AICTE Launches Skill Development Drive for 20 Lakh Engineering Students

Date & Author: September 23, 2025 | By Arjun Mehta, Education Correspondent

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has announced a nationwide initiative to enhance the employability of engineering students through skill-building and industry collaboration. Launched on Engineers’ Day, the program aims to impact 20 lakh students over three years.

Key components include Project PRACTICE, which promotes critical thinking and live industry assignments, and the AICTE Research Internship (ARI) Portal, connecting students with research opportunities. Additionally, all AICTE-approved institutions are required to establish R&D and Climate Cells to foster innovation and sustainability.

Students will also gain free access to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity Go, encouraging a shift from rote learning to problem-solving. The initiative is jointly funded by AICTE and partners including Maker Bhavan Foundation and CRISP, with a budget of ₹23.31 crore.

Officials believe these reforms will bridge the gap between academia and industry, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 colleges, and prepare students for future careers in emerging sectors.