AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Specially-Abled Students: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a commendable initiative by the Ministry of Education, implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Designed specifically for students with disabilities, this scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to encourage and support differently-abled youth to pursue technical education. By reducing the financial burden on families, the scheme ensures that physical challenges do not become a barrier to professional growth and academic excellence.

What is this scheme?

The Saksham Scholarship is an institutional support scheme meant to assist specially-abled students who have secured admission into a technical degree or diploma course in an AICTE-approved institution. The primary objective is to empower these students with the necessary resources to complete their professional education and become self-reliant members of the workforce.

Who is eligible?

• The candidate must be a specially-abled student with at least 40% disability.
• The student must be admitted to the first year of a Degree/Diploma level course or the second year through lateral entry in an AICTE-approved institution.
• The family income from all sources should not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum during the current financial year.
• Candidates must be Indian Nationals.
• The student should not be a recipient of any other central or state government scholarship.

How much money?

A total of INR 50,000 is provided per annum for every year of study as a lump sum amount towards payment of college fees, purchase of books, equipment, software, and other relevant expenditures.

Documents needed

1. Mark sheet of standard Xth and XIIth (or equivalent).
2. Disability Certificate issued by the competent Government Authority.
3. Annual Family Income Certificate for the preceding financial year.
4. Admission letter issued by the Centralized Admission Authority.
5. Tuition fee receipt for the current academic year.
6. Aadhar-seeded Bank Passbook showing Name, Account number, and IFSC code.
7. Passport size photograph and Signature of the applicant.
8. Self-declaration regarding the authenticity of the information provided.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Navigate to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) website.
2. Register as a new user if you are applying for the first time.
3. Login using the generated Application ID and Password.
4. Select the AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme from the list of available scholarships.
5. Fill in the personal, academic, and bank account details accurately.
6. Upload the scanned copies of required documents in the specified format.
7. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
8. The application will be verified by the respective Institute (Level 1) and then by the Nodal Officer of the State (Level 2).

Important dates

Conclusion

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a platform for empowerment. By providing consistent support to specially-abled students, the government is fostering an inclusive educational environment. Eligible students are encouraged to keep their documents ready and apply through the National Scholarship Portal as soon as the window opens to secure their future in the technical domain.