MERITE Scheme Approved for Reforming Technical Education
On August 8, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the implementation of the 'Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education' (MERITE) scheme across 275 technical institutions, including 175 engineering and 100 polytechnic institutions.
The objective of this scheme is to improve the quality, equity, and governance of technical education across all states and union territories in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020).
This is a 'Central Sector Scheme' with a total financial outlay of ₹4,200 crore for the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Out of this, ₹2,100 crore will be external aid received as a loan from the World Bank.
Under this scheme, approximately 275 government/government-aided technical institutions will be selected and supported. These will include select National Institutes of Technology (NITs), state engineering institutions, polytechnics, and affiliated technical universities (ATUs).
In addition, departments of states/UTs related to technical education will also be supported through the MERITE scheme.
This scheme is expected to benefit approximately 7.5 lakh students across the country.