AICTE launches third edition of VAANI scheme to promote Indian languages

The All India Council for Technical Education has rolled out the third edition of its AICTE VAANI scheme to promote the use of Indian languages in technical education.

The initiative was launched by AICTE Chairman Prof Yogesh Singh, along with the release of the scheme document and an online portal for applications.

Speaking at the launch, Singh said the scheme is designed to create an inclusive knowledge ecosystem in regional languages, allowing students and researchers to access advancements in technology in their native languages.

He added that it would support the publication of research papers in Indian languages and encourage stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

He also pointed out that students who study in their mother tongue at the school level often face difficulties when higher education shifts to English, noting that they tend to perform better when concepts are taught in their native languages.

AICTE Member Secretary Prof Shyama Rath said the initiative will help make technical education more accessible and meaningful for students across the country.

She said that the availability of study material and a supportive academic environment in regional languages would benefit learners and contribute to national development.

Under the scheme, ₹4 crore will be allocated annually to support 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops. Each selected institution will receive ₹2 lakh, with events planned over two to three days in 22 regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Urdu.

The program will focus on 16 key areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Quantum Technology, Hydrogen Energy, Cybersecurity, Space and Defense, and Agrotech. Applications from AICTE-approved institutions will be accepted online from April 18 to May 17, 2026, through the AICTE ATAL portal.

Since its launch, the VAANI scheme has supported the publication of more than 200 research papers in Indian languages and promoted content creation and collaboration between institutions and industry, aiming to expand access and inclusivity in technical education.