DoPT Unveils Revised Faculty Development Scheme to Boost Government Training

In a significant move to enhance the skills of government faculty members and trainers, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has announced a major revision to the Faculty Development Scheme (FDS) under its flagship Training for All (TFA) initiative. The updated guidelines, issued on May 1, 2025, are designed to make the scheme more flexible and accessible, addressing long-standing concerns about the previous stringent rules.

What is the Faculty Development Scheme (FDS)?

The FDS is a cornerstone of the Training for All scheme, aimed at upgrading the knowledge and skillsets of faculty and trainers in government training institutes. The goal is to ensure that government employees across India receive high-quality, updated training from well-equipped trainers.

Who is eligible under the revised scheme?

The revamped eligibility criteria now cover:

• Faculty members employed on a regular or deputation basis in Central or State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) or fully government-funded institutes.
• Master Trainers (MTs) and Recognized Trainers (RTs) developed under DoPT’s Trainer Development Programme (TDP) who are currently serving as government employees.

Notable update: Faculty members and trainers must have at least three years of service remaining on the date nominations are invited.

What training is covered?

Under the scheme, DoPT will sponsor eligible participants for:

• Short-term courses (up to one week) at premier institutes like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Xavier School of Management (formerly XLRI), and other Institutes of Eminence (IoEs).
• Short-term courses (up to two weeks) in top-tier Central or State training institutes.

What expenses are covered?

The DoPT will cover:

• Course fees
• Lodging and boarding charges (excluding taxes)

The financial ceiling is capped at ₹75,000 per participant per sponsorship.

Key conditions and frequency

• Faculty and trainers can avail of this scheme once every two years.
• After completing the course, participants must submit a brief training report to their institute head and DoPT.

How to apply?

Applicants must:

1. Fill out the Annexure-B application form.
2. Obtain endorsement from their Sponsoring Authority.
3. Submit supporting documents, including course brochures, to the Training Wing, DoPT.

DoPT will then forward the application to the concerned institute after verification.

Why was this revision necessary?

DoPT noted that the earlier rules were too restrictive, limiting the participation of eligible faculty and trainers. By easing these conditions, the department aims to maximize participation and strengthen the overall quality of training in government institutions.

Call for wider publicity

The DoPT has urged all State and UT ATIs, CTIs, and other training institutions to widely publicize the revised guidelines to ensure maximum uptake and benefit.

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Summary of Key Points

• Revised scheme under DoPT’s TFA initiative.
• Broader eligibility including regular, deputation, MTs, and RTs.
• Covers top institutes like IIMs and XLRI.
• ₹75,000 expenditure cap per candidate.
• Once in two years eligibility.
• Simplified application process with Sponsoring Authority endorsement.

View DoPT Letter: