of the allowed funding:

The grant is paid in three installments. The first installment of 50% is given as an advance once the project proposal is approved. The second installment of 40% is released after the project passes a spot inspection and the institution shows proper use of the first funds. The final 10% is released after the project completion certificate and all required final documents are submitted.

Amounts for the gym, sports club, and library follow the second installment, provided the institution submits competitive quotations. This payment schedule makes sure the money is used for the purpose it was given.

Eligibility

To benefit from this scheme, an institution should meet these criteria:

Core Eligibility:

• The institution must be an AICTE-approved Government or Government-aided engineering college, polytechnic, or university department.
• The institute must have been operational for at least five years.
• The institute must meet the student enrollment requirements given in the table below.

Required Compliance:

• The institution should submit an annual progress report within two months of the year ending.
• On project completion, a final project report should be given, using audited statements of accounts signed by the finance officer.
• If construction does not start within six months of receiving funds, the grant should be returned to AICTE with the accrued interest and a valid explanation.
• Any approved construction plan change that reduces facilities or space is not allowed.

Application Process

Institutions should follow these steps to apply for Scheme for Campus Accommodation and Facilities Enhancing Social Experience:

STEP 1 - Visit the official AICTE web portal and log in using the official institute credentials.

STEP 2 - Navigate to the section for the CAFES scheme.

STEP 3 - Follow the user manual provided on the website to complete the application form accurately.

STEP 4 - Once finished, click 'Submit'. Make sure the Head of Institution stamps and signs every page of the printed form.

STEP 5 - Generate and download the 'Run Report' by selecting 'CAFES' in the system.

STEP 6 - Upload all requested documents along with the application.

STEP 7 - Send the hard copy of the application and documents by registered or speed post to: Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Advisor, Institutional Development Cell, All India Council for Technical Education, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070.

Need Help?

For scheme-related queries, email cafesidc@aicte-india.org or call (011) 29581340. For technical issues, email it3idc@aicte-india.org or call (011) 29581334.

Documents

The following documents are needed while applying for the scheme:

1. Detailed Hostel Plan and structural drawings.
2. Abstract of cost estimates.
3. PWD rate certificate.
4. Student enrollment proof (Annexure A).
5. Two signed copies of plans and estimates by an Engineer/Architect, countersigned by the Principal.
6. Certification of conformity with AICTE norms (minimum 1200 sqm carpet area - Annexure B).
7. Certificate specifying the covered area, cost per sqm, and construction timeline (Annexure C).
8. Land ownership and possession certificate from the local Tehsildar or SDM, confirming land is free from litigation and forest clearance issues (Annexure D).
9. Statement of construction mode (Contract/Departmental/PWD) at competitive rates.
10. Confirmation from the State Government regarding their commitment to cover any costs exceeding the AICTE grant (Annexure E).
11. Structural soundness certificate and soil test report from a competent structural engineer (Annexure F).

References

• Official Guidelines
• Online Application User Manual
• Required Annexures
• Documents Checklist

FAQ's

What is the primary objective of this scheme?

The scheme supports public institutes in building hostels to provide safe, comfortable residential housing, allowing students to take part in academic interactions beyond class hours.

Are polytechnics eligible for this grant?

Yes, government and government-aided polytechnics, as well as university departments and engineering colleges, are eligible.

What is the financial ceiling for this assistance?

The maximum financial support provided by AICTE is ₹ 3.25 crore.

Which states are excluded from the SC/ST student variant?

Institutes in Punjab, Haryana, and the Northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland) are not eligible for the SC/ST student variant of this scheme.

What happens if construction is delayed?

If construction does not start within six months of receiving funds, the grant should be returned to AICTE with the accrued interest along with a justification for the delay.

How should the utilization certificates be provided?

All utilization certificates and statement of accounts should be audited by the institutional Finance or Account Officer before submission.