About AICTE
Now, let's discuss the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). AICTE was established in November 1945. It was founded as an advisory council at the national level.
Think of it like the principal of all technical education in India. Its main job initially was to look around and see what kind of facilities we had for technical education and how we could improve them. But AICTE's role has grown a lot since then.
AICTE's vision is pretty inspiring. They want to be a world-class organization that drives technological and socio-economic development in India.
This shows that their goal is to enhance not only the technology industry but also the overall economy and society. Their goal is to make our scientists and engineers more competitive on a worldwide scale.
In simpler terms, they want to make sure that our engineers and technical experts are some of the best in the world. They also emphasize providing high-quality technical education to everyone, regardless of their background.
Read more Innovative Tinkering PM Shri Robotics Lab by Robocraze where we discussed PM SHRI Yojana
What is AICTE IDEA Lab
AICTE IDEA Labs are an excellent new initiative from the All India Council for Technical Education. They're all focused on helping students apply the knowledge they acquire in the classroom.
In an IDEA lab, students can engage in real-world projects while using what they've learned in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. That’s what AICTE IDEA Labs are designed to do!
AICTE is supporting these labs with funding of up to Rs. 55 Lakh for each institution. So far, 81 institutions across 22 states and Union Territories in India are setting up these labs.
The goal is to make engineering graduates more creative and imaginative and to teach essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, design thinking, teamwork, communication, and the importance of lifelong learning.
Have you heard about the PM SHRI Schools Scheme launched by the central government? Then read now Introducing Tinkering Labs in PM SHRI Schools for STEM and Robotics Education in India
Guidelines for Schools and Colleges to Apply for AICTE-IDEA Lab Scheme
If your institution is interested in establishing an AICTE-IDEA Lab, here’s what you need to know.
AICTE plans to add 150 new IDEA Labs during the 2024-25 academic year and is inviting online proposals from institutions that meet one of the following criteria:
- Your institution must be listed in the 8th Edition of the NIRF Rankings or the QS World Ranking Asia-2024.
- At least 30% of your courses should have NBA accreditation valid until April 30, 2025.
- You need a valid NAAC score of 3.01 or higher on a scale of 4.0.
- Your institution should have been granted ‘Autonomous Status’ by UGC or autonomy by AICTE.
- You must have maintained more than 80% admission consecutively for the last five academic years.
For those selected to set up an AICTE-IDEA Lab, here are the requirements:
- Provide a built-up space of at least 3000 square feet—The lab itself is 2000 square feet, while student activities take up 1000 square feet. Over the course of two years, you must invest Rs. 80 lakh on equipment, tools, and consumables while also conducting Rs. 30 lakh in activities and events.
- Appoint a Faculty Coordinator, Faculty Co-Coordinators, and at least four faculty members or technicians (Tech Gurus) to participate in Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) designed expressly for the AICTE-IDEA Lab.
- Open a separate savings bank account for the project to track costs and earnings, assuring the lab's transparency and sustainability.
- Follow all of the Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct provided in the AICTE-IDEA Lab Scheme paper.
Know about the List of AI & Robotics Lab Equipment for AICTE Idea Labs
Vision of AICTE Idea Labs
AICTE-IDEA Labs aims to change engineering education by developing institutions that combine hands-on learning with advanced STEM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
These labs are intended to be key components of educational institutions, which allow students to develop their ideas into physical prototypes while receiving practical experience.
By focusing on critical 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, design thinking, collaboration, communication, and lifelong learning, IDEA Labs aims to make engineering graduates more imaginative and innovative.
The focus will be on training students so that they become imaginative and creative and can contribute more to the workplaces they join.
IDEA Labs will be dynamic settings in which students and teachers can interact, explore, experience, express, and grow. They will promote multidisciplinary teaching and research by encouraging academics to create projects and internships in their domains and mentoring students.
With 24x7 access to a wide range of equipment and instruments, these laboratories will encourage ongoing creative work and skill development, and provide an environment in which traditional lab boundaries are pushed.
The ultimate objective is to have these laboratories on every campus, which will improve engineering education by offering important training and exposure to new concepts and technology.
Read more The Role of STEM Labs in K-12 School Education
Designing an Advanced AICTE-IDEA Lab:
It is really important to understand the vision and all guidelines to design an AICTE-IDEA Lab.
If a lab isn’t designed with this vision, students might miss out on vital hands-on experience, leaving a gap between theory and practice.
Without modern tools and opportunities for creative projects and real-world applications, it can be challenging to develop the skills needed for innovative thinking and future careers in technology.
These labs should be planned with the idea that students would be able to create and invent as well as learn.
This is made possible with the high-tech STEM labs by Robocraze, which combines a number of modern resources and opportunities. Let's see how:
Development of Patentable Products: You have the opportunity to create patented items in these labs! This means that you can actually innovate with your ideas. For example, you can work on a novel 3D-printed object or a new kind of robotic arm. Robocraze also supports technical events such as:- Faculty Development Programs (FDPs)
- Boot camps
- Conferences and workshops
- Skilling programs
- Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing for quick and accurate model creation
- CNC Machines for precise cutting and shaping
- Pneumatic System Design Labs for working with air-powered machines
- Reverse Engineering tools to understand and recreate existing designs
- Sintering Furnaces and Testing Facilities for material processing and quality checks
- Robotic Arms for MIG welding
- Higher-End Software Labs for advanced design and simulation
- Mechatronics Labs for integrating mechanical and electronic systems
Hands-On Experience: The labs include a fabrication area where you can develop prototypes. You’ll also have opportunities for:
- Consultancy Work to solve real-world problems
- Summer Internships to gain practical experience in the field
Learn more about our Advanced IDEA LAB
Lists of Equipment Robocraze Offer for IDEA Lab:
- Digital Storage Oscilloscope
- CNC Router
- Advanced Sewing Machine
- Heavy Duty Laser Printer
- Relay Modules
- Vinyl Cutter
- Computer Workstation
- Desoldering Machine
- Benchtop Multimeter
- Microwave Oven
- Handheld High-Speed Drilling Machine
- Digital Microscope
- Signal Generator
- Laser Cutter
- Electric Bicycle Motor & Accessories
- Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
- 3D Metal Printer
- Smart Board
- PCB Prototype Machine
- Portable Welding Machines
- PCB Milling Machine
- Benchtop Grinder Machine
- Drilling Machine (1 HP Motor)
- Solder Stations
- Desktop Lathe cum Milling Machine
- Quadcopter Assembly Kit
- Variable Power Supply
- GPIO Modules
A step-by-step guide to register under AICTE IDEA Lab Scheme from AICTE.
Conclusion
AICTE IDEA Labs are changing the way technical education works in India. AICTE, which has been guiding technical education since 1945, is now focusing on helping students use what they learn in the classroom in real-world projects.
Schools can get up to Rs. 55 lakh in financing for these laboratories, which provide students with the resources and equipment they need to develop their ideas into functional prototypes.
They place a strong emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity—skills necessary for success in the technologically advanced culture of today.
The labs are designed to be interesting places for students to learn and carry out experiments. AICTE IDEA Labs make learning more relevant and engaging by combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience.
This strategy allows students to develop their technical skills as well as their creative thinking. The two major goals are to ensure that students can continue to develop fresh ideas even after they graduate and to prepare them for future jobs.
