The Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES) is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Department of Higher Education (DoHE), Government of India. The scheme aims to support the construction and expansion of hostels in AICTE-approved institutions, ensuring that students, especially from SC/ST, differently-abled, and North-Eastern Region (NER) communities, have access to quality accommodation and related facilities. The scheme also includes funding for gyms, sports clubs, and libraries to create a holistic learning and social environment for students.
Benefits
Financial Assistance Provided
| Category | Funding Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Construction | ₹3,00,00,000 (₹3 crore) |
| Gym Equipment | ₹5,00,000 |
| Indoor Sports Club | ₹10,00,000 |
| Library (for Competitive Exams and Higher Education) | ₹10,00,000 |
| Total Maximum Funding from AICTE | ₹3.25 crore |
Disbursement of Funds
- First Installment (50%) – Disbursed upon proposal sanction for hostel construction.
- Second Installment (40%) – Released after spot inspection and utilization of the first installment.
- Third Installment (10%) – Disbursed after submission of the completion certificate and mandatory documents.
- Additional Funds for gym, sports club, and library are provided after the second installment based on competitive quotations.
Eligibility Criteria
Institution Eligibility
- Must be an AICTE-approved Government/Government-aided engineering college, university department, or polytechnic.
- Must have been in existence for at least five years.
- Must have a minimum number of students in the following categories:
- SC/ST Category: At least 200 SC/ST students on roll.
- North-Eastern Region (NER): At least 60 NER students per year.
- Differently-Abled Students: At least 150 differently-abled students on roll.
Terms and Conditions
- Annual Progress Reports must be submitted within 2 months of the completion of each academic year.
- A Project Completion Report is required after the construction is completed.
- Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts must be audited by the Finance Officer/Account Officer.
- If the construction work is not initiated within six months, the grant must be refunded to AICTE with accrued interest and justification for non-compliance.
- Changes in the construction plan that reduce the facilities or area are not allowed.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Visit the AICTE Web Portal and log in with Institute’s Login Credentials (Username & Password).
- Select the CAFES Scheme Application from the available schemes.
- Fill out the application form as per the User Manual available on the AICTE website.
- Click “Submit” after verifying all details.
- Ensure that every page of the application has the signature and stamp of the Institute’s Head.
- After submission, generate a report by selecting CAFES in the Run Report section.
- Upload the required documents along with the online application form.
Helpdesk for Assistance
For Scheme-Related Queries:
- Email: cafesidc@aicte-india.org
- Phone: (011) 29581340
For Technical Queries:
- Email: it3idc@aicte-india.org
- Phone: (011) 29581334
Documents Required
- Hostel Construction Plan (Detailed layout and design).
- Abstract of Estimates (Estimated cost breakdown).
- PWD Rate Certificate (Verification of construction cost as per government norms).
- Student Enrollment Figures (Certified data on the number of SC/ST, NER, and differently-abled students).
- Two Copies of Plan and Detailed Estimates (Signed by Engineer/Architect and countersigned by the Principal).
- AICTE Norm Compliance Certificate (Ensuring minimum 1200 sqm carpet area).
- Land Ownership and Possession Certificate (Issued by Tehsildar/SDM, confirming the land is free from litigation).
- Structural Soundness Certificate (Certified by a competent structural engineer along with soil test reports).
- Utilization Certificate (Statement of expenditure and fund usage, signed by Finance Officer/Account Officer).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What are the objectives of the “CAFES” scheme?
The scheme supports campus accommodation facilities to promote inclusive education for SC/ST, differently-abled, and NER students in AICTE-approved institutions. - Q: Does the scheme provide support to polytechnics?
Yes, AICTE-approved government polytechnics are eligible under this scheme. - Q: Is there an upper ceiling on financial assistance?
Yes, the maximum assistance per institution is ₹3.25 crore. - Q: How are funds disbursed?
Funds are released in three installments based on progress reports and site inspections. - Q: Can newly opened institutions apply for the scheme?
No, only institutions that have been operational for at least five years can apply. - Q: Are all AICTE-approved institutions eligible?
No, only government/government-aided engineering colleges, university departments, and polytechnics are eligible. - Q: What happens if an institute fails to start construction within six months?
The grant must be refunded with interest, along with justification for non-compliance. - Q: Can changes be made in the construction plan?
No, any reduction in facilities or area is not permitted. - Q: Where should the hard copy of the application form be sent?
The hard copy must be submitted to AICTE after the online application is processed. - Q: How many copies of the plan and detailed estimates must be submitted?
Institutes must submit two signed copies of the plan and detailed estimates.