Access to quality education should be a right, not a privilege — and this is especially true for students with physical disabilities. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by differently-abled students in technical education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) introduced the Saksham Scholarship Scheme.
This initiative empowers students with disabilities by providing financial assistance, helping them pursue technical diplomas or degree programs in AICTE-approved institutions across India. Let’s break down all the key details.
(Timelines may vary. Always refer to the NSP portal for official dates.)
🔍 What is the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?
The Saksham Scholarship is a government-funded scheme launched by AICTE under the Ministry of Education. It is designed specifically to encourage and support differently-abled students who want to pursue technical education at the diploma or undergraduate level. The goal is to remove financial barriers, promote inclusion, and help students gain skills that make them self-reliant and ready for employment in modern industries.👥 Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To ensure that the benefits go to those who need them most, AICTE has clearly defined the eligibility criteria:✅ Academic Qualification:
- The student must have taken admission in the 1st year of a technical diploma or degree course in an AICTE-approved institution.
- Admission must be through centralized/state-level counseling based on entrance exam merit.
✅ Physical Disability:
- The student must have at least 40% disability as certified by a competent medical authority.
- Disability may include physical, locomotor, visual, or other eligible disabilities.
✅ Family Income:
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.
- Income certificate issued by a government authority is required.
✅ Other Key Points:
- Only one scholarship per family is allowed.
- The student must not be receiving any other government-funded scholarship for the same course.
💰 Scholarship Amount and Benefits
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship offers ₹50,000 per year, which can be used for:- Tuition and examination fees
- Purchase of laptops, study tools, and assistive devices
- Internet or data charges
- Books, stationery, and academic materials
Note: The amount is provided as a lump sum and not divided monthly. There is no provision for hostel or transport allowances.
📝 How to Apply?
Applications for the Saksham Scholarship are only accepted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): 👉 https://scholarships.gov.inStep-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the portal and register as a new user.
- Login and choose the AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students.
- Fill in academic, personal, and disability details accurately.
- Upload the necessary documents:
- Disability certificate (40% or more)
- Income certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Admission proof (bonafide certificate)
- Academic mark sheets (Class 10, 12 if applicable)
- Passport-size photo
- Bank account details (in the student’s name)
- Submit your application and download a copy for your reference.
📅 Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | September |
| Last Date to Apply | October – November |
| Document Verification | November – December |
| Scholarship Disbursement | January – March |
🔄 Renewal Process
The scholarship is renewable for the entire duration of the course (up to 3 years for diplomas and 4 years for degrees), subject to:- Clearing all subjects every academic year
- Maintaining minimum required attendance and performance
- Submission of renewal application and progress report via the NSP
🌟 Why the Saksham Scholarship Matters
- Promotes inclusivity in technical education
- Encourages self-dependence among students with disabilities
- Helps cover expensive academic and assistive tools
- Empowers students to gain industry-relevant skills and secure employment
- Shows government commitment to equal opportunities for all