AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2024-26: Enabling Tech Dreams for Specially-Abled Students

Education is a fundamental right, and financial constraints should never hinder the aspirations of talented students. The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a commendable initiative by the Ministry of Education, implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), to provide financial support to specially-abled students pursuing professional and technical education. This scheme aims to encourage and assist students with disabilities to achieve their full potential through higher technical education.

What is this scheme?

The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a yearly grant designed to support specially-abled students admitted to the first year of a Degree or Diploma level course in AICTE-approved institutions. The primary objective is to provide an opportunity for students with disabilities to advance their studies and prepare for a successful career in technical fields. It covers tuition fees and other incidental expenses to reduce the financial burden on the students' families.

Who is eligible?

• The candidate must be an Indian national.
• The student must have a disability of not less than 40%.
• Candidate must be admitted to the First year of Degree/Diploma level course or Second year of Degree/Diploma course via lateral entry in any AICTE approved institution during the current academic year.
• The family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 Lakh per annum.
• The student must not be a recipient of any other Central or State Government scholarship.

How much money?

A total of ₹50,000 is provided per annum for every year of study as a lump sum amount for payment of college fees, purchase of computers, stationery, books, equipment, software, etc. No separate maintenance allowance is paid.

Documents needed

1. Mark sheet of Class 10th and 12th/Diploma (as applicable).
2. Disability certificate issued by the competent authority.
3. Admission letter issued by the Centralized Admission Authority.
4. Current year fee receipt.
5. Annual Family Income Certificate for the preceding financial year in the prescribed format.
6. Student's Bank Account Passbook showing Name, Account Number, and IFSC code.
7. Aadhar Card.
8. Photograph and Specimen Signature of the applicant.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the AICTE web portal.
2. Register as a new user to generate login credentials.
3. Login and select the 'AICTE Saksham Scholarship' under the 'Department of Higher Education' or 'AICTE' section.
4. Fill in the application form accurately with personal, academic, and bank details.
5. Upload the scanned copies of all the required documents.
6. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
7. The application will be verified online by the respective institution and then by the AICTE nodal officer.

Important dates

Conclusion

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship serves as a bridge for specially-abled students to cross the gap between their financial limitations and their technical career goals. By providing substantial financial aid every year, the government ensures that disability does not become an obstacle to professional growth. Eligible students are encouraged to keep their documents ready and apply via the National Scholarship Portal within the stipulated deadlines.