The “AICTE – Scheme for Promoting Interests, Creativity, and Ethics among Students (SPICES)” is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Department of Higher Education (DoHE). The scheme provides financial support to institutions for developing students’ clubs that focus on creativity, ethics, and overall development. These clubs serve as models for other institutions, fostering teamwork, networking, and professional ethics among students.
Objective
- Encourage interest-based learning, creativity, and ethics in students.
- Establish structured student clubs in AICTE-approved institutions.
- Foster professional development, leadership, and teamwork.
- Provide financial support for student activities.
Benefits
- Duration: One year
- Funding Amount: ₹1,00,000 (one-time grant per institution)
- Fund Disbursement: ₹1,00,000 as an advance payment
- Scope of Activities: Evolution of interests/hobbies, creative innovations, and ethical development
Eligibility Criteria
- The institute must be AICTE-approved with at least 5 years of existence.
- Each institute can apply for only one club, with a minimum of 50 student members.
- The institute must contribute at least ₹1,00,000 to the club. Additional contributions receive weightage in the selection process.
- The club coordinator must be a full-time regular faculty with at least 10 years of experience in teaching/industry.
- A co-coordinator must also be identified, with at least 5 years of experience.
- The academic background of the coordinator should align with the club’s theme.
- Institutes can apply for the grant only once under the SPICES scheme.
Terms & Conditions
Students must be officially enrolled in the institute to be club members.
Grant usage: Up to 40% of the total grant can be used for student travel and outstation events.
Funds are non-transferable and must be used only for SPICES-approved activities.
Ex-students and ex-faculty members cannot be club members.
Institutes must encourage alumni and industry sponsorships.
Exclusions
Ex-students, ex-faculty, and other officials of the institute cannot be members of the club.
Institutes that have already availed of the SPICES scheme grant once cannot apply again.
Application Process
Online Application
- Applications open at the beginning of the academic session (July/August).
- Institutes must apply through the AICTE Web Portal at www.aicte-india.org.
Step-by-Step AICTE Portal Login Process
- Visit AICTE Website → Click on “Web Portal Login”.
- Log in with AICTE credentials → Institution homepage appears.
Step-by-Step Application for AQIS (AICTE Quality Improvement Schemes)
- Navigate to “AICTE Quality Improvement Schemes (AQIS)”.
- Click on “AQIS Application – Institute Details” → Verify/update institute details.
- Bank Account Details:
- Must be a Savings Account.
- Institute name should match bank records.
Step-by-Step Application for SPICES Scheme
- Select “SPICES – Scheme for Promoting Interests, Creativity and Ethics among Students”.
- Fill out Section A: Coordinator/Co-coordinator details.
- Fill out Section B: Academic Credentials of Coordinators.
- Fill out Section C: Institute Credentials.
- Fill out Section D: Justification for Proposal.
- Fill out Section E: Club Credentials.
- Validate & Submit the application.
Documents Required
- Photographs & videos showcasing club activities.
- Feedback from club members.
- Utilization Certificate (post one year).
- Performance Report (including feedback).
- Bank Mandate Form.
- Statement of accounts audited by Finance Officer.
- Supporting bills & documents for incurred expenses.
- Soft copy of final report (uploaded on AICTE portal).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is AICTE expecting from institutions applying for SPICES?
A: AICTE expects institutions to foster creativity, leadership, and ethics through structured student clubs.
Q: How many proposals can an institute submit?
A: Only one proposal per institute is allowed.
Q: Can an institute apply again if it has already received a grant?
A: No, institutes are eligible for the grant only once.
Q: Are student societies and chapters eligible?
A: Yes, student societies and chapters can apply, provided they meet SPICES eligibility criteria.
Q: What is the duration of the SPICES scheme?
A: One year from the date of fund disbursement.
Q: Can the event be conducted in online or hybrid mode?
A: Yes, AICTE allows clubs to organize online/hybrid events.
Q: Can the institute use funds to purchase hardware/software?
A: No, funds must be used strictly for student development activities.
Q: Can the club collect additional registration fees from students?
A: Yes, but all additional funds must be properly accounted for.
Q: How will AICTE release funds?
A: AICTE transfers ₹1,00,000 upfront after successful approval of the application.
Q: How should the institute refund unspent AICTE funds?
A: Institutes must return unspent amounts through the AICTE refund process.
Q: Is GST applicable to bills submitted for reimbursement?
A: Yes, GST invoices are required for audit purposes.
Q: Can AICTE funds be used for faculty expenses?
A: No, funds must be used exclusively for student activities.
Q: Can AICTE funding be split between multiple clubs?
A: No, funds must be used for the specific club selected for the SPICES scheme.