AICTE launches Distinguished Professional Scheme to engage industry experts in HEIs

NEW DELHI: The All India Council for Technical Education chairman TG Sitharam today inaugurated the AICTE Distinguished Professional Scheme (DPS) to assemble a pool of experts from industry, institutes, and research laboratories to engage highly-qualified professionals within their domains. The scheme is designed to enhance the employability of students, promote industry connections, foster research and innovation, support startups and entrepreneurship, and strengthen the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).

Candidates seeking registration under DPS should have made “unparalleled” technical or professional contributions to society within their respective fields. They should be involved actively in research, technology development, innovation and bureaucracy. The tenure of the scheme is three years or until the age of 75, whichever comes first. Professionals selected under DPS will receive an honorarium of Rs 15,000 for full-day interactions with faculty members and students. They will have to conduct two visits per month at HEIs, with a maximum of 12 visits per year, including at least three visits to rural institutions annually.

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Candidates can submit nominations, along with necessary details, via the DPS portal throughout the year. The offer of AICTE-DPS remains valid for the specified period mentioned in the request or invitation letter. Host institutes can apply on the AICTE-DPS portal to request specific professionals from the approved panel. Following each visit, the institute is required to submit a report and participant feedback in the prescribed format. Upon submission, AICTE will provide a certificate of recognition for the activity.

Emphasising on the importance of interaction of experienced professionals with faculty and students, TG Sitharam said this scheme will not only enrich the understanding of industry among students but also enhance the teaching capabilities of faculty members. This prepares students to navigate challenges in the job market, he added.