AICTE to support students participating in international competitions; Rs 2 lakh financial aid

NEW DELHI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) today launched the "Support to Students for Participating in Competitions Abroad" scheme, an initiative aimed at encouraging global competitiveness among Indian students.

AICTE SSPCA scheme is a travel grant scheme for an individual student or a team of students, willing to participate in an international competition. The scheme offers comprehensive support to students who aspire to represent India in international competitions in the form of financial assistance, mentorship and logistical guidance. Moreover, through this scheme, students will get an opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders, and academicians from around the world.

The AICTE scheme provides financial assistance up to Rs 2 lakh per student on reimbursement basis, which includes international travel, domestic travel, registration fee, visa application fee, lodging and boarding, airport tax, travel health insurance and cost incurred for taking equipment related to competition.

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Under the scheme, a student or a team of students (minimum two and maximum six participants in a team) enrolled in diploma, BE or BTech, integrated MTech, ME or MTech, MBA, MCA and hotel management courses in AICTE-approved Institutions are eligible to participate in an international competition under two proposed categories of SSPCA. The category A proposes participation in a renowned competition abroad announced by the AICTE expert committee periodically. However, in category B, students are allowed to participate in their own proposed international competition.

While launching the scheme, AICTE Chairman professor TG Sitharam highlighted, “With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, participation in international competitions provides students with invaluable opportunities for skill enhancement, knowledge exchange, and cultural enrichment. Recognizing the significance of such experiences, AICTE is committed to empowering students to showcase their talents on a global stage.”