APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University approves ₹372.51-crore budget for 2026–27; thrust on social impact and AgriTech innovation

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) has approved a ₹372.51-crore expenditure budget for the 2026–27 financial year. The budgetary allocations prioritise comprehensive development initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, enhancing the research ecosystem, and accelerating digital transformation across the university.

The budget, approved by the KTU Board of Governors on Friday (February 20, 2026), anticipates an expected revenue of ₹268.80 crore, including State government grants. It includes ₹71.50 crore as plan and non-plan grants from the State government.

Notably, the university has earmarked ₹2 crore for two new schemes focussed on developing technological solutions for socially relevant issues. Under the proposed Thematic Grand Challenge initiative, a priority sector will be identified annually to encourage student-led projects. The selected theme for 2026–27 is AgriTech (agricultural technology).

Social challenges

The university will also introduce Student Innovation Grants for Social Impact (Minor Projects) to promote student engagement in addressing real-world social challenges.

A major share of the budget, i.e., ₹146.18 crore, has been allocated for construction and development works on the university’s permanent campus in Vilappilsala. The allocation covers the construction of the administrative block, learning centres, hostels, staff quarters, an international technical convention centre and a utility building.

To strengthen research activities, ₹22.92 crore has been set aside for research seed money, doctoral fellowships, innovative student projects, research publication support, funding for national and international conference presentations, workshops, seminars and activities of the  IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) Cell.

The budget has also allocated ₹20.78 crore for academic activities and infrastructure development of the university’s schools.