The CM SRISTHI Scheme, approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet on 6 October 2026, aims to establish Centres of Excellence and research hubs in public universities, government colleges and polytechnics. The Higher and Technical Education Department will oversee the scheme, which will run from 2026 to 2031. The detailed Government Resolution and implementation guidelines are awaited.
Maharashtra CM SRISTHI Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | CM SRISTHI Scheme, also known as CM Srushti Yojana |
| Full Form | Scheme for Research, Innovations and Technological Hubs in Higher Education Institutions |
| Cabinet Approval Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Approved By | Maharashtra State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis |
| Implementing Department | Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra |
| Implementing Institution | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere |
| Scheme Duration | 2026 to 2031, covering the financial years 2026 to 2027 through 2030 to 2031 |
| Eligible Institutions | Public universities, government colleges, government polytechnics, ICT Mumbai, COEP Technological University and DBATU Lonere |
| Main Objectives | Establish Centres of Excellence and research hubs, promote AI and deep tech, update curricula to align with Industry 5.0 and encourage international collaboration |
| Monitoring Authority | State Steering Committee headed by the Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department |
| Current Status | Cabinet approved; detailed Government Resolution awaited |
| Official Updates | Maharashtra Government Resolutions Portal |
Introduction of Maharashtra CM SRISTHI Scheme: A Brief Insight
Maharashtra has several reputed universities and engineering colleges, but many government institutions still need modern research facilities and stronger industry connections. To promote research and prepare students for emerging technologies, the State Government has introduced the CM SRISTHI Scheme, also known as CM Srushti Yojana.
CM SRISTHI stands for Scheme for Research, Innovations and Technological Hubs in Higher Education Institutions. The Maharashtra Cabinet, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the scheme on 6 October 2026. The Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra, will implement it through Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere. The scheme aims to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to a technologically advanced Maharashtra.
Under the scheme, eligible institutions will establish Centres of Excellence in advanced technology fields, including Artificial Intelligence. They will also update engineering and polytechnic courses to align with Industry 5.0, establish dedicated research departments and develop partnerships with industries and international universities. The scheme will run for five years, from 2026 to 2031.
The scheme covers public universities, government colleges, government polytechnics, ICT Mumbai, COEP Technological University and DBATU Lonere. Students, faculty members and researchers will benefit from improved laboratories, specialised academic programmes and new research opportunities within their institutions.
The detailed Government Resolution is yet to be issued. In the meantime, eligible institutions can prepare their research plans and monitor announcements from the Higher and Technical Education Department and the Directorate of Technical Education.
Young graduates interested in working with the government can explore the Maharashtra Chief Minister Fellowship Programme. Students seeking practical industry experience can check the PM Internship Scheme, while those planning higher education or research can explore financial support through the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme.
Students, researchers and other individuals looking for educational and welfare schemes offered by the Maharashtra Government can explore the available programmes on our Popular and Welfare Schemes List of Maharashtra Government page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The CM SRISTHI Scheme aims to strengthen research, innovation and technical education across Maharashtra’s public institutions. Planned for five years, from 2026 to 2031, the scheme will focus on developing advanced research facilities, updating academic curricula and expanding international collaboration in government universities, engineering colleges and polytechnics.
Key Benefits for Institutions
- Centres of Excellence: Establish specialised centres focused on deep tech and frontier technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
- Modern Research Infrastructure: Upgrade facilities in government engineering colleges and polytechnics.
- Industry 5.0 Aligned Courses: Introduce updated curricula that reflect emerging technologies and changing industry requirements.
- Dedicated Technology Departments: Support postgraduate, PhD and postdoctoral research through specialised departments in universities.
- Research Parks and Innovation Hubs: Promote research facilities that connect academic institutions with industry.
- Expert Institutional Guidance: Encourage support and collaboration from leading institutions such as IIT Bombay, IIM Mumbai, IIM Nagpur, IISER Pune, TIFR and ICT.
Opportunities for Global Exposure
- Promote the internationalisation of higher education in Maharashtra.
- Encourage academic and research partnerships with international universities.
- Support efforts to attract foreign students and international institutions to the State.
Industry Collaboration and Funding Support
- Strengthen industry and academic partnerships to connect research activities with practical industry requirements.
- Encourage the use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and industry contributions alongside government funding.
- Prioritise investment in research equipment, laboratories and innovation facilities while limiting expenditure on new buildings.
Benefits for Students and Researchers
- Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities within their institutions.
- More opportunities to pursue postgraduate, PhD and postdoctoral research.
- Practical exposure to emerging technologies and industry relevant skills that may improve future employment prospects.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The CM SRISTHI Scheme is intended for government and public institutions under Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Department. Private unaided colleges and universities are not included in the stated list of eligible institutions.
Institutions Covered Under the Scheme
- All public universities under the Higher and Technical Education Department
- All government higher and technical education institutions, including government engineering colleges
- All government polytechnics
- Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai
- COEP Technological University, Pune
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), Lonere, Raigad
Key Requirements for Participating Institutions
- Readiness to establish a Centre of Excellence focused on deep tech or other frontier technologies
- A plan to introduce Industry 5.0 aligned curricula
- Willingness to develop industry partnerships and collaborate with national or international institutions
- A clear plan to use funds for research facilities, laboratories and fellowships instead of constructing new buildings
Who Can Benefit from the Scheme?
- Students: Those enrolled in postgraduate, PhD and postdoctoral programmes at eligible institutions
- Faculty and researchers: Those involved in advanced technology research and development projects
- Industry partners: Companies seeking research collaborations and access to skilled talent
Institutions and Applicants Not Covered
- Private unaided colleges and universities
- Institutions that do not fall under the Higher and Technical Education Department
- Individual students applying directly, as the scheme provides support through eligible institutions
Documents Required to be Attached
The CM SRISTHI Scheme, also known as CM Srushti Yojana, focuses on strengthening research and innovation in higher education institutions. Universities, colleges and polytechnics will submit proposals to establish Centres of Excellence and research hubs. As the official Government Resolution containing the final document checklist is awaited, institutions should prepare the following records in advance to support their proposals.
Institutional Details
- Institution profile with affiliation and approval details
- Accreditation and ranking records, such as NAAC grade or NIRF ranking, if available
- Details of existing research laboratories, equipment and other facilities
- Faculty details, particularly research experience and PhD supervision credentials
Proposal Related Documents
- Detailed Project Proposal: Outline the proposed Centre of Excellence or research hub, including its focus area, objectives and implementation timeline.
- Estimated Budget: Provide a cost breakdown for research equipment, laboratory facilities and fellowships.
- Industry Partnership Plan: Include letters of interest or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry partners, where available.
- CSR or Industry Funding Details: Provide records of any committed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support or industry co funding.
- Collaboration Documents: Attach MoUs or collaboration letters from national or international institutions, if applicable.
Research and Outcome Records
- Records of previous research projects, published papers and patents
- Details of ongoing postgraduate, PhD and postdoctoral programmes
- A sustainability plan explaining how the centre could generate long term support through industry grants, patents and sponsorships
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the CM SRISTHI Scheme on 6 October 2026. However, the Government Resolution containing the complete rules and application procedure is still awaited. Once the government releases the official guidelines, eligible institutions will be able to follow the prescribed process to submit their proposals. Until then, institutions can understand the expected steps and prepare in advance.
Expected Application Process for Institutions
Step 1: First, the Higher and Technical Education Department will issue a Government Resolution. This document will explain the scheme rules, funding details, eligibility conditions and proposal submission process. Institutions can check the Maharashtra Government Resolutions Portal for the official notification.
Step 2: After the government announces the application process, eligible institutions will be able to participate. These may include public universities, government colleges, government polytechnics, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), COEP Technological University and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), as specified in the final guidelines.
Step 3: Each participating institution will need to prepare a detailed proposal. The proposal should explain which research area it wants to develop, what facilities it needs, how much funding it requires, which industries it wants to work with and what results it expects to achieve.
Step 4: The institution will submit its proposal according to the instructions in the Government Resolution. The government will announce the submission method, required documents and deadlines through the official guidelines.
Step 5: The State Steering Committee, headed by the Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department, is expected to examine the proposals and decide which projects to approve, as described in the Cabinet decision.
Step 6: Institutions whose proposals receive approval will be able to proceed with the planned activities. These may include setting up research laboratories, starting research programmes and developing partnerships with industries and international institutions.
Step 7: The government will monitor the progress of approved projects during the scheme period. A detailed review is also expected after the scheme period ends in 2030 to 2031.
What Institutions Can Do Right Now
Step 1: Identify the research areas in which the institution has strong potential. These may include Artificial Intelligence, deep tech and other advanced technologies.
Step 2: Begin discussions with companies, industry experts and potential Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funders. These partnerships may help institutions develop stronger research proposals.
Step 3: Prepare a list of existing laboratories, research equipment, faculty members and research facilities. Keeping these details ready will make it easier to prepare the proposal when the official application process begins.
What Students and Faculty Members Can Do
Step 1: Students should regularly check notices published by their university or college. These notices may provide information about new research centres, academic programmes and fellowship opportunities after the scheme becomes operational.
Step 2: Faculty members and researchers can discuss their research ideas with the institution’s management. The institution may consider suitable ideas while preparing its proposal.
Step 3: Students who want to pursue postgraduate, PhD or postdoctoral research should watch for official announcements about new programmes and fellowships. They will need to follow the admission or selection process announced by the concerned institution.
Important: Institutions and interested applicants can also check the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra website for relevant notices and updates about technical education institutions.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Maharashtra Government Resolutions portal, for the CM SRISTHI Scheme GR
- Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra
- Government of Maharashtra official portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Nodal Department: Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra
- Implementing Institution: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad
- For Technical Institutions: Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra
- For Universities and Colleges: Directorate of Higher Education, Maharashtra
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The CM SRISTHI Scheme is a Maharashtra Government initiative that aims to promote research, innovation and advanced technology in public universities, government colleges and polytechnics by developing Centres of Excellence.
Ans. CM SRISTHI stands for Scheme for Research, Innovations and Technological Hubs in Higher Education Institutions.
Ans. Yes. The scheme is also referred to as CM Srushti Yojana in Marathi news reports and announcements.
Ans. The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the scheme on 6 October 2026.
Ans. The Higher and Technical Education Department of the Government of Maharashtra is responsible for the scheme.
Ans. The scheme is planned for five years, from 2026 to 2031, covering the financial years 2026 to 2027 through 2030 to 2031. The government will review the scheme after this period.
Ans. The stated list includes public universities, government higher and technical education institutions, government polytechnics, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, COEP Technological University, Pune, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), Lonere.
Ans. Private unaided colleges and universities are not included in the stated list of eligible institutions. The final eligibility conditions will depend on the official Government Resolution.
Ans. No. The scheme provides support through eligible institutions rather than individual students. Students may benefit from research facilities, academic programmes and other opportunities developed by participating institutions.
Ans. Industry 5.0 refers to an approach that combines advanced technology with human skills and practical needs. Under the scheme, institutions aim to update their engineering and polytechnic courses to prepare students for changing industry requirements.
Ans. A State Steering Committee headed by the Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department will oversee the scheme.
Ans. The total budget and detailed funding pattern have not yet been specified in the information provided. The Government Resolution is expected to clarify these details.
Ans. You can check the Maharashtra Government Resolutions Portal for the official notification and further updates about the scheme.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.