The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has opened applications for the Samarthan Internship Connect Scheme 2026, a special internship initiative created for students from underserved and geographically remote regions of India.
Under this programme, selected students will get the opportunity to attend a 30-day on-campus internship at premier institutions including IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, NIDs, NIFTs, IHMs, and NITTTRs.
The AICTE Samarthan internship scheme focuses on providing academic exposure, laboratory learning, institutional interaction, mentorship, and innovation-driven experience to students studying in AICTE-approved institutions.
According to AICTE, a total of 611 students will be selected during the current academic session.
Students from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the North Eastern States are eligible to apply.
Selected candidates will also receive financial support for accommodation, food, and travel reimbursement. The last date to apply for the scheme is 25 May 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | AICTE Samarthan Internship Connect Scheme 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Internship Duration | 30 days |
| Mode | On-campus internship |
| Total Seats | 611 students |
| Eligible Regions | Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and North Eastern States |
| Eligible Students | UG and PG students from AICTE-approved institutions |
| Participating Institutions | IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, NITTTRs |
| Financial Support | Food, accommodation, and travel reimbursement |
| Application Deadline | 25 May 2026 |
| Official Website | AICTE Internship Portal |
Related: DRDO DEBEL Internship
About AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026
The AICTE Samarthan Internship Connect Scheme 2026 has been introduced to provide students from underserved and geographically remote regions with exposure to premier higher education institutions and advanced academic ecosystems in India.
The initiative was launched by AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh in the presence of AICTE Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath. The scheme focuses on improving academic access, institutional exposure, professional interaction, and innovation-oriented learning for students who may otherwise have limited opportunities to experience national institutes directly.
Under the programme, selected students will spend 30 days at participating institutions where they will attend academic sessions, laboratory activities, mentorship programmes, and innovation-focused learning modules.
AICTE has confirmed that 611 students will participate in the internship programme during the current academic session.
Related: DRDO TBRL Internship
Eligibility Criteria
AICTE internship has specified eligibility requirements for students applying under the Samarthan Internship Connect Scheme 2026.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Students | Undergraduate and postgraduate students |
| Institution Requirement | Students must study in AICTE-approved institutions |
| Eligible Regions | Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and North Eastern States |
| Academic Background | Students from approved disciplines and programmes |
| Internship Limit | Maximum two internships during UG and one during PG |
Students applying under the scheme are expected to meet the eligibility guidelines defined by AICTE and participating institutions.
Related: Â NITI Aayog Internship 2026: Process, Eligibility & Dates
Participating IITs, IIMs, NITs and Other Institutions
The AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026 will be conducted across several premier institutions in India. These institutes will host selected students for the 30-day internship programme.
The objective is to expose students to advanced academic infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, laboratories, faculty interaction, and institutional learning environments.
| Institution Category | Participating Institutes |
|---|---|
| Indian Institutes of Technology | IITs |
| Indian Institutes of Management | IIMs |
| National Institutes of Technology | NITs |
| Indian Institutes of Information Technology | IIITs |
| Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research | IISERs |
| National Institutes of Design | NIDs |
| National Institutes of Fashion Technology | NIFTs |
| Institutes of Hotel Management | IHMs |
| National Institutes of Technical Teachers Training and Research | NITTTRs |
Students selected for the internship programme will be allocated institutions based on availability, discipline, and scheme guidelines.
Financial Support and Benefits
AICTE has included financial support provisions to help students participate in the internship programme without facing accommodation or travel-related difficulties.
Food and accommodation for selected candidates will be arranged by the host institutions and reimbursed by AICTE according to the scheme guidelines.
| Support Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Support | Provided through host institutions |
| Food Expenses | Covered under AICTE reimbursement provisions |
| Daily Reimbursement | Rs 500 per student per day |
| Travel Reimbursement | Sleeper class rail fare reimbursement after completion |
| Learning Exposure | Access to labs, institutional activities, and mentorship |
| Professional Exposure | Interaction with faculty, researchers, and innovation centres |
Travel reimbursement will be processed after successful internship completion and submission of valid travel documents as required under the scheme.
The programme also provides students with exposure to academic networks, institutional culture, and practical learning environments that are generally associated with premier national institutes.
Related: NHAI Summer Internship
What Students Will Do During the Internship
The AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026 has been structured to provide students with direct academic, technical, and institutional exposure through practical learning activities conducted at participating institutes.
During the 30-day internship programme, students will participate in academic sessions, practical laboratory activities, institutional visits, and interaction-based learning opportunities.
The programme is intended to help students understand academic research environments, innovation-driven learning systems, and advanced institutional infrastructure available at premier institutes.
Why This Internship Matters
For many students from remote and underserved regions, access to national-level institutions and advanced academic ecosystems is often limited. The AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme creates an opportunity for selected candidates to experience these environments directly.
The AICTE Internship can also help students build confidence, improve academic motivation, understand research opportunities, and develop professional interaction skills through institutional exposure.
How to Apply for AICTE Samarthan Internship
Students interested in applying for the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026 need to submit their applications through the official AICTE Internship Portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official AICTE Samarthan Internship Portal.
- Create a student account or log in using existing credentials.
- Complete the student profile with educational and personal details.
- Upload the required documents and academic information.
- Search for the Samarthan Internship Connect Scheme 2026.
- Review eligibility criteria and internship details carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Students are advised to keep their academic details, contact information, and supporting documents updated while applying for the internship programme.
The registration and application process is conducted online through the AICTE Internship Portal.
Related: SEBI Internship 2026
Important Dates
Students interested in applying for the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026 should keep track of the important application timeline released for the programme.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Process Started | Applications Open |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 May 2026 |
| Internship Duration | 30 Days |
Students are advised to complete the application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or incomplete submissions.
Related: IDRBT Summer Internship Program (ISIP) 2026
Institute-wise Internship Seat Availability
AICTE has released institute-wise internship seat availability under the Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026. The seats are distributed across multiple premier institutions participating in the programme.
| Institute | Total Seats Available |
|---|---|
| IIIT Guwahati | 27 |
| IIT Ropar | 10 |
| IIIT Una | 100 |
| IIT Mandi | 14 |
| NIT Meghalaya | 20 |
| IIT Jammu | 31 |
| NITTTR Bhopal | 100 |
| NIT Calicut | 15 |
| IIITDM Kancheepuram | 99 |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | 10 |
Seat allocation for students will be carried out according to the eligibility guidelines, application process, and institute availability defined under the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme [cuurent_year].
Frequently Asked Questions on AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026-27
đź”˝ What is the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026-27?
The AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026-27 is a special internship initiative launched by AICTE for students from underserved and geographically remote regions of India. Selected students will attend a 30-day on-campus internship at premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, NIFTs, and NIDs.
đź”˝ Who can apply for the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme?
Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in AICTE-approved institutions and belonging to eligible regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and North Eastern States can apply for the internship scheme.
đź”˝ What is the duration of the internship?
The internship duration under the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme is 30 days.
đź”˝ Which institutions are participating in the scheme?
The programme includes participation from IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, and NITTTRs.
đź”˝ What financial support will students receive?
Selected students will receive support for accommodation and food through host institutions. AICTE will reimburse expenses at the rate of Rs 500 per student per day. Students will also receive sleeper class rail fare reimbursement after successful internship completion and document submission.
đź”˝ What activities will students participate in during the internship?
Students will attend expert lectures, participate in hands-on laboratory training, interact with faculty members and researchers, and visit innovation and incubation centres.
đź”˝ What is the last date to apply for the AICTE Samarthan Internship Scheme 2026-27?
The last date to submit applications for the internship scheme is 25 May 2026.
đź”˝ How can students apply for the internship?
Students can apply through the official AICTE Internship Portal by completing the online registration and application process.
