AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2024-26: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Guide

Empowering students with disabilities is a core goal of the Indian government's educational framework. The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a flagship initiative designed to provide financial support to specially-abled students pursuing technical degrees or diplomas. By reducing the financial burden, the scheme ensures that physical challenges do not hinder academic excellence in engineering, technology, and management.

What is this scheme?

The Saksham Scholarship is a Ministry of Education (MoE) initiative implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It provides financial assistance to specially-abled students (differently-abled) who have been admitted to the first year of a technical degree or diploma program (or second year via lateral entry) in an AICTE-approved institution. The primary aim is to encourage students with disabilities to achieve professional parity through technical skills.

Who is eligible?

• The applicant must be a specially-abled student with a disability percentage of 40% or more.
• The student must be admitted to the first year of a Degree/Diploma level course or second year through lateral entry in an AICTE-approved institution.
• The family income from all sources must not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum during the current financial year.
• The candidate must have a valid disability certificate issued by a competent government authority.
• Applicants must not be recipients of any other central or state government scholarships for the same course.

How much money?

The scheme provides a consolidated amount of INR 50,000 per annum. This fund is distributed as a lump sum amount for every year of study towards payment of college fees, purchase of computers, stationery, books, equipment, and soft wares. No additional maintenance allowance or hostel fees are paid separately.

Documents needed

1. Mark sheets of Class 10 and Class 12 (for Degree) or Class 10 (for Diploma).
2. Admission letter issued by the Centralized Admission Authority to the course.
3. Tuition fee receipt paid for the current academic year.
4. Valid Disability Certificate issued by the competent government medical authority.
5. Income Certificate issued by an officer not below the rank of Tehsildar (as per the prescribed format).
6. Student Bank Account Passbook showing Name, Account Number, and IFSC code (linked with Aadhaar).
7. Aadhaar card of the applicant.
8. Recent passport size photograph.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Navigate to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) official website.
2. Register as a 'New User' to generate your Login ID and Password.
3. Login using your credentials and fill out the AICTE Saksham Scholarship application form.
4. Upload the scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format and size.
5. Verify the details entered and submit the application form online.
6. Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
7. The application will be digitally verified by the respective Institute (L1) and subsequently by the State Department (L2).

Important dates

Conclusion

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship serves as a vital bridge for specially-abled students aiming to build careers in the technical sector. By offsetting the costs of education and specialized equipment, it promotes inclusivity in the Indian workforce. Interested students are encouraged to keep their disability and income certificates ready and apply through the National Scholarship Portal before the annual deadline.