What is the purpose of Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, University / Institution, Government Organisation through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.

Who can apply for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

Eligibility for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

Benefits under Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence is managed by Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.

Can users apply online for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

Applications for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

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 Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence a central government scheme?

Yes, Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.

Can CSC centres help users apply for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?

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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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.

SSUCE

Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence

The scheme aims to provide strategic funding for collaborative research and development in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector. It provides a grant of up to ₹5,00,00,000/- to existing Government universities and organizations for research equipment, staff, and technology commercialization.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Chemicals And Fertilizers

Nodal department: Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Transport & Infrastructure, Science, IT & Communications

Sub-categories: Infrastructure, Research & Development

Target beneficiaries: University / Institution, Government Organisation

Tags: Fellowship, Equipment, Patent, Institution, Scientist, University

Details

The scheme "Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence" was launched by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The scheme aims to help in the development of new products, newer applications, innovation, and improvement of technology, process innovation, quality, and environmentally sustainable development. The scheme provides financial support of up to a maximum of 50% of the total investment costs, subject to an upper limit of ₹5,00,00,000/-, primarily covering capital expenditure for laboratory equipment, plant machinery, and research staff over a period of five years. The applicant must be an existing government entity with a proven research track record and must submit a detailed project report through the head of their institution. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. The applications for this scheme are accepted online via email.

Benefits

- The scheme provides financial support for a maximum of 50% of the total investment or costs of the project, subject to an upper limit of ₹5,00,00,000/-
The funding includes support for laboratory equipment, plant and machinery, research literature, and consumables
The funding covers support for research staff, including Junior Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, and Research Associate till the project period
The grant covers expenses for organizing workshops, conferences, or seminars in the relevant area, and for the filing of patents
The duration of the financial support from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals is for a period of 5 years
The funds will be released to the beneficiary in three installments
Any funds generated from the disposal of capital equipment shall be flowed back to the Centre of Excellence. Disbursement
A minimum of 50% of the sanctioned grant must be used exclusively for the procurement of equipment for the project
Not more than 10% of the total grant sanctioned can be spent for organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences by the Centre of Excellence
The second and third installments will be released only after receiving a satisfactory achievement-cum-performance report
The subsequent installments are subject to the acceptance of the Utilization Certificate and the approval of the Project Sanctioning Committee. Conditions
The grantee institution must register at the Controller General of Accounts website

The scheme provides financial support for a maximum of 50% of the total investment or costs of the project, subject to an upper limit of ₹5,00,00,000/-.
The funding includes support for laboratory equipment, plant and machinery, research literature, and consumables.
The funding covers support for research staff, including Junior Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, and Research Associate till the project period.
The grant covers expenses for organizing workshops, conferences, or seminars in the relevant area, and for the filing of patents.
The duration of the financial support from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals is for a period of 5 years.
The funds will be released to the beneficiary in three installments.
Any funds generated from the disposal of capital equipment shall be flowed back to the Centre of Excellence.

Disbursement

A minimum of 50% of the sanctioned grant must be used exclusively for the procurement of equipment for the project.
Not more than 10% of the total grant sanctioned can be spent for organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences by the Centre of Excellence.
The second and third installments will be released only after receiving a satisfactory achievement-cum-performance report.
The subsequent installments are subject to the acceptance of the Utilization Certificate and the approval of the Project Sanctioning Committee.

Conditions

The grantee institution must register at the Controller General of Accounts website.
The grantee must continuously post progress reports and Utilization Certificates under the Expenditure Advance Transfer module.
Any unspent balance from the sanctioned amount, including accrued interest, must be refunded to the Government of India via an Account’s Payee Demand Draft.
The grantee must furnish an audited statement of accounts pertaining to the grant at the end of each financial year.
Half-yearly progress reports detailing equipment purchased, patents filed, and scholar activities must be submitted to the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
All acquired assets must be installed permanently in the premises of the Centre of Excellence and not in any other department.
The Centre of Excellence must report their achievements yearly to enable documenting success stories and shortcomings.

Eligibility

The applicant must be an existing Central or State Government University, or a Government organization with a proven track record of academic excellence or research.
The applicant must be currently engaged in research and development activities in the chemical or petrochemical sector.
The applicant must demonstrate current research engagement through publications, research projects, consultancy assignments, and registered Doctor of Philosophy candidates.
The applicant must have adequate infrastructure in terms of land and building to house the Centre of Excellence, research scholars, equipment, and machinery.
The applicant must have sufficient and competent manpower or research staff who could be engaged in the proposed field.
The applicant must appoint a Team Leader who is an established research scientist with requisite administrative experience.
The applicant must ensure that the Team Leader has continuity in research, demonstrated by publications in the last five years in peer-reviewed international journals.
The applicant must ensure that the Co-investigator and other team members are under the permanent payroll of the proposed institute.
The applicant must ensure that the Co-investigator and other team members have publications in international journals.
The applicant should have an industrial partner from the beginning for promoting applied research, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Post-Selection Conditions

The applicant must execute a Bond on a non-judicial stamp paper before any grants-in-aid are released.
The applicant must take appropriate safety and insurance measures to safeguard against any loss to human life and property related to the Centre of Excellence.
The applicant must indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals from any losses, expenses, or liabilities.
The applicant must obtain prior permission from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals before disposing of unserviceable capital equipment worth more than ₹1,00,000/-.

Application Process

Online

Step 1: Preparation of the Project Report

The Team Leader of the proposed Centre of Excellence must comprehensively prepare the Project Report based on the broad areas of research. This proposal must be filled out using the enclosed proforma and must include a logical framework specifying sub-activities, outputs, assumptions, and timelines.

Step 2: Internal Submission and Review

The Team Leader must submit the completed Project Report to the Head of the institution for rigorous internal evaluation. The Head of the institution must assess the proposal for qualitative improvements and internal competitiveness among different units.

Step 3: Endorsement by the Head of the Institution

The Head of the institution must append specific recommendations and observations regarding the identified centre's past achievements and infrastructure availability. This endorsement must explicitly state the centre's potential for growth and the justification for additional support.

Step 4: Final Submission via Email

The Head of the institution must e-mail the finalized and complete proposal to the official address at shalini.mahajan@nic.in. All required documentation and specific proposals must be appropriately attached before the deadline.

Application Deadlines

The deadline for the submission of complete proposals is 31st July of the respective year.

Grievance Redressal / Help & Support

The applicants can reach out for queries to - The Joint Director, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, 011-23385263.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

To ensure our proposed project head meets the necessary criteria, could you specify the timeframe within which they need to have actively published their research work?: The project head must demonstrate continuity in research by having published work within the last five years.
Our institution has conducted extensive studies in various scientific domains, but what specific sector must we be actively investigating right now to be considered for this financial support?: Your institution must be currently engaged in research and development activities specifically within the chemical or petrochemical sector.
Since we need to prove our current involvement in the required research sector, what exact indicators or records does the evaluation committee look for to verify our active status?: You must demonstrate your current involvement through publications, ongoing research projects, consultancy assignments, and having registered Doctor of Philosophy candidates.
We have several excellent guest lecturers and visiting scholars who could assist in this project; are they permitted to be part of the core investigating group?: No, the co-investigators and all other team members must be on the permanent payroll of your proposed institute.
We are currently operating out of a rented facility with limited space. What are the specific requirements regarding the physical premises needed to host this new research hub?: Your institution must have adequate infrastructure, specifically in terms of land and building, dedicated to housing the proposed centre.
Regarding the published work of our proposed project head, are there any strict requirements regarding the types of journals where their studies must have been featured?: Yes, their research must have been published in various peer-reviewed international journals to meet the eligibility requirements.
We represent a privately funded academic organization with a strong science department. Are non-governmental bodies permitted to submit a proposal for this financial grant?: No, applications are exclusively invited from existing Central or State Government Universities, or Government organizations.
Beyond the physical facilities and equipment, what are the specific expectations regarding the personnel already available at our institution before we apply for the grant?: Your institute must already have sufficient and competent manpower or research staff who can be actively engaged in the proposed field of study.
When selecting the individual to spearhead this initiative, what specific professional background must they possess to be accepted as the head of the project?: The designated leader must be an established research scientist with a strong background in the relevant scientific domain.
Do the subordinate team members and co-investigators need to have a documented history of sharing their findings with the global scientific community?: Yes, all co-investigators and other team members are required to have a track record of publications in international journals.
If we do decide to bring a corporate partner on board for our proposed project, what specific roles or outcomes should this collaboration aim to achieve?: The partnership should be structured specifically for promoting applied research, facilitating technology transfer, and ensuring successful commercialization of the findings.
If we are awarded the maximum financial support of ₹5,00,00,000/-, do we need to have pre-existing space to store the items we intend to buy with the funds?: Yes, your infrastructure must be capable of housing all research scholars, equipment, and plant or machinery purchased using the grant.
Is it sufficient for the person leading the initiative to only have a strong academic and scientific background, or are there other managerial skills required?: The leader must also possess the requisite administrative experience to effectively direct the program and guide the co-investigators and team members.
Our government university was established very recently and we are just beginning our academic journey. What kind of historical performance is expected from applicant institutions?: Applicant institutions are required to have a well-documented and proven track record of academic excellence or successful research endeavors.

Official links

References

Guidelines: https://chemicals.gov.in/sites/default/files/notification/Extension-Invitation_of_applications-Guidelines_CoE.pdf
Invitation For Applications: https://chemicals.gov.in/sites/default/files/coe_documents/Guidelines%20for%20website.pdf

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, University / Institution, Government Organisation through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: Eligibility for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: Benefits under Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence is managed by Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: Applications for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: 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 Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence a central government scheme?: Yes, Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Scheme for Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence?: 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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 Setting Up of Centre of Excellence 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.