Nagpur, India-  In the past 2-3 years, there's been a big rise in interest in new fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Sciences. This has led to fewer students choosing traditional engineering fields like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, and Electronics. To address this, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has created a new scheme to attract students to core engineering courses by offering stipends.

AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam introduced the 'Young Achievers Scholarship and Holistic Academic Skills Venture Initiative' (YASHASVI) Scheme 2024. This scheme is for students pursuing degrees or diplomas in Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering.

Prof. Sitharam explained that the scheme's goal is to promote core engineering branches, which are important for the growth of manufacturing industries. He said, "The YASHASVI initiative supports talented students in core engineering branches. This scholarship aims to encourage students to join Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering programs at AICTE-approved institutions."

AICTE believes core engineering is crucial for India's development and has the potential to make India a global technology leader. AICTE is working to strengthen these courses and improve job opportunities for students. Vice-Chairman Dr Abhay Jere and Member Secretary Prof. Rajive Kumar also attended the event.

Prof. Rajendra Kakde, Advisor to the AICTE Chairman, said, "Each year, this scholarship will benefit 5,000 students, with 2,500 scholarships for degree students and 2,500 for diploma students. Degree students will get Rs 18,000 per year for up to four years, while diploma students will get Rs 12,000 per year for up to three years. The scholarships will be paid directly to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)."

On the selection process, Prof. Kakde explained, "The scholarship is based on merit. Degree students are selected based on their 12th-grade marks, and diploma students are selected based on their 10th-grade marks. To renew the scholarship each year, students must submit their passing certificate/mark sheet and a letter from their Institution Head. Applications for the YASHASVI scholarship will be invited once a year. Eligible students need to apply online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after the application process starts."

Students can find more information and application details on the AICTE website.