AICTE Opens Samarthan Internship Applications For Students From Remote Regions

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the ‘Samarthan: Internship Connect Scheme 2026-27’, offering students from geographically remote and underserved regions an opportunity to undertake internships at some of India’s premier higher education institutions, including IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, NIDs, NIFTs, and IHMs.

The initiative was inaugurated by AICTE Chairman Yogesh Singh in the presence of AICTE Member Secretary Shyama Rath. The programme is specifically designed for students from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the North Eastern states.

Under the scheme, selected undergraduate and postgraduate students from AICTE-approved institutions will participate in 30-day on-campus internships at leading institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, National Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Information Technology, and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research. AICTE said a total of 611 students will benefit from the programme during the current academic session.

According to AICTE, the internship programme aims to provide academic, professional, and cultural exposure through direct interaction with leading institutions and innovation ecosystems. Students will attend expert lectures, participate in hands-on laboratory sessions, and interact with faculty members, researchers, alumni, and fellow students.

Participants will also visit innovation and incubation centres to gain exposure to entrepreneurship, research activities, and emerging technologies. The council said the initiative is expected to strengthen students’ practical skills, confidence, and employability while helping them connect with national academic networks.

Speaking at the launch, Yogesh Singh said the programme reflects the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities irrespective of geographical location. He noted that the initiative seeks to connect talented students from remote regions with the country’s top academic and innovation ecosystems, encouraging them to pursue higher aspirations in education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The scheme is open to students pursuing courses in Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Applied Arts and Crafts, BBA, BCA, and Hotel Management and Catering Technology. Eligible students can avail up to two internships during undergraduate studies and one during postgraduate studies.

As part of the financial support package, host institutions will arrange food and accommodation for selected candidates, with AICTE reimbursing expenses at the rate of Rs 500 per student per day. Students will also receive reimbursement for travel costs equivalent to sleeper-class rail fare upon successful completion of the internship and submission of travel documents.

AICTE Member Secretary Shyama Rath said the scheme would help students expand their knowledge, build confidence, and develop professional networks through exposure to premier educational institutions.

The registration portal for the programme is currently open, and the last date to apply is May 25, 2026.