QIP was introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 1970. This scheme primarily focuses on upgrading the qualifications and skill levels of teaching staff employed at degree and diploma-level institutions across India.
Under this program, sponsored teachers can do ME/M.Tech. and PhD from premier institutes, which builds research culture among faculty members besides promoting academic excellence. The funding for this programme is fully by AICTE and is applicable only to regular/permanent-time faculty members working in AICTE-approved institutes.
Categories Coming Under the Scheme
The QIP scheme can be availed by the following faculty members:
- Faculty Members working in AICTE-approved Polytechnic Institutes (Diploma level) – Eligible for M.E./M.Tech. programmes.
- Faculty Members of AICTE-Approved Degree Level Institutes – Eligible for Ph.D. programmes.
Benefits of the Scheme
1. Period of Study
- M.E./M.Tech. Programme – 2 years (No further extension beyond it).
- Ph.D. Programme – 3 years (Further extension up to one year in extreme circumstances, but no scholarship during the extended period).
2. Amount of Scholarship
| Course | Scholarship (per month) | Annual Contingency Grant |
|---|---|---|
| M.E./M.Tech. | ₹9,000/- | ₹5,000/- |
| Ph.D. | ₹15,000/- | ₹15,000/- |
3. Additional Scholarships for Ph.D. Students
- Pre-Ph.D. Expenses: One-time lump sum amount.
- TA: ₹15,000.
- Daily Allowance (DA) for Pre-Ph.D. Period (60 Days):
- ₹30,000 in total for full offline work.
- ₹750 per day for partial offline work.
- No DA for online work.
4. Leave Benefits
| Type of Leave | Duration | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Leave | 15 days per academic year | Prior approval required |
| Medical Leave | 30 days per academic year | Prior approval required |
| Maternity/Paternity Leave | As per Govt. of India norms | Granted only once during the scholarship period |
5. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mode of Payment
- Scholarship, contingency grant, and other financial assistance will be transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary through DBT mode.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Eligibility for M.E./M.Tech. Program
- The applicant must be a full-time regular/permanent faculty member of an AICTE-approved Polytechnic (Diploma) institute.
- Minimum 1 year of teaching experience at the polytechnic level.
- The applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
- The candidate shall fulfill the admission criteria of the concerned QIP centre.
2. Eligibility for Ph.D. Programme
- The applicant should be a full-time regular/permanent faculty member of an AICTE-approved Degree Level Institute.
- Minimum 3 years of teaching experience at the degree level.
- The applicant should have a Master’s degree in the concerned area.
- The candidate shall fulfill the admission criteria of the concerned QIP center.
Application Procedure
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
- Official Website of QIP should be visited on the scheduled dates.
- User registration and log in.
- Online application form obtained with academic and professional details.
- Uploading required documents.
- Submission of application.
Method of Selection
- Screening of Applications – Applications shall be screened based on eligibility.
- Preference Selection – Eligible applications shall be forwarded to the respective QIP centers based on the preference.
- Shortlisting by QIP Centers – Shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview/tests.
- Interview/Test – Eligible candidates shall be intimated through e-mail about interview/test schedule.
- Final Merit List & Admission Letter:
- NQCC will make the final merit list.
- Selected candidates will be offered admission through a letter issued by the concerned QIP center.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee (Non-Refundable) |
|---|---|
| General/OBC Candidates | ₹1,700/- |
| SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates | ₹850/- |
Required Documents
| Name of Document | Format & Size |
|---|---|
| Photograph | JPEG/PNG (upto 2MB) |
| Signature | JPEG/PNG (upto 2MB) |
| Aadhaar Card | PDF (upto 2MB) |
| Experience Certificate | PDF (upto 10MB) |
| 10th Marksheet & Certificate | PDF (upto 2MB each) |
| 12th Marksheet & Certificate | PDF (upto 2MB each) |
| Bachelor’s Degree & Marksheet | PDF (upto 2MB each) |
| Master’s Degree & Marksheet (for Ph.D. applicants only) | PDF (upto 2MB each) |
| GATE Certificate (if applicable) | PDF (upto 2MB) |
| UGC/CSIR NET Certificate (if applicable) | PDF (upto 2MB) |
| JRF UGC/CSIR Certificate (if applicable) | PDF (upto 2MB) |
| Category Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS) | PDF (upto 2MB) |
| No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Employer | PDF (upto 2MB) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Whom did initiate the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) and when?
QIP was introduced by AICTE in 1970 to upgrade faculty qualifications. - What is the QIP scheme?
The QIP scheme seeks to improve the qualifications and research culture of the faculty members in AICTE-approved institutions. - What is the scholarship amount for M.E./M.Tech. and Ph.D.?
- M.E./M.Tech.: ₹9,000 per month + ₹5,000 annual contingency.
- Ph.D.: ₹15,000 per month + ₹15,000 annual contingency.
- Can scholars take maternity or paternity leave?
Yes, maternity/paternity leave is allowed as per Government of India norms (once during tenure). - What happens if a scholar drops out mid-course?
If a scholar withdraws, the scholarship and financial assistance will be withdrawn. - How are payments made?
All financial benefits are transferred directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. - Can a selected candidate apply to multiple QIP institutes?
Yes, but they must choose only one institute if selected in multiple centers. - What happens if a selected candidate declines the seat?
A waitlisted candidate is given the seat based on merit.