By team abhyaspeeth 
Abhyspeeth Education Desk
Maharashtra
For the first time, diploma (polytechnic) students from government institutes in Maharashtra have been given the golden opportunity to pursue a B.Tech degree at BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. Under the government’s innovative “Earn While You Learn” scheme, several students from Government Polytechnic Colleges in Nagpur and Gondia have secured admission into BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) while being employed with top multinational companies like Tata Motors and Wipro.
This marks a historic first for many students from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, who previously had limited access to such elite institutions despite their talent and academic performance.
The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra, collaborated with leading Indian corporates—Tata Motors, Wipro Ltd., and L&T—to roll out structured apprenticeship-linked academic programs under the central government’s Skill India mission. Through this effort, diploma students get the dual benefit of hands-on job experience and a prestigious B.Tech degree.
Tata Motors’ Lakshya Program
Launched in 2024-25, Tata Motors’ “Lakshya Program” was designed exclusively for Diploma in Engineering graduates. Selected students are offered full-time trainee positions at Tata’s manufacturing and R&D units while simultaneously enrolled in BITS Pilani’s B.Tech in Engineering Technology program.
Students receive A monthly stipend from the company. Complete sponsorship for the B.Tech degree. Structured academic and industrial mentorship
Wipro’s “SIM to B.Tech” Initiative
Wipro initiated its “School for Information Management (SIM)” scheme in 2023, targeting polytechnic graduates. Initially aimed at offering certifications, the program evolved into a full-fledged B.Tech in Information Systems degree recognized by the Government of India.
Wipro’s selected candidates are employed full-time with a salary and benefits. Provided dedicated academic time blocks. Supported with learning resources from BITS Pilani
Speaking to Abhyspeeth, Dr. Vinod Mohitkar, Director of the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra, said “Getting into an institution like BITS Pilani has always been a dream for students from government polytechnic colleges. For the first time, this dream is becoming a reality. This initiative showcases how targeted partnerships between education and industry can empower students from even the most remote regions of Maharashtra.”
The inclusion of government polytechnic students in BITS Pilani’s WILP program is a paradigm shift in technical education in India. It bridges the skill gap, enhances employability, and offers career growth without the burden of high fees or relocation.
This model may soon be expanded to include more companies and institutions, allowing a larger pool of students to benefit from industry-sponsored B.Tech degrees while earning a livelihood.