Boosting Innovation: A Look at AICTE’s Research Promotion Scheme (RPS)
The Indian technical education landscape is undergoing a transformation, with a growing emphasis on fostering a culture of research and development. At the forefront of this initiative is the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which introduced the Research Promotion Scheme (RPS). This scheme aims to empower institutions and faculty members to delve deeper into their fields, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and igniting a spirit of innovation.
The RPS specifically targets AICTE-approved technical institutions and university departments that offer postgraduate programs in relevant fields. This ensures that the participating institutions possess the necessary infrastructure and academic environment to support rigorous research endeavors. But the RPS isn’t just about the institutions themselves. It also focuses on nurturing the research potential of faculty members. To be eligible, the principal investigator (PI) leading the project must be a full-time, regular faculty member with a proven track record of research experience and publications.
The core objectives of the RPS are two-fold. Firstly, it seeks to create a research-conducive ambience within institutions. This involves encouraging faculty members to engage in projects that explore cutting-edge advancements in engineering sciences and established and emerging technologies. Secondly, the scheme aims to cultivate a new generation of research talent. By supporting projects with clear deliverables, the RPS hopes to generate a pool of qualified Master’s and Doctoral degree holders who can contribute significantly to the Indian research landscape in the future.
