SCAFE
Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience
6.8/10"Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)" was introduced by AICTE to provide financial assistance for construction of hostel to create a congenial study atmosphere free from the shackles of domestic shores so as to encourage students to purse their education.
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry of Education
Nodal department: Department Of Higher Education
Scheme for: Infra
Scheme profile
Categories: Education & Learning
Sub-categories: Resources for schools, Universities and higher education
Target beneficiaries: Institution
Tags: Accomodation, Institution, Hostel
Details
"Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)" introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Department of Higher Education (DoHE), aims to support the construction or extension of hostels to ensure that students have a suitable living space that promotes academic growth and personal development. It caters to SC/ST, differently-abled, and NER students, enabling them to pursue education without the burden of domestic responsibilities. Financial aid is provided for constructing the hostel and related facilities like gyms, sports clubs, and libraries, aiming to create a holistic learning environment.
Benefits
- Limit of Funding from AICTE: ₹3.25 crore
- Construction of Hostel: ₹3,00,00,000/-.- Establishment of Gym equipment: ₹5,00,000/-.- Establishment of Indoor sports club: ₹10,00,000/-.- Establishment of the library for preparation of tests for competitive examination/higher education : ₹10,00,000/-. Disbursement of the Funds:
- First Installment (50%): Disbursed in advance upon proposal sanction for hostel construction.- Second Installment (40%): Released after spot inspection and utilization of the first installment.- Third Installment (10%): Disbursed after submission of the completion certificate and all mandatory documents.- Additional Funds: For gym, sports club, and library after the second installment and competitive quotations
Limit of Funding from AICTE: ₹ 3.25 crore
- Construction of Hostel: ₹ 3,00,00,000/-.- Establishment of Gym equipment: ₹ 5,00,000/-.- Establishment of Indoor sports club: ₹ 10,00,000/-.- Establishment of the library for preparation of tests for competitive examination/higher education: ₹ 10,00,000/-.
Disbursement of the Funds:
- First Installment (50%): Disbursed in advance upon proposal sanction for hostel construction.- Second Installment (40%): Released after spot inspection and utilization of the first installment.- Third Installment (10%): Disbursed after submission of the completion certificate and all mandatory documents.- Additional Funds: For gym, sports club, and library after the second installment and competitive quotations.
Eligibility
- The Institutes must be AICTE-approved Government/Government-aided engineering colleges, university departments, or polytechnics.
- The Institutes must have been in existence for at least five years.
- The Institute must have more than:
For CAFES SC/ST students: At least 200 SC/ST students on roll.
For CAFES NER: At least 60 students from NER per year.
For CAFES Differently Abled: At least 150 differently-abled students on roll.
Terms and Conditions:
- Annual Progress Report should be submitted within 2 months of completion of the year.
- After completion of the project, a Project Completion Report should be submitted.
- Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts in prescribed proforma duly audited by the Finance Officer/Account Officer.
- If the construction work is not initiated within six months then the amount is to be refunded to AICTE with accrued interest with justification for not being able to start.
- Any change in the construction plan leading to a reduction in the facilities or area would not be allowed.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility6.0
- Financial impact9.5
- Rural utility5.0
- Awareness7.0
- Simplicity4.0
- Inclusivity7.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The scheme aims to enhance educational facilities by providing financial assistance for hostel construction, particularly benefiting SC/ST and differently-abled students.
Key challenges addressed
- Lack of adequate accommodation for students
- Domestic responsibilities hindering education
Most beneficial for
- Government and government-aided engineering colleges
- Institutes with significant SC/ST and differently-abled student populations
Likely challenges
- Complex application process
- Eligibility restrictions for newer institutes
Practical insights for citizens
The scheme's benefits may not reach all intended beneficiaries due to complex eligibility and application requirements.
Rural challenges
- Limited access to information about the scheme
- Potential lack of infrastructure to support application processes
Digital challenges
- Dependence on offline processes may hinder timely applications
Implementation bottlenecks
- Strict eligibility criteria may exclude some deserving institutions
Awareness challenges
- Low awareness among rural institutions about the scheme
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Offline office
- Verification complexity
- Moderate
- Office dependency
- High
- DBT dependency
- Low
- CSC support
- Limited
- Estimated citizen effort
- High
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Cash
- Benefit frequency
- One-time funding for construction
- Benefit practicality
- High, as it addresses critical infrastructure needs.
- Financial meaningfulness
- High, with a maximum funding limit of ₹3.25 crore.
- Long-term impact
- Positive, as improved facilities can enhance educational outcomes.
Plain-language guidance
This scheme helps colleges build hostels for students, especially those from SC/ST backgrounds. It provides financial support to create better living conditions for learning.
- Who should apply
- Government and government-aided engineering colleges and polytechnics.
- Who may struggle
- Newly established institutes and those with fewer eligible students.
- Best application route
- Apply through the AICTE portal with the institute's credentials.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: Kindly visit the AICTE Web Portal and log in through the Institute's Login Credential (Username & Password).
Step 2: Select the Scheme to apply i.e. CAFES scheme application.
Step 3: To fill out the application form, kindly refer to the validating User Manual on the AICTE website.
Step 4: After completion, click on SUBMIT.
Step 5: Verify that every page of the application form has the signature and stamp of the Institute’s Head.
Step 6: After submitting the application form, click on reports.
Step 7: In Run Report, select "CAFES" and Submit (download the report).
Step 8: Upload all the essential documents along with the online application form.
Helpdesk:
For Scheme Related Information:
Email address: cafesidc@aicte-india.org
Phone Number: (011) 29581340
For Technical Information:
Email address: it3idc@aicte-india.org
Phone Number: (011) 29581334
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What Are The Objectives Of The "CAFES" Scheme?
Objective (a) The scheme is initiated to facilitate the continuation of education and also the interaction between the students beyond class hours for their all-around development. (b) The scheme aims to support Government/ Government-aided engineering colleges/ University departments/ Polytechnics for the construction of hostels for providing residential accommodation for students/researchers. (c) This AICTE scheme also allows the extension of existing hostels in the institute by additional construction work to benefit the students. (d) This scheme has three variants addressing the needs of: (i) CAFES - SC/ST students (ii) CAFES - NER (Institute located in North Eastern Region) (iii) CAFES - Differently Abled students
- How Many Variants Are To This Scheme?
This scheme has three variants addressing the needs of: (i) CAFES - SC/ST students (ii) CAFES - NER (Institute located in North Eastern Region) (iii) CAFES - Differently Abled students
- Does The Scheme Also Provide Support To Polytechnics?
Yes, the scheme aims to support Government/ Government-aided engineering colleges/ University departments/ Polytechnics for the construction of hostels for providing residential accommodation for students/researchers.
- Is There An Upper Ceiling To The Financial Assistance Of The Universities?
Yes, the limit of Funding from AICTE is ₹ 3.25 crore
- What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Construction Of The Hostel?
Construction of Hostel: ₹ 3,00,00,000
- What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Establishment Of Gym Equipment?
Establishment of Gym equipment: ₹ 5,00,000
- Are The Funds Disbursed In Installments Or As A Lump Sum?
Disbursement of the Funds is done in installments - (a) Disbursement of 50% of the amount (1st installment) in advance upon sanction of the proposal, out of funds for the construction of the hostel. (b) Disbursement of 40% of the amount (2nd installment), out of funds for the construction of the hostel on utilization of the 1st installment to be released only after spot inspection carried out by an Evaluation Committee comprising of two engineers (one each from Civil & Architect) from AICTE approved panel to be organized by concerned RO AICTE. The EVC report should contain all the mandatory documents. (c) Disbursement of the remaining 10% of the amount (3rd installment), out of funds for the construction of the hostel on submitting a completion certificate by registered Civil Engineer/ Architect/ PWD and submission of all other mandatory documents as mentioned in the sanction letters and the parameter of the scheme.
- What Are The Conditions Regarding The Funds For The Establishment Of The Gym, And Indoor Sports Club?
The funds for the establishment of the gym, indoor sports club, and the establishment of the library would be granted on submission of a proper quotation at a competitive rate after the release of the 2nd installment amount and handing over the building in all respects.
- Are Newly Opened Institutes Eligible To Apply To This Scheme?
No, the Institute must be in existence for the last five years in order to be eligible to apply to this scheme.
- Are All The Institutes Throughout The Country Eligible For "CAFES – SC/ST Students"?
The Institutes located in Punjab, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & UTs are not covered under the CAFES - SC/ST students scheme.
- When Must The Annual Progress Report Be Submitted?
Annual Progress Report should be submitted within 2 months of completion of the year.
- Who Should Audit The Utilization Certificate And Statement Of Accounts?
Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts in prescribed proforma must be duly audited by the Finance Officer/Account Officer.
- What If The Institute Fails To Initiate The Construction Work Within Six Months?
If the construction work is not initiated within six months then the amount is to be refunded to AICTE with accrued interest with justification for not being able to start.
- Does The Scheme Allow For Changes In The Construction Plan?
Any change in the construction plan leading to a reduction in the facilities or area would not be allowed.
- What Should Be The Strength Of The CAFES Variants?
The Institute must have more than: CAFES (SC/ST students) - 200 SC/ST students on roll. CAFES (NER) - 60 students on a roll per year. CAFES (Differently abled students) - 150 Differently abled students.
- Are The Institutes Located In Meghalaya, Mizoram, And Nagaland Covered In This Scheme?
No, institutes located in Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland are not covered.
- Where Should The Hard Copy Of The Application Form Be Sent?
Kindly ensure all the information is correct and then send the Application form along with all the essential documents through registered post/ speed post to: Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Advisor Institutional DevelopmentCell All India Council for Technical Education, Nelson Madela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070
- How Many Copies Of The Plan And Detailed Estimates Must Be Submitted?
Two copies of the plan and detailed estimates duly signed by the Engineer/Architect and countersigned by the Principal.
Official links
- https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/scafe
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/CAFES%20SCHEME%20DOCUMENT%202020-21_20_01_21.pdf
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/User%20Manual%20for%20CAFES%20scheme.pdf
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/CAFES_Annexures.pdf
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/How%20to%20apply(CAFES).pdf
References
- Guidelines
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/CAFES%20SCHEME%20DOCUMENT%202020-21_20_01_21.pdf
- User Manual - Application Process
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/User%20Manual%20for%20CAFES%20scheme.pdf
- Annexure
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/CAFES_Annexures.pdf
- Documents Required
- https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/CAFES/How%20to%20apply(CAFES).pdf
Apply
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Institution through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Eligibility for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Benefits under Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience is managed by Department Of Higher Education and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Applications for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is income certificate required for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience.
- Is Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience a central government scheme?
- Yes, Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Can students apply for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
- Is scholarship amount provided under Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.