Rapid Fire
MERITE Scheme
- 11 Aug 2025
- 2 min read
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for implementation of the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme to enhance the quality across 275 institutions nationwide, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
- MERITE is a Central Sector Scheme with a total budget of Rs. 4200 crore for 2025-26 to 2029-30, including Rs. 2100 crore World Bank loan assistance.
- It targets engineering institutions and polytechnics, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), State Engineering Institutions, and Affiliating Technical Universities.
- The scheme aims to benefit about 7.5 lakh students across all States and Union Territories.
- Implementation: MERITE involves collaboration with premier institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and regulatory bodies such as All India Council for Technical Education and National Board of Accreditation.
- MERITE Focus Areas Include: Aims to digitalize education, develop multidisciplinary programs, and boost students’ learning and employability.
- It strengthens research, improves quality assurance, and expands accreditation.
- The scheme also focuses on creating labor-market aligned curricula and supporting future academic leaders, especially women.
| Read more: Future of Indian Higher Education System |
