The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched an ambitious initiative, PRACTICE (Project for Advancing Critical Thinking, Industry Connect and Employability), aimed at revolutionizing India’s technical education ecosystem. This flagship project focuses on uplifting 1,000 tier-2 and tier-3 engineering and technology institutions with lower academic outcomes, helping them transition into hubs of innovation, research, and employability.
Project PRACTICE: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Project PRACTICE introduces project-based learning, live industry projects, and enhanced employability skills to boost the quality of technical education. Backed by AICTE and its partners—Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF), LEAP, and CRISP—the initiative has received an infusion of ₹23.31 crore. The program is designed to support students and faculty in institutions often overlooked by mainstream reforms.
According to TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE:
“AICTE has always strived to nurture not just employable engineers but leaders of innovation and nation-building. Project PRACTICE will redefine project-based learning and strengthen industry-academia collaboration, particularly in aspirational colleges with untapped potential.”
The project also integrates with AICTE’s Research Internship Portal and R&D Cell, giving students access to meaningful research opportunities. Additionally, Climate Cells will be set up in institutions to promote environmental responsibility and support India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Transforming Opportunities for Students and Faculty
Project PRACTICE is expected to directly benefit 20 lakh students and 10,000 faculty members across India. By strengthening industry linkages, the initiative will improve placement opportunities, encourage innovation, and build capacity in institutions that have historically been underserved.
In addition to PRACTICE, AICTE also launched two other major initiatives during Engineers’ Day 2025:
- Research Internship (ARI) Portal
- R&D and Climate Cell in all AICTE-approved institutions
These initiatives complement PRACTICE by ensuring students have access to cutting-edge tools, research, and mentorship, further improving India’s technical education standards.
Empowering Students with AI Tools
In a forward-looking move, Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, announced free access to AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity Go for students. This will enable them to save time on routine tasks, focus on critical learning, and engage deeply in research activities.
Focus on Non-Metropolitan Institutions
According to R Subrahmanyam, Founder and CEO of CRISP, the focus of Project PRACTICE is on “non-meritorious and often neglected institutions”. By extending support to these colleges, AICTE aims to bring them into the mainstream of quality technical education and innovation, ensuring equitable development across regions.
