MERITE Scheme

MERITE Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for implementation of the ‘Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education’ (MERITE) Scheme.

About MERITE Scheme

• It is a ‘Central Sector Scheme’ which will be implemented in government engineering institutions and Polytechnics in all States/ UTs.
• This scheme has been formulated in collaboration with the World Bank.
• Objective: To improve the quality, equity and governance in technical education covering all States/UTs by implementing interventions aligned with the National Educational Policy-2020 (NEP-2020).
• Funding: Total financial implication of Rs.4200 crore for a period from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Out of Rs.4200 crore, there will be an external assistance of Rs.2100 crore from World Bank as loan.
• It will have the facility of funds transfer from the Central Government to participating entities through a Central Nodal Agency.
• Eminent educational institutions like the IITs and IIMs and regulatory bodies in the higher education sector such as the AICTE, NBA etc. will also play a significant role in the scheme implementation. 
• The initiative emphasizes enhancing students’ skills to improve their employability through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach.
• Key interventions include offering internship opportunities, updating curricula to align with industry requirements, organizing faculty development programs, and setting up research hubs.
• Additionally, support will be provided to incubation and innovation centers, skill and maker labs, and language workshops.

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Benefits of MERITE Scheme

• An estimated 275 Government/ Government-aided technical institutions are expected to be selected and supported under the scheme.
• This will include selected National Institutes of Technology (NITs), State Engineering Institutions, Polytechnics and Affiliating Technical Universities (ATUs).
• Apart from this, the State/ UT departments handling the technical education sector will also be supported through the MERITE scheme.

Source: PIB