The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is a pivotal step toward promoting inclusivity in education. This initiative, implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aims to empower differently-abled students to pursue technical education. The scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in diploma and degree courses at AICTE-approved institutions, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all.

Overview of AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2024-25

Feature	Details
Nodal Agency	All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Scheme Name	Saksham Scholarship for PH Category Students
Scholarship Amount	Up to ₹50,000 per year
Duration	4 years for degree courses, 3 years for diploma courses
Eligibility	Differently-abled students with at least 40% disability
Official Website	scholarships.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria differ for degree-level and diploma-level programs. Below are the detailed requirements:

For Degree Courses

• Must be an Indian national.
• The applicant must have a disability level of 40% or more.
• The family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.
• Should be admitted to the first year of a degree program or the second year via lateral entry at an AICTE-approved institution.
• The program must be a technical degree course recognized by AICTE.

For Diploma Courses

• Must be an Indian national.
• The applicant must have a disability level of 40% or more.
• The family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.
• Should be admitted to the first year of a diploma program or the second year via lateral entry at an AICTE-approved institution.
• The program must be a technical diploma course recognized by AICTE.

Scholarship Award Details

Scholarship Features	Details
Scholarship Amount	₹50,000 per annum
Duration for Degree Courses	Up to 4 years for first-year entrants, 3 years for lateral entries
Duration for Diploma Courses	Up to 3 years for first-year entrants, 2 years for lateral entries
Disbursement	Lump sum, directly transferred to the student’s bank account
Coverage	College fees, computers, books, software, stationery, and other educational expenses

Application Process

Eligible students can follow these steps to apply for the Saksham Scholarship:

1. Visit the Portal
   • Access the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
2. Register or Login
   • If you are a new user, create an account. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
3. Fill the Application Form
   • Enter personal, academic, and bank details accurately.
4. Upload Documents
   • Attach the required documents in the prescribed format.
5. Submit the Application
   • Review the details and submit the form before the deadline.
6. Save Application ID
   • Note the application ID for future reference.

Required Documents

To complete the application, students must provide the following documents:

Document	Purpose
Disability Certificate	Proof of at least 40% disability
Family Income Certificate	Verification of income below ₹8 lakh per annum
10th and 12th Mark Sheets	Academic eligibility for degree courses
10th Mark Sheet	Academic eligibility for diploma courses
Admission Letter	Proof of enrollment in an AICTE-approved course
Aadhaar Card	Identity proof
Recent Passport Photograph	Identification for the application form
Bank Account Details	Account must be in the applicant’s name
Caste Certificate (if applicable)	For reserved category students
Bonafide Student Certificate	Verification from the current institution

Selection Process

The selection process for the Saksham Scholarship involves multiple steps:

1. Initial Screening
   • Applications are reviewed for eligibility.
2. Document Verification
   • Respective state departments verify the submitted documents.
3. Merit List Preparation
   • Merit lists are prepared based on marks in qualifying examinations.
4. Final Selection
   • The AICTE finalizes the list of awardees based on merit and availability of slots.

Renewal Process

Students must renew the scholarship annually by adhering to these steps:

1. Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
2. Submit the renewal application through the National Scholarship Portal.
3. Upload a promotion certificate or marksheet from the previous academic year.
4. Ensure verification by the head of the institution.

Note: Students who fail to get promoted to the next class or level will not be eligible for renewal.

Key Dates

Event	Timeline
Application Opening	August–September
Application Closing	October–November
Document Verification	November–December
Result Declaration	January–February
Scholarship Disbursement	March–April

Benefits of the AICTE Saksham Scholarship

1. Financial Assistance
   • Covers key educational expenses, reducing the financial burden.
2. Encouragement for Higher Education
   • Motivates differently-abled students to pursue technical courses.
3. Skill Development
   • Provides access to essential learning resources like computers and software.
4. Career Opportunities
   • Facilitates pathways to careers in various technical fields.
5. Inclusivity
   • Promotes equal opportunities for differently-abled students in education.
6. Boosts Confidence
   • Offers financial aid and recognition, enhancing self-esteem.

FAQs

What is the eligibility for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?

The applicant must be an Indian national with at least 40% disability, enrolled in an AICTE-approved technical course. The family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.

How much financial aid is provided under this scheme?

The scholarship offers up to ₹50,000 per annum to cover educational expenses.

Can the scholarship be renewed?

Yes, the scholarship is renewable annually, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance and uploads the required documents.