Cabinet Approves MERITE Scheme

Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the implementation of the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme in 275 technical institutions — 175 engineering institutions and 100 polytechnics — across all States and Union Territories.

• Type: Central Sector Scheme

• Outlay: ₹4,200 crore (2025–26 to 2029–30)

• Funding: ₹2,100 crore loan from the World Bank

Objectives:
Aligned with National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020), the scheme aims to improve quality, equity, and governance in technical education.

Coverage & Beneficiaries:

• Government/Government-aided institutions: NITs, State Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, Affiliating Technical Universities (ATUs)

• State/UT technical education departments

• Around 7.5 lakh students to benefit

Key Expected Outcomes:

• Digitalisation strategies in States/UTs

• Guidelines for multidisciplinary technical programs

• Improved learning, employability, and transition rates

• Strengthened research and innovation ecosystem

• Enhanced quality assurance and accreditation

• Labour market–aligned curricula and blended learning

• Development of future academic administrators, with emphasis on women faculty

Implementation Strategy:

• Implemented in government engineering institutions/polytechnics nationwide

• Funds transferred via a Central Nodal Agency

• Collaboration with IITs, IIMs, AICTE, NBA and other regulatory bodies

Employment Generation Measures:

• Internships and industry-aligned curricula

• Faculty development programs

• Research hubs, incubation centres, skill labs, maker labs, and language workshops

• Focus on improving graduate employability and placement rates

Background:
Formulated with World Bank collaboration, the scheme addresses NEP-2020 reforms, including curriculum revamp, pedagogy improvement, research strengthening, gender gap reduction, faculty skill upgradation, and bridging the digital divide.