The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced the 'Samarthan: Internship Connect Scheme 2026-27' to offer internship opportunities for students hailing from remote and underserved areas of the country. The initiative was officially launched by AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh, alongside AICTE Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath, in New Delhi on May 12, 2026.
Target Regions and Participating Institutions
The scheme specifically targets students from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the North Eastern States. Under this programme, selected students will engage in 30-day on-campus internships at prestigious institutions such as IITs, IIMs, IIITs, IISERs, NITs, NITTTRs, NIDs, NIFTs, and IHMs. AICTE has confirmed that 611 students will be selected during the current academic session.
Programme Objectives and Exposure
According to AICTE, the internship programme is designed to provide academic, professional, and cultural exposure to students through interactions with leading educational institutions and innovation ecosystems. Participants will attend expert lectures, undergo laboratory-based training, and interact with faculty members, researchers, students, and alumni. Additionally, students will visit innovation and incubation centres to gain exposure to research activities, entrepreneurship initiatives, and emerging technologies. AICTE emphasized that the programme aims to strengthen students' skills, confidence, and employability through immersive learning experiences.
Prof. Yogesh Singh remarked that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to providing equal opportunities to students irrespective of their geographical location. He stated that the scheme would connect students from remote regions with premier academic and innovation institutions across the country, encouraging them to pursue education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility and Application Process
The internship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students who hold domicile status in the eligible regions and are 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 has stated that students may avail up to two internships during their 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 a rate of 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, and the last date for submission of applications is May 25, 2026.
