MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) Cohort 15

The Student Orientation Program (SOP), part of the RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative, is managed by the MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA). This program is specifically designed to assist students in transforming their pioneering agribusiness concepts into functional prototypes, viable products, or essential services. It serves as a foundational platform for cultivating early-stage entrepreneurial talent by equipping participants with both crucial technical skills and robust business acumen.

Participants in the SOP follow a structured path to validate their ideas, benefiting from dedicated mentorship, practical training, and direct exposure to operational startup environments. Selected students engage in an intensive mentoring and internship experience with established startups within the agriculture and allied sectors. This immersive approach helps them grasp market dynamics, navigate operational challenges, and make strategic decisions vital for establishing a sustainable agribusiness venture.

Upon successfully completing the orientation phase, participants are given the opportunity to present their ideas to secure grant-in-aid support of up to ₹4 lakh. This financial assistance is specifically aimed at converting initial concepts into tangible prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs). The funding can be utilized for key activities such as product development, essential validation processes, and initial market testing efforts.

Beyond direct funding, the program plays a significant role in fostering a new generation of innovation-driven entrepreneurs in the agricultural domain, encouraging students to view entrepreneurship as a viable career. It integrates comprehensive ecosystem support, including mentorship, access to incubation facilities, and connections with domain experts, thereby fortifying India's overall agritech innovation landscape.

• Grant funding of up to ₹4 lakh available for selected participants.
• Specifically designed for students with innovative agribusiness ideas.
• Includes intensive one-month orientation, training, and startup internship.
• Focuses on converting early-stage ideas into prototypes or MVPs.
• No prior startup incorporation is required for applicants.
• Supported by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM under the RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative.

This program is open to students who possess an innovative idea within the agribusiness sector. The proposed idea should leverage technology, a new process, a service, or a business platform.

The core objective of the idea must be to enhance efficiency or bring innovation to agriculture or its allied sectors. Applicants are required to have an initial business plan or a detailed proposal for their concept. The program is specifically tailored for individuals proposing early-stage ideas, meaning that prior startup incorporation is not a prerequisite for application.

MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) Cohort 15 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) Cohort 15 closed on 31 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of this program can receive grant-in-aid support of up to ₹4 lakh. This financial assistance is specifically allocated to help transform early-stage ideas into tangible prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs).

The funding can cover essential activities such as:

• Product development
• Idea validation
• Initial market testing

Beyond financial support, participants also benefit from intensive mentorship, hands-on training, and an internship experience with established startups in the agriculture and allied sectors. This provides invaluable exposure to real-world market dynamics and operational challenges.

MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) Cohort 15 is offered by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process for the MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program involves several stages:

• Online Application Submission: Interested students must submit their applications through the designated online form.
• Initial Screening: Applications undergo a thorough screening process conducted by MANAGE-CIA, which evaluates the quality and innovation potential of the submitted ideas.
• Shortlisting and Selection: Candidates who are shortlisted proceed to be selected by the Centre of Excellence Incubation Committee (CIC).
• Orientation and Internship: Selected participants then engage in an intensive one-month orientation program, which includes comprehensive training and an internship with relevant startups.
• Idea Pitch for Grant: Following the successful completion of the orientation, participants are invited to pitch their developed ideas for grant-in-aid support.
• Final Funding Decision: The ultimate decision regarding funding is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the idea's viability and the participant's performance throughout the program.

Before you apply to MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) Cohort 15, 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.

MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) Cohort 15 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.