The Three New Initiatives
AICTE has launched these three key programs:
Project PRACTICE (Project for Advancing Critical Thinking, Industry Connect and Employability)
AICTE Research Internship (ARI) Portal
R&D Cell and Climate Cell in all approved institutions
1. Project PRACTICE
What it is:
Project PRACTICE is a flagship programme intended to uplift engineering and technology institutions—particularly those in tier-2 and tier-3 areas—with relatively low academic outcomes.
Key features:
Focus on project-based learning, live industry projects, and enhanced employability training.
Investment of ₹23.31 crore, jointly by AICTE and partner organizations: Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF), LEAP, CRISP.
Target institutions: 1,000 engineering and technology colleges with weaker academic records.
Impact / Scale:
The initiative is expected to directly benefit 20 lakh students and 10,000 faculty members over next three years.
It aims to create stronger academia-industry linkages and foster innovation across smaller, less-resourced colleges.
2. AICTE Research Internship (ARI) Portal
What it is:
The ARI Portal is a dedicated platform by AICTE intended to facilitate research internships for students across AICTE-approved institutions.
Objectives:
To give students more access to real research projects.
Help students build technical research skills, understand research methodology, and apply theory to practice.
Enhance exposure to current research trends and encourage innovation early in academic careers.
3. R&D Cell & Climate Cell
What these cells entail:
R&D Cell: Each AICTE-approved institution is to have a Research & Development cell. These cells will facilitate research activities, help in faculty and student projects, encourage publication, and promote collaboration.
Climate Cell: In parallel, every institution will be encouraged (or required) to set up a Climate Cell. These are meant to build awareness and action around environmental sustainability, climate change, green technology, etc.
Why this matters:
Technical education institutions often have large environmental footprints and can become innovation hubs for sustainable technologies.
Climate Cells will help students as well as faculty imbibe sustainability, work on climate-action projects, and build a socially responsible mindset.
Shared Aspects & Additional Supports
Students will get free access to AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity Go, etc., aimed at helping them with routine tasks so they can focus on deeper learning and innovation.
Emphasis is on enabling faculty training, industry-connected projects, better teaching methods, and reducing the gaps between high-resource and low-resource institutions.
Why These Initiatives Are Important
Bridging the gap between theory and practice: Many institutions, especially in non-metro / tier-2/3 regions, often lag in exposure to industry projects and real-world applications. These initiatives address that directly.
Skill & employability enhancement: By focusing on employability, critical thinking, and live projects, AICTE aims to make graduates more job-ready.
Promoting research culture: Research internships, R&D cells encourage more students and faculty to get involved in research, which is essential in a knowledge economy.
Sustainability & environmental responsibility: Climate Cells reinforce India’s commitment to green growth and sustainable development goals.
What Students & Institutions Need to Do
Institutions should begin the process of setting up R&D and Climate Cells, identify faculty leads, and enrol for Project PRACTICE if eligible.
Students should watch for announcements around ARI internships, prepare to engage in project-based learning and seek opportunities via the new portals.
Faculties may need upskilling to mentor students and to use AI tools effectively.
Possible Challenges & Considerations
Ensuring that tier-2/3 colleges have infrastructure, faculty, and resources to effectively implement project-based learning.
Maintaining quality and standard across various institutions. Monitoring and evaluation will be critical.
Ensuring equitable access to AI tools and research opportunities so that students in remote or underprivileged areas are not left behind.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of Project PRACTICE, ARI Portal, and achievement of R&D & Climate Cells, AICTE has taken bold steps to reshape technical education in India. These initiatives reflect a forward-looking vision: one that combines skill, sustainability, innovation, and inclusion.
For engineering and technical students, this means greater access to practical learning, research, and a curriculum aligned with real-world needs. For institutions, it’s a chance to raise academic standards and contribute meaningfully to India’s leadership in engineering and technology.
