ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI
The ARAMBH Student Entrepreneurship program, run by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, supports student startups in agriculture and allied sectors from Maharashtra and Goa.
- 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
The ARAMBH program, also known as the Student Entrepreneurship program, is an initiative by the ICAR-CIRCOT RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator (R-ABI). It is specifically designed to foster innovation among student startups. This program offers a grant-in-aid to support entrepreneurial ventures at the crucial ideation stage. The primary goal is to enable agri-startups to transform their innovative concepts into a tangible Proof of Concept (PoC), providing essential early-stage financial assistance. The call for applications is exclusively for student entrepreneurs based in Maharashtra and Goa who are actively engaged in the agriculture and allied sectors.
Highlights
- Grant program for student entrepreneurs by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI.
- Supports startups in the agriculture and allied sectors.
- Provides funding for ventures at the ideation stage to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC).
- Offers a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4,00,000.
- Open to students (Undergraduate & Above) from Maharashtra & Goa.
- Application deadline is January 31, 2026.
Who can apply
The ARAMBH program is open to student entrepreneurs who are currently pursuing undergraduate studies or higher. Applicants must be actively involved in the agriculture and allied sectors. Eligibility is restricted to student entrepreneurs residing in or operating from the states of Maharashtra and Goa.
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
The ARAMBH program provides a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4,00,000 to selected student startups. This funding is specifically intended to help entrepreneurs develop their innovative ideas into a functional Proof of Concept (PoC). The grant aims to provide the necessary financial support for early-stage development and validation of agri-business concepts.
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
The selection process for the ARAMBH program involves several distinct stages to identify and support promising student startups: - Pre-screening: Initial applications undergo a pre-screening phase conducted by Knowledge Partners (KPs) or R-ABIs. This step is followed by initial training for the shortlisted applicants. - RIC Round I: After completing one month of training, eligible pre-seed and seed-stage startups are considered for selection in the first round by the Review and Implementation Committee (RIC). - Fund Release: Upon successful selection, the first instalment of the grant funding is released. For pre-seed or student-stage ventures, this may constitute a single instalment. - Incubation Workshop: Selected participants are required to attend an intensive 15-day incubation workshop, designed to further develop their entrepreneurial skills and business ideas. - SIC Recommendation: The Startup Incubation Committee (SIC) provides final recommendations for funding and assists in setting key milestones for the incubated startups. - Ongoing Review: The Review and Implementation Committee (RIC) holds periodic meetings to monitor the progress of the startups and address any challenges they may encounter during their incubation period.
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
What is the ARAMBH - Student Program?
The ARAMBH program is a student entrepreneurship initiative by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, designed to support innovative student startups in the agriculture and allied sectors from their ideation stage.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
The program is open to student entrepreneurs who are at the undergraduate level or above, working on ideas within the agriculture and allied sectors. Applicants must be from Maharashtra or Goa.
What is the maximum funding available through ARAMBH?
Selected student startups can receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4,00,000.
What is the purpose of the funding?
The grant is provided to help student entrepreneurs translate their innovative ideas into a tangible Proof of Concept (PoC).
What is the application deadline for the ARAMBH program?
The deadline to apply for the ARAMBH - Student Program is January 31, 2026.
Which geographical regions are eligible for this program?
The program specifically targets student entrepreneurs from the states of Maharashtra and Goa.
Does the ARAMBH program take equity from the participating startups?
No, the ARAMBH program offers a grant-in-aid, which means it provides non-dilutive funding and does not take any equity stake in the student startups.
What stage of startup is the ARAMBH program designed for?
The program primarily supports student startups at the ideation stage, helping them develop their initial concepts into a Proof of Concept (PoC).
What are the key steps in the selection process?
The process involves pre-screening, an initial selection round by the RIC after training, fund release, participation in a 15-day incubation workshop, final recommendations by the SIC, and ongoing reviews.
Is DPIIT recognition required for ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
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.
How do I apply for ARAMBH - Student Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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