AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students 2026: Complete Guide to Application & Benefits

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It aims to empower meritorious girl students by providing financial assistance to pursue technical education. With a focus on bridging the gender gap in STEM fields, this scheme ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the academic aspirations of young women in India.

What is this scheme?

The Pragati Scholarship Scheme is designed to provide 'Encouragement and Support to Meritorious Girl Students' to pursue technical education at Degree and Diploma levels. Each year, the government awards a total of 10,000 scholarships (5,000 for Degree and 5,000 for Diploma) along with additional slots for students from specific UTs and North Eastern regions. The scholarship covers tuition fees and other incidental expenses to foster a culture of female leadership in technology and engineering.

Who is eligible?

• The applicant must be a girl student.
• Maximum two girl children per family are eligible.
• The family income from all sources should not exceed Rs. 8 Lakh per annum.
• Candidates must be admitted to the first year of a Degree/Diploma course or the second year of a Degree/Diploma course via lateral entry in any AICTE-approved institution.
• Selection is strictly based on merit in the qualifying examination.

How much money?

Rs. 50,000 per annum is provided for every year of study as a lump sum amount towards payment of college fees, purchase of computers, stationeries, books, equipment, and software. No separate maintenance allowance is paid.

Documents needed

1. Mark sheet of Class 10th and 12th (or equivalent).
2. Current year admission letter issued by the Directorate of Technical Education/Centralized Admission Authority.
3. Annual Family Income Certificate for the preceding financial year in the prescribed format.
4. Tuition fee receipt paid for the current academic year.
5. Aadhaar-seeded Bank Passbook showing Name, Account number, IFSC code, and Photograph.
6. Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC categories).
7. Declaration by parents confirming the accuracy of information provided.
8. Aadhaar Card.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the AICTE portal as specified in the latest notification.
2. Register as a new user by providing basic details like name, mobile number, and email ID.
3. Login using the generated credentials and select the 'AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme' under the Department of Higher Education section.
4. Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and bank account details.
5. Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format and size.
6. Review the application carefully and submit it online.
7. Keep a printout of the submitted application form and track the status through the NSP portal.
8. College/Institution must verify the application at the Institute level for final processing.

Important dates

Conclusion

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship serves as a vital catalyst for young women aiming to excel in technical fields. By alleviating the financial burden of higher education, it enables girl students to focus entirely on their skills and career development. Eligible candidates are encouraged to keep their documents ready and apply well within the deadlines to secure their future in the evolving landscape of Indian technology.