ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI
ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI's ARAMBH program offers up to ₹4L grant to student entrepreneurs from Maharashtra & Goa for agri-startup ideation to Proof of Concept.
- Funding amount
- ₹4L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
ARAMBH, the Student Entrepreneurship program, is run by the ICAR-CIRCOT RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator (R-ABI). It targets student startups at the ideation stage, providing a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4L to transform innovative agricultural ideas into a Proof of Concept (PoC). This initial funding helps young entrepreneurs kickstart their ventures. The program is specifically open to applicants from Maharashtra and Goa working in agriculture and allied sectors.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹4L for student startups
- Open to undergraduates and above in agriculture & allied sectors
- Geographic focus: Maharashtra & Goa
- Supports ideation stage to Proof of Concept
- Includes 15-day incubation workshop and mentoring
- Apply via Google Form by January 31, 2026
Who can apply
ARAMBH is open exclusively to student entrepreneurs who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or higher education. Applicants must be working on innovative ideas in agriculture and allied sectors. The program is geographically limited to Maharashtra and Goa (entrepreneurs from these states can apply). The supported stage is ideation to Proof of Concept (PoC) — early-stage ideas that need funding to build a prototype or validate the concept.
ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive a grant of up to ₹4L to develop their idea into a working Proof of Concept. The program also includes a 15-day incubation workshop to refine the business model and technical aspects. Additionally, participants benefit from ongoing mentoring and review through periodic RIC meetings to address challenges.
About the provider
ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is offered by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications undergo a pre-screening by KPs/RABIs for initial training suitability. Shortlisted applicants then attend 1 month of training, after which a RIC Round I selects pre-seed and seed startups (ARAMBH falls under ideation/PoC stage). Following selection, the first instalment (or a single instalment for student stage) is released. Selected teams participate in a 15-day incubation workshop. Finally, the Startup Incubation Committee (SIC) makes a final fund recommendation and sets milestones. Throughout, periodic RIC meetings review progress.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹4L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does ARAMBH provide?
ARAMBH provides a grant of up to ₹4,00,000 (₹4L) to help develop an idea into a Proof of Concept.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Student entrepreneurs who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or higher education and working on ideas in agriculture or allied sectors from Maharashtra or Goa are eligible.
Is this program only for agriculture-related startups?
Yes, the program focuses on agriculture and allied sectors.
Does ARAMBH take equity?
ARAMBH is a grant-in-aid program, so it does not take equity. It is non-dilutive funding.
What stage of startup does ARAMBH support?
ARAMBH supports the ideation stage, helping students turn their ideas into a Proof of Concept (PoC).
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
The program details do not mention DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement.
What documents are typically needed?
The application is through a Google Form. Specific document requirements are not listed, but you likely need details about your idea, team, and background.
How do I apply?
You can apply through the Google Form link provided on the program page.
What is the selection process?
Applications are pre-screened, followed by one month of training. A RIC panel selects startups, then funds are released. Selected teams attend a 15-day incubation workshop, and final recommendations are made by the SIC.
Who offers ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI?
ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is offered by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI
ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI
Not sure ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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