Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed universities and implementing agencies to submit proposals for research fellowships under the Chief Minister’s ASPIRE (Augmenting Soft Skills and Promoting Innovation, Research, and Excellence) scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen technical education, enhance research opportunities, and improve employability among students in government ITIs, polytechnics, and technical universities.
According to a communication dated January 22, 2026, Sukanta Kumar Pradhan, Additional Secretary of the Skill Development & Technical Education (SD&TE) Department, informed Vice-Chancellors and agencies about the decisions taken at the first Steering Committee meeting held on December 24, 2025, chaired by Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of SD&TE.
The ASPIRE scheme, launched in September 2025 with a total outlay of Rs 120 crore over three years (2025-26 to 2027-28), includes five components: Employability Skills Training for ITI and Polytechnic students, Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) courses for ITI students, research fellowships for students in government technical universities, Mukhyamantri Dakshyata Puraskar awards for excellence, and the rejuvenation of Model Career Centres to improve career guidance and support.
Under the research fellowship component, eligible students will receive Rs 30,000 per month for four years, along with contingency support for research and publications. Students already receiving benefits under similar state schemes will not be eligible for duplicate funding.
The communication from the SD&TE Department stressed that proposals must strictly follow the scheme guidelines, and release of funds for other components, including Model Career Centres, will proceed once budgetary formalities are completed.
