The AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to provide subscriptions of e-Resources like Web of Science, Scopus, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Bentham Science to AICTE-approved institutions.
Objective
The scheme aims to:
- Facilitate access to high-quality e-Resources for students, faculty, and researchers.
- Promote research culture and enhance the quality of technical education.
- Provide free or subsidized access to international academic databases for educational institutions.
Benefits
- Free subscriptions to:
- Web of Science
- Scopus
- ASME (Mechanical Engineering)
- ASCE (Civil Engineering)
- Bentham Science (Pharmacy)
- Duration: The subscription is initially for one calendar year and can be renewed annually based on institute usage and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
- Institutions must be AICTE-approved and Government or Government-aided.
- The institution must have:
- A digital library network with an internet bandwidth of at least 32 Mbps.
- Wi-Fi connectivity with one or more static IP addresses.
- A full-time, regular faculty member with at least 10 years of teaching and research experience must be appointed as Coordinator.
- A Co-Coordinator must also be designated, having at least 7 years of teaching and research experience.
- Institutes must have at least one PG course in the relevant field:
- Mechanical Engineering (for ASME)
- Civil Engineering (for ASCE)
- Pharmacy (for Bentham Science)
- Any discipline (for Web of Science/Scopus)
Application Process
Offline Mode
-
Download the Application Form from the AICTE website.
-
Fill in the required details.
-
Ensure all pages of the application form are signed and stamped by the Institute’s Head.
-
Attach all necessary documents (listed below).
-
Send the application form via Registered Post/Speed Post to:
Advisor (IDC),
Institutional Development Cell,
All India Council for Technical Education,
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi – 110070
Note: Only applications received through Registered/Speed Post will be considered. Emails will not be accepted.
Application Window: Applications are invited every year in October-November.
Helpdesk:
- For Scheme Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (011) 29581313
- For Technical Support:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (011) 29581334
Documents Required
For First-Time Application
- AICTE Approval Letter (Current Year).
- NBA (National Board of Accreditation) Approval Letter.
- Details of faculty research publications from the last 3 years.
- Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) documents.
- List of Ph.D.-qualified faculty members.
- Details of completed consultancy projects (last 3 years).
- Details of completed research projects (last 3 years).
- List of Professors in the institute.
For Subscription Renewal
- Usage proof of e-Resources (from 1st January to 30th September).
- Feedback from the Principal/Director, Coordinator, Co-Coordinator, and faculty members (in prescribed format).
- Request & Undertaking for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS)?
AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu (eSS) is a subscription-based scheme that provides access to high-quality e-Resources for technical institutions. - Q: Which department launched this scheme?
It was launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of Education, Government of India. - Q: What are the main objectives of this scheme?
The scheme aims to enhance the quality of research and education by providing institutions access to global research databases. - Q: What is the duration of the subscriptions?
Subscriptions are valid for one calendar year and can be renewed annually based on institution usage and eligibility. - Q: When is the application window open?
Applications are invited every year in October-November. - Q: Can institutions apply for renewal?
Yes, renewal applications must be submitted annually, with usage proof and feedback. - Q: How is the scheme monitored?
Institutions must submit regular reports on resource usage, which are evaluated before granting renewal. - Q: How is the evaluation process carried out?
Shortlisted proposals are reviewed by AICTE experts based on the institution’s research output, faculty publications, and resource utilization.