Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme 2026 is an initiative of the Maharashtra Government to promote research, innovation, technological development and industry collaboration in higher education institutions. The Higher and Technical Education Department issued the Government Resolution (GR) on 7 October 2026 after the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the scheme on 6 October 2026. CM-SRISTHI stands for Scheme for Research, Innovations and Technological Hubs in Higher Education Institutions.

The scheme covers eligible public universities, government higher and technical education institutions, government polytechnics and specified institutions, including the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, COEP Technological University, Pune, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere. It aims to strengthen institutional research capabilities, establish Centres of Excellence, support advanced technology research and modernise technical education.

The government will implement the scheme for five years, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31. Eligible institutions can seek project-based funding by submitting a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for evaluation and approval. The scheme also encourages industry participation, research partnerships and the development of technologies with commercial applications. It does not provide a fixed scholarship or direct cash assistance to individual students. Students interested in science and innovation can also explore the Maharashtra Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari Scheme, which encourages scientific learning through educational visits to leading scientific institutions.

Objectives of the CM-SRISTHI Scheme

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme, also called CM Srushti, aims to strengthen the state's higher education system by promoting research, innovation, technological development and industry collaboration. The Maharashtra Government introduced this initiative to support the Viksit Maharashtra @2047 vision and develop skilled human resources capable of working with advanced technologies. The scheme focuses on improving research capabilities and aligning higher education with emerging technological and industrial requirements.

The key objectives of the CM-SRISTHI Scheme include:

• Promote Advanced Research: Encourage fundamental, applied and translational research in emerging and frontier technology fields.
• Develop Technological Expertise: Strengthen research capabilities in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, robotics, semiconductors and other advanced fields.
• Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration: Connect educational institutions with industries to support joint research, practical training and technology transfer.
• Improve Institutional Excellence: Help universities and technical institutions develop specialised research facilities and Centres of Excellence.
• Enhance Global Competitiveness: Encourage international academic partnerships, research collaboration and global recognition for Maharashtra's higher education institutions.
• Support Innovation and Commercialisation: Promote research parks, incubation centres, prototypes, patents and technologies with potential commercial applications.

Through these objectives, the scheme seeks to strengthen Maharashtra's research ecosystem and contribute to the state's long-term economic and technological development.

Eligible Institutions

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme covers selected categories of public universities and government higher and technical education institutions in Maharashtra. The Government Resolution dated 7 October 2026 identifies the following institutions as eligible to participate in the scheme:

• All public universities under the Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra.
• Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai.
• COEP Technological University, Pune.
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad.
• All government higher and technical education institutions.
• All government polytechnics.

Institutions must also satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions specified in the Government Resolution to qualify for project funding under the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

Institutions seeking funding under the Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme must meet the eligibility conditions specified in the Government Resolution dated 7 October 2026. The requirements include accreditation, rankings, academic audits and compliance with state higher education regulations.

• Existing government institutions older than six years must have NAAC A+ accreditation or an equivalent assessment.
• Colleges must rank within the top 200 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
• Government engineering colleges must have autonomous status.
• Institutions must conduct an Academic and Administrative Audit (AAA) at least once every three years.
• Institutions must participate in the Department's "Parisar-Sampark" (campus outreach) scheme, as specified in the Government Resolution.
• Institutions must establish all applicable statutory committees required by the Maharashtra Government.
• Institutions must have started implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Institutions must comply with the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016, and its applicable guidelines.
• Institutions must fulfil the specified academic requirements, including the Academic Bank of Credits, integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), regular teacher training and implementation of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).

Note: These conditions are subject to the type of institution and the applicable provisions of the Government Resolution. Eligible institutions must also submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for consideration of project funding.

Key Components of the CM-SRISTHI Scheme

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme includes several initiatives to strengthen research infrastructure, promote advanced technology and improve collaboration between higher education institutions and industries. The scheme supports the development of specialised research facilities, modern academic programmes and innovation ecosystems across eligible institutions.

• Centres of Excellence (CoEs): Establish specialised centres to conduct advanced research in frontier technologies and emerging fields, with support from leading national and international institutions.
• Schools of Technology: Establish dedicated technology departments in public universities, focusing on postgraduate education, doctoral and postdoctoral research, applied research and industry collaboration.
• Transformation of Government Engineering Colleges and Polytechnics: Modernise selected government engineering colleges and polytechnics, upgrade laboratories and align technical education with Industry 5.0 requirements.
• Internationalisation of Higher Education: Attract international students and foreign universities through academic partnerships, joint and dual degrees, research collaborations and student-faculty exchanges.
• Meta University Initiative: Connect multiple universities, research institutions and industries to share academic resources, support interdisciplinary learning and promote collaborative research.
• Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence: Promote research, innovation and skill development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, robotics, generative AI and related technologies.
• Research Funding: Provide project-based financial support for fundamental, applied and policy-oriented research, including technical testing, prototype development and patent applications.
• Research Parks: Encourage universities, research institutions and industries to work together on practical research, technology development and industry-oriented innovation.
• CSR, Alumni and Industry Funding: Encourage institutions to mobilise funding from corporate social responsibility initiatives, alumni and industry partners, with government support for eligible project costs.

The scheme also covers higher education initiatives aligned with the Viksit Maharashtra @2047 vision and allows the necessary modernisation of infrastructure and digital academic facilities to support its approved components.

Funding Mechanism and Industry Contribution

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme follows a project-based funding mechanism to support research, innovation and technological development in eligible higher education institutions. The government will consider funding proposals based on their objectives, expected outcomes, financial requirements and long-term sustainability. Institutions must submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for evaluation and obtain government approval before receiving funding.

Funding Mechanism

• The Maharashtra Government will make the necessary budgetary provision under a newly created budget head for implementing the scheme.
• The government will provide funding for approved projects according to the applicable financial norms, policies and availability of funds.
• The approved funds must be used exclusively for implementing the scheme's components.
• The scheme funds cannot be used for unrelated construction, vehicle purchases, or the salaries and pensions of government employees.
• The government will allocate 2% of the approved grants for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), required personnel, institutional arrangements, monitoring portal and other administrative expenses.

Industry Contribution

• Industry participation is mandatory for projects proposed under the scheme.
• Projects where industry financial participation is feasible must receive an industry contribution of at least 25% of the total project cost.
• The government's contribution will vary according to the requirements and funding structure of each project.
• The industry contribution requirement does not apply to the establishment of Schools of Technology, Meta University initiatives and other projects specifically notified by the government, or the government may grant relaxation where necessary.
• Institutions may also mobilise funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, alumni contributions and industry funding. The government may support the remaining eligible project cost.

The scheme prioritises projects that strengthen research capabilities and industry-academia collaboration in line with the Viksit Maharashtra @2047 vision. Funding remains subject to project evaluation, government approval and the availability of funds.

Project Selection Process

• Eligible institutions must submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
• The DPR must explain the project's requirements, objectives, proposed use of funds, expected outcomes and long-term sustainability.
• The PIU will conduct an initial review of the submitted project reports.
• The PIU will forward the shortlisted proposals to the Steering Committee for final evaluation.
• National Institutes of Importance will examine the DPRs in the relevant research fields.
• The scrutiny committee will evaluate the proposals and recommend suitable projects for approval.
• The Maharashtra Government will approve recommended projects according to applicable financial rules and policies.
• The State Project Director of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) will oversee the PIU's day-to-day operations.

Note: The Higher and Technical Education Department will issue separate detailed guidelines for the project selection process.

Priority Research Areas

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme identifies emerging research fields to promote innovation, advanced technology development and industry-academia collaboration. Appendix A of the Government Resolution provides an indicative list of research areas that institutions can consider while developing research and innovation proposals.

• Sustainability and Climate: Research on climate change, environmental sustainability and related challenges.
• Energy: Research on renewable energy sources and emerging energy technologies.
• New Technology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: Data science, machine learning, digital infrastructure, data centres, industrial Internet of Things, smart devices and product design.
• Robotics and Automation: Advanced robotics, drones, process automation and related technologies.
• Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology: Cyber defence systems, generative watermarking, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum cryptography.
• Space and Semiconductors: Research and innovation in space technology and semiconductor-related fields.
• Advanced Materials: Research on new materials, composites and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Human Health: Health indicators, molecular medicine, research on age-related diseases, food safety, genomics, gene therapy and genetic engineering.
• Culture, Development and Democracy: Cognitive science, governance, public policy, social justice, urban studies, social movements, digital anthropology and international relations.
• Business and Services: Research related to business development, service-sector innovation and emerging economic opportunities.

Note: This list is indicative and not exhaustive. Institutions can develop proposals in relevant emerging research areas under the scheme, subject to the applicable guidelines, project evaluation and government approval.

Implementation Period and Expected Benefits

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme will operate for five years, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31. The Maharashtra Government will review the scheme after this period and make necessary changes based on the review.

Expected Benefits of the Scheme

• Universities and eligible institutions will receive support to strengthen research infrastructure and establish specialised research facilities.
• Researchers and faculty members will gain opportunities to conduct advanced research in emerging and frontier technology fields.
• Students may benefit from improved laboratories, research projects, advanced technical training and industry-linked learning opportunities.
• Institutions will be encouraged to develop innovations, prototypes, patents and technologies with commercial applications.
• Collaboration between educational institutions, industries and leading national and international research organisations will receive greater support.
• Modernisation of government engineering colleges and polytechnics will help align technical education with emerging industry requirements.
• International academic partnerships and research collaborations will help participating institutions strengthen their global academic presence.

Note: These are expected institutional and academic benefits. The scheme does not specify direct cash assistance or scholarships for individual students in the Government Resolution.

What Will Students Get Under the Scheme?

The Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme 2026 does not provide direct financial assistance, scholarships or stipends to individual students. Instead, it aims to improve higher education institutions and provide students with better learning and research opportunities. Students may benefit indirectly from the facilities and projects developed under the scheme.

Students may benefit from the scheme in the following ways:

• Students may get access to modern laboratories and improved research facilities.
• Students may get opportunities to work on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and data science.
• Students may get practical training and internship opportunities through industry partnerships.
• Students may get better facilities for postgraduate studies and doctoral research.
• Students may get opportunities to develop new ideas, create prototypes and work on innovative projects.
• Students may get opportunities to participate in international research collaborations or student exchange programmes where available.

Note: The scheme does not offer direct benefits or fixed financial assistance to students. Their access to these opportunities will depend on the projects approved and the facilities provided by their institutions.

Relevant Links

• Maharashtra CM-SRISTHI Scheme Government Resolution
• Directorate of Higher Education, Maharashtra State
• Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra State