CAFES Scheme 2026: Hostel Construction & Campus Facilities for SC/ST, NER, Differently Abled Students
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Quick answer
CAFES 2026 provides funding for building hostels and campus facilities for SC/ST, NER and differently‑abled students. Eligible AICTE‑approved institutes can apply through the AICTE portal. Submit the application and required documents to receive funds in installments.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Funding up to ₹3.25 crore for hostels & facilities |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online & offline |
About the scheme
CAFES 2026 is a central scheme launched by AICTE under the Department of Higher Education to support the construction or extension of hostels and the establishment of gym, indoor sports club and library facilities in AICTE‑approved government or government‑aided engineering colleges, university departments and polytechnics. The scheme aims to provide a conducive living and learning environment for SC/ST, NER and differently‑abled students, thereby reducing domestic burdens and encouraging academic growth.
Benefits
- ₹3,00,00,000 for hostel construction
- ₹5,00,000 for gym equipment
- ₹10,00,000 for indoor sports club
- ₹10,00,000 for library for competitive exam preparation
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Institute must be AICTE‑approved Government/Government‑aided engineering college, university department or polytechnic
- Institute must have existed for at least five years
- SC/ST variant: at least 200 SC/ST students on roll
- NER variant: at least 60 NER students per year
- Differently‑abled variant: at least 150 differently‑abled students on roll
Who cannot apply
- Institutes located in Punjab, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & UTs are not covered under CAFES – SC/ST students scheme
- Newly opened institutes (less than 5 years) are not eligible
Documents required
- Institute's login credentials
- Application form
- Signature and stamp of Institute Head
- Plan and detailed estimates (two copies signed by Engineer/Architect and countersigned by Principal)
- Hard copy of application and essential documents sent via registered post
- Annual Progress Report within 2 months of year end
- Project Completion Report
- Utilisation Certificate and Statement of Accounts in prescribed proforma audited by Finance Officer/Account Officer
- Completion certificate by registered Civil Engineer/Architect/PWD
- Competitive quotations for gym, sports club, library after second installment
How to apply
- 1Visit the AICTE Web Portal and log in with institute credentials.
- 2Select the CAFES scheme application.
- 3Fill out the application form as per the user manual.
- 4Submit the application and verify signature and stamp of Institute Head.
- 5Upload essential documents with the online application.
- 6Submit reports and run CAFES report.
- 7Send hard copy of application and documents via registered post to Dr. Neeraj Saxena.
Frequently asked questions
What Are The Objectives Of The CAFES Scheme?+
The scheme facilitates the continuation of education and interaction beyond class hours for all‑round development, supports construction or extension of hostels for government or government‑aided engineering colleges, university departments and polytechnics, and addresses needs of SC/ST, NER and differently‑abled students.
How Many Variants Are To This Scheme?+
The scheme has three variants: CAFES – SC/ST students, CAFES – NER, and CAFES – Differently Abled students.
Does The Scheme Also Provide Support To Polytechnics?+
Yes, it supports government or government‑aided engineering colleges, university departments and polytechnics for hostel construction.
Is There An Upper Ceiling To The Financial Assistance Of The Universities?+
Yes, the limit of funding from AICTE is ₹3.25 crore.
What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Construction Of The Hostel?+
Construction of Hostel: ₹3,00,00,000.
Are Newly Opened Institutes Eligible To Apply To This Scheme?+
No, the institute must have existed for at least five years.
Where Should The Hard Copy Of The Application Form Be Sent?+
Send the application form and essential documents via registered post to Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Advisor, Institutional Development Cell, All India Council for Technical Education, Nelson Madela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)