The MERITE Scheme is a transformative initiative by the Indian government aimed at uplifting the entire technical education ecosystem in the country. With a central focus on skill development, this scheme strengthens infrastructure, boosts teaching excellence, and aligns technical education with modern industry requirements—benefiting both students and teachers while shaping India’s future workforce.
What Is the MERITE Scheme?
MERITE stands for Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education. It’s a Central Sector Scheme launched under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to elevate the quality, equity, and governance of technical colleges—including engineering institutions, polytechnics, and technical universities.
Who Is Funding This Scheme and How Much?
The Union Cabinet approved the MERITE Scheme with a total budget of ₹4,200 crore, spanning 2025-26 to 2029-30. Notably, ₹2,100 crore of the funding comes as external assistance from the World Bank in the form of a loan, while the remaining ₹2,100 crore is borne by the Central Government.
How Funding Will Help Colleges
Under the MERITE Scheme, about 275 government and government-aided technical institutions—including 175 engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics—will receive support. These funds will be used to:
- Upgrade laboratories with modern equipment.
- Implement smart classrooms, e-learning tools, and digital infrastructure.
- Revise and align curricula with real-world industry needs.
- Promote research, incubation centers, and innovation hubs.
Benefits for Students and Teachers
For students, the scheme offers hands-on experience, digital tools, and industry exposure that make them more job-ready. For teachers, it provides professional development and updated teaching methods—especially empowering women faculty through leadership training.
Making Students Job-Ready
By focusing on skill development, MERITE ensures students graduate with internships, live projects, and industry-aligned curricula, significantly improving their employability in today’s competitive job market.
How It Fits with India’s Education Plans
MERITE complements the NEP 2020, emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, inclusivity, and innovation. The scheme is implemented through a central nodal agency and in partnership with premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, AICTE, and NBA. It seeks to expand access, improve accreditation, and enhance governance in technical education.
With a robust budget split and strategic partnerships in place, the MERITE Scheme is not just a policy—it’s a forward-thinking investment in India’s future technical workforce. By empowering institutions, teachers, and students, it has the potential to redefine technical education across the nation
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