Third Edition of AICTE-VAANI Scheme Launched to Strengthen Indian Languages in Technical Education
New Delhi, April 17, 2026 — In a significant push towards linguistic inclusivity in higher education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the third edition of its flagship AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) scheme. The initiative aims to promote the use of Indian languages in technical education and research, making knowledge more accessible to students across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The scheme was formally inaugurated by AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh, who also unveiled the official scheme document and a dedicated online application portal. The launch marks a continued effort by AICTE to bridge the language gap in technical learning and foster a more inclusive academic ecosystem.
Focus on Accessibility and Inclusivity
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Singh emphasized that the VAANI scheme is designed to build a robust knowledge ecosystem in regional languages, enabling students and researchers to engage with cutting-edge technological advancements in their native languages.
He highlighted a key challenge faced by many students transitioning from school to higher education:
“Students who study in their mother tongue often struggle when technical education is delivered in English. Teaching complex concepts in native languages can significantly improve their understanding and performance.”
The initiative, therefore, seeks to democratize technical knowledge, ensuring that language is not a barrier to innovation and learning.
Strengthening Research and Industry Collaboration
The scheme also aims to encourage the publication of research papers in Indian languages, thereby expanding the reach of scholarly work beyond English-speaking audiences. Additionally, it is expected to enhance collaboration between academia and industry, particularly in regional contexts where local language engagement can drive better adoption of technology and innovation.
AICTE Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath reiterated the importance of the initiative, stating that:
“Making technical education accessible in students’ mother languages will create a more supportive learning environment and contribute to the nation’s overall progress.”
Key Features of the Third Edition
- Annual Funding: ₹4 crore allocated to support academic events
- Coverage: 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops annually
- Financial Support: ₹2 lakh per selected institution
- Duration of Events: 2–3 days
- Languages Covered: 22 Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, and others
- Thrust Areas: 16 emerging domains such as:
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Quantum Technology
- Hydrogen Energy
- Cybersecurity
- Space & Defense
- Agrotech
Application Details
AICTE-approved institutions can submit applications online from April 18 to May 17, 2026, through the AICTE-ATAL portal.
Impact Since Inception
Since its launch, the VAANI scheme has made notable contributions to the academic landscape:
- Facilitated publication of over 200 research papers in Indian languages
- Encouraged regional content creation in technical domains
- Strengthened institution-industry collaboration
- Built a growing repository of multilingual technical knowledge
A Step Towards Equitable Education
The third edition of the AICTE-VAANI scheme reinforces the government’s broader vision of inclusive and equitable education under the National Education Policy (NEP). By promoting Indian languages in technical education, the initiative not only enhances comprehension and participation but also empowers a larger segment of the population to contribute to India’s innovation ecosystem.
For stakeholders in the skill development and education sector, the scheme presents a valuable opportunity to localize technical knowledge, expand outreach, and strengthen capacity-building efforts across regions.
