Indian Council of Agricultural Research runs Student READY scheme for undergraduate students in agriculture and allied sciences. The programme gives practical rural entrepreneurship training, hands-on industrial experience, and a monthly stipend of ₹3,000 to help students build professional skills and move towards self-employment or jobs.
Launched on 25 July 2015, this scheme aims to change agricultural education by providing rural entrepreneurship awareness and practical experience in real agricultural settings. The programme builds confidence and skills, helping students learn local technical knowledge to prepare for self-employment.
Student READY Scheme Overview
The programme runs for one year during the fourth year of undergraduate studies across disciplines like agriculture, horticulture, food technology, biotechnology, and community science. It includes five main components:
- Experiential learning on business models or hands-on training to develop entrepreneurial skills
- Skill development training for specific technical competencies
- Rural Awareness Works Experience (RAWE) where students stay in villages and work with farmers
- Internship or in-plant training with agro-industries, cooperatives, or research stations
- Individual student projects to apply learning in real scenarios
These components are integrated into the curriculum of ICAR-accredited universities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) |
| Launched By | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Department | Department of Agricultural Research and Education |
| Beneficiaries | Undergraduate students in ICAR-accredited agriculture and allied science programmes |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹3,000 (₹2,500 ICAR share + ₹500 State share) |
| Operational Expense Grant | ₹500 per student per month (ICAR share) |
| Maximum Duration | Six months |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) linked to Aadhaar |
| Official Website | icar.org.in/en/node/9722 |
Benefits Under the Scheme
Students receive a monthly stipend of ₹3,000 for up to six months. This consists of ₹2,500 from ICAR and ₹500 from the state government. Additionally, ICAR provides ₹500 per student per month to the university for operational expenses like faculty costs, contingency, and materials.
The university transfers the stipend directly to the student bank account through DBT, which must be linked to Aadhaar. Payments start from the month the student joins RAWE or industrial training. The university receives funds in advance from ICAR and must submit a demand proposal. If a student leaves the course early or changes discipline without permission, the stipend stops.
| Recipient | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Student Stipend | ₹3,000 |
| Operational Expense Grant (to university) | ₹500 |
Who Can Apply
To join the programme, students must meet these conditions:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate programme at an ICAR-accredited SAU, DU, CAU, or CU under the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board
- Maintain good academic standing and conduct, certified by the Head of College or University
- Remain fully present throughout the programme unless prior permission is obtained
- Not participate in strikes or agitations, and not hold part-time jobs or receive other financial assistance for these activities during the programme
Application Process
STEP 1 - Register for the programme at your college on the date officially notified by your university or dean. After registration, report to the programme coordinator assigned to your department.
STEP 2 - The college principal manages selection of partner units, organisations, and villages. Usually five to six students are placed in each village. Once you receive your placement, report to your host or supervisor within seven days. The placement centre cannot be changed once finalised.
STEP 3 - Complete the required modules including RAWE village stay, experiential learning projects, in-plant training or industrial attachment, and individual projects as per the university schedule.
Documents Required
The institution submits the following documentation to ICAR for the grant process:
- Formal demand or proposal in the prescribed format
- Utilisation certificate and audited utilisation certificate from the previous financial year
- Complete list of participating students
- Details of category-wise and head-wise expenditure
- Statement of any unspent balance to be refunded
References
Student READY Official Booklet (PDF)
Student READY Guidelines (PDF)
Official Scheme Page on ICAR Website
FAQ's
What is the monthly stipend amount under Student READY scheme?
Students get ₹3,000 per month (₹2,500 from ICAR + ₹500 from state) for a maximum of six months. The university also gets ₹500 per student per month for operational expenses.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Undergraduate students enrolled in ICAR-accredited agriculture, horticulture, food technology, biotechnology, or community science programmes at SAU, DU, CAU, or CU universities with good academic standing and conduct.
How to apply for Student READY programme?
Register at your college on the notified date, report to the programme coordinator, get placed in a village or industry partner, and complete the required modules. The college handles all placements internally.
Is there a separate online portal for application?
No, all processes are handled internally by each university. Students register through their college and the university manages placements with partner organisations.
What happens if a student leaves the programme early?
The stipend is discontinued if a student leaves the course before completion or changes discipline or university without valid reasons and prior permission from the competent authority.
Where can I find the official guidelines?
Official guidelines are available at icar.org.in/en/node/9722 and the booklet at Student READY Booklet PDF.