NEW DELHI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the ‘Samarthan: Internship Connect Scheme 2026-27’ to provide internship opportunities for students from remote and underserved parts of the country. The initiative was inaugurated by AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh in the presence of AICTE Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath in New Delhi on May 12, 2026.The scheme is aimed at students from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the North Eastern States. Under the programme, selected students will participate in 30-day on-campus internships at institutions including IITs, IIMs, IIITs, IISERs, NITs, NITTTRs, NIDs, NIFTs and IHMs. AICTE stated that 611 students will be selected during the current academic session.Internship programme to offer institutional exposureAccording to AICTE, the internship programme has been designed to provide academic, professional and cultural exposure to students through interaction with leading educational institutions and innovation ecosystems. Participants will attend expert lectures, undertake laboratory-based training, and interact with faculty members, researchers, students and alumni.Students will also visit innovation and incubation centres to gain exposure to research activities, entrepreneurship initiatives and emerging technologies. AICTE said the programme is intended to strengthen students’ skills, confidence and employability through immersive learning experiences.Prof. Yogesh Singh said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on providing equal opportunities to students irrespective of geographical location. He stated that the scheme would connect students from remote regions with leading academic and innovation institutions across the country and encourage them to pursue education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.Eligibility and application details announcedThe internship programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students holding domicile status in the eligible regions and studying in AICTE-approved institutions. Eligible disciplines include Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Applied Arts and Crafts, BBA, BCA, and Hotel Management and Catering Technology.AICTE stated that students may avail up to two internships during undergraduate studies and one internship during postgraduate studies. Food and accommodation for selected candidates will be arranged by host institutions and reimbursed by AICTE at Rs 500 per student per day. Students will also receive reimbursement for travel expenses equivalent to sleeper class rail fare after successful completion of the internship and submission of required documents.The registration portal for the scheme has been opened by AICTE. The last date for submission of applications is May 25, 2026.
