AICTE Quality Improvement Programme 2025 (QIP-FU): Scholarships for Faculty Ph.D. at Top 500 Foreign Universities

The All India Council for Technical Education in its 55th Meeting of the Council held on 14th August 2018 approved the Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) (QIP-FU). The QIP(FU) is an extension of the QIP program launched by the Government of India in the year 1970.
Under QIP (FU), the AICTE shall provide scholarships to the faculty who fulfils eligibility criteria and obtains admission in the Doctoral Degree programme leading to award of PhD degree in any of the enlisted top 500 universities/institutes (based on the QS ranking, the Times ranking and the Shanghai ranking) in the world.

Objectives:

The objectives of QIP(FU) programme are as follows:
  1. To open an opera of avenues for faculty pursuing Doctoral programme leading to award of Ph.D degree from a foreign university / institution,
  2. To fill the large gap among the faculty having PG degrees in AICTE approved institutes to obtain Ph.D degree,
  3. To reduce local competition,
  4. To make the Indian faculty as competitive as that of International faculty and known globally,
  5. Besides strengthening of present research scenario in the Country, the horizons may be expanded to other developed countries –
  • who have highly qualified faculty who can help or guide PhD scholars,
  • More number of funding agencies,
  • Universities have best of facilities like laboratories, libraries, publications etc. for conduct of research work,
  • Opportunities for employment are more and beyond teaching.

Benefits:

Scholarship of ₹ 25,000/- per month.

Eligibility:

  • A full time regular/permanent faculty members of AICTE recognized Degree Level Colleges.
  • The candidate should possess three years teaching experience at graduate level.
  • Should have a Master’s degree in the appropriate branch.
  • Should have an admission offer in Ph.D programme from the Foreign University of Listed ranking system in previous five years.

Application Process:

Offline Process:

  1. Step 1: The faculty member must apply directly for admission to the Ph.D. programme in a university ranked in the top 500 foreign universities.
  2. Step 2: Once the faculty is admitted, they should also obtain their visa, travel grant, fellowships, and any other financial assistance.
  3. Step 3: The completed application form along with necessary documents should be submitted to AICTE at:
    • Address: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070
    • Phone: 011-26131576-78,80

Documents Required:

  1. Application Form duly filled with a photograph.
  2. Admission letter from the foreign university, mentioning the duration and start-end dates.
  3. Copy of passport and valid visa, with the date of onward journey.
  4. Mandate form signed by the Head of the College/Institute.
  5. Undertaking furnished to the parent institution in India.
  6. Authentication/Recommendation from the parent institution confirming the eligibility and relieving the faculty member.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: When was the QIP (Foreign University) Programme approved by AICTE?
The QIP (Foreign University) Programme was approved by AICTE during its 55th meeting on 14th August 2018.

Q2: What is the short form of the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme?
The short form is QIP-FU.

Q3: What are the subjects available for faculty to pursue their Ph.D.?
Faculty can pursue Ph.D. in various subjects related to Engineering, Technology, Pure Sciences, Management, Bio-technology, and other technical fields.

Q4: Can the eligibility criteria for pursuing a Ph.D. in a foreign university be relaxed?
No, the eligibility criteria cannot be relaxed. Applicants must meet all the specified requirements to be considered.

Q5: Can a faculty who already has a Ph.D. apply again for a Ph.D. from a foreign university?
No, only faculty who do not yet hold a Ph.D. are eligible to apply for the programme.

Q6: Is a faculty member already receiving a scholarship under the QIP programme eligible to apply for QIP-FU?
No, a faculty member who is availing scholarship under the QIP programme cannot apply for the QIP-FU.

Q7: What financial support will AICTE provide to the faculty pursuing a Ph.D. from a foreign university?
AICTE provides a ₹25,000/- monthly scholarship for the faculty member.

Q8: Why is the scholarship under QIP (FU) provided for only 1 year (12 months)?
The scholarship is provided for the first year to support the initial phase of the doctoral program. Additional funding may be available from other sources for the remainder of the Ph.D. programme.

Q9: Who is eligible for the scheme?
The scheme is available to full-time regular faculty with a Master’s degree and 3 years of teaching experience in AICTE-recognized institutions.

Sources and References:

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