The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a scheme called ‘Support to Students for Participating in Competitions Abroad’ (SSPCA) to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian students in technical education.
Objectives
The SSPCA scheme aims to provide financial support and resources to students aspiring to compete in international scientific events, enabling them to represent India effectively on a global platform.
Components of the SSPCA Scheme
- Financial Assistance:
- AICTE provides financial aid of up to Rs 2 lakh per student.
- The aid covers expenses such as international and domestic travel, registration fees, visa applications, accommodation, airport taxes, travel insurance, and equipment costs related to the competition.
- Mentorship and Logistical Support:
- The scheme offers mentorship, logistical support, and networking opportunities to help students prepare for and participate in international competitions.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Students enrolled in diploma, BE/BTech, integrated MTech, ME/MTech programmes in AICTE-approved institutions are eligible.
- Each student or student team is eligible for support once during their course of study.
Importance Highlighted by AICTE Chairman
The AICTE chairman emphasized the significance of international competition participation in:
- Fostering skill development.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange.
- Enriching cultural experiences.
Application Process and Requirements
- Application Procedure:
- Interested students must apply offline to AICTE New Delhi.
- They need to enclose necessary documents such as an acceptance letter from competition organizers and full competition details.
- Applications should be submitted at least two months before the event.
- Post-Competition Requirements:
- Grant recipients must submit required documents within one month after the competition.
- These documents include a statement of account, technical report, details of assistance received, institutional contribution, and a certificate of participation.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the primary objective of the SSPCA scheme launched by AICTE?
- A) Providing scholarships for technical education.
- B) Enhancing global competitiveness of Indian students in technical education.
- C) Promoting cultural events.
- D) Supporting research in technical fields.
- Answer: B) Enhancing global competitiveness of Indian students in technical education.
- How much financial aid does AICTE provide per student under the SSPCA scheme?
- A) Up to Rs 1 lakh.
- B) Up to Rs 5 lakh.
- C) Up to Rs 2 lakh.
- D) Up to Rs 10 lakh.
- Answer: C) Up to Rs 2 lakh.
- Which of the following expenses are covered by the financial aid provided under the SSPCA scheme?
- A) Tuition fees.
- B) Grocery expenses.
- C) Travel insurance.
- D) Movie tickets.
- Answer: C) Travel insurance.
- Who is eligible to apply for the SSPCA scheme?
- A) Students from any country.
- B) Students enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions.
- C) Professionals working in technical fields.
- D) Government officials.
- Answer: B) Students enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions.
- When should students submit their applications for the SSPCA scheme?
- A) At least one month before the event.
- B) At least six months before the event.
- C) At least two months before the event.
- D) On the day of the event.
- Answer: C) At least two months before the event.