Institutions of Eminence Scheme 2026: Empowering Higher Education with ₹1000 Crore Funding and Autonomy

At a glance

About the scheme

The Institutions of Eminence scheme, launched by the University Grants Commission in 2017, aims to empower ten public and ten private higher educational institutions to become world-class teaching and research institutions. Eligible institutions can receive up to ₹1000 crore in financial assistance and enjoy autonomy in fee structure, curriculum, and international collaborations. Applications are submitted offline through the controlling ministry or state government, requiring a 15-year strategic plan and a 5-year implementation plan.

Benefits

• Government institutions can receive up to ₹1000 crore in additional funding.
• You can raise money from industry, alumni, or donors without needing permission from any authority.
• Admit up to 30% foreign students without any cap.
• Set and charge fees for foreign students freely.
• Decide your own fees for domestic students, but you must have scholarship and loan programmes for the needy.
• Design your own curriculum without following UGC guidelines.
• Collaborate with top 500 global institutions without needing government approval.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• 10 institutions chosen as Institutions of Eminence.
• Mix of technical, management/arts, and central universities.
• Top 50 in category on latest National Ranking Framework.
• OR top 500 in Times Higher Education, QS, or Shanghai Ranking.

Documents required

• Organisation Details: Tell us about your institution's structure.
• Financial Strength: Show your current and expected income, spending, and funds.
• Land Details: Mention the land your institution has.
• Governance Structure: Describe your governing body, including the top board.
• Five-Year Implementation Plan: Give a detailed plan with: courses and schedule; faculty hiring for a 1:10 ratio; student admission and scholarships; research labs and projects; partnerships with industry and foreign colleges; building plans; funding sources; administrative plans for accreditation and promotion; governance following global standards; and specific goals from Guideline 4.
• Recasting the Implementation Plan: Your five-year plan will be updated each cycle to match the 15-year strategy.
• Alumni Engagement: Plan how to involve alumni in running the institution and using their money.
• Sustainability Plan: Show how you will survive after government funding stops.
• Affiliation Plan: If you can, plan to link with other colleges in the 15-year plan. Any changes need EEC approval.
• Additional Information: Add any other papers asked for in the application form.

How to apply

1. 1Determine your institution type (Central Government controlled or State Public University).
2. 2Apply through the appropriate channel: controlling Ministry/Department for Central institutions, or state government for State Public Universities.
3. 3Prepare a fifteen-year strategic vision plan and a five-year implementation plan as per the guidelines.

Frequently asked questions