AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme

The Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2025, launched by the Ministry of Education and implemented by AICTE, is a vital initiative aimed at empowering specially-abled students (PwD) to pursue technical diploma education in AICTE-approved institutions across India. This scheme provides financial support of ₹50,000 per annum to students with 40% or more disability, helping cover academic expenses such as tuition fees, computers, equipment, and more.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Launched by: Ministry of Education
• Implemented by: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
• Target Group: Students with ≥40% disability pursuing Diploma in Technical Education
• Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per year (lump sum)
• Duration:
 – Up to 3 years for 1st-year students
 – Up to 2 years for lateral-entry students (admitted in 2nd year)
• Application Mode: Online via National Scholarship Portal
• Disbursement: Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) annually
• Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh

Benefits

• ₹50,000 per year for every eligible year of study
• One-time lump sum amount to cover:

• Tuition and academic fees

• Purchase of laptop, books, software, stationeries

• Assistive devices or educational tools
  • Paid directly to students via DBT
  • Continued support through renewals, subject to eligibility and academic progression

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be admitted to the 1st year or 2nd year (via lateral entry) of a Diploma-level technical course in any AICTE-approved institution
• Must be a specially-abled student with minimum 40% disability
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh (income certificate required)
• Applicant must not be receiving any other central/state scholarship or financial assistance

Exclusions

• Students not promoted to the next academic year are not eligible for renewal
• Students receiving other scholarships, stipends, or financial aid are ineligible
• Gap of more than 2 years between qualifying exam and admission year disqualifies the applicant
• In case of withdrawal, failure, or dropout, scholarship is discontinued and must be refunded

Application Process (Online)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in

2. New Registration

   • Click on “New Registration”

   • Read the guidelines and accept the declaration

   • Register using Aadhaar-linked mobile number

   • Note your Application ID and password received via SMS

3. Login & Password Reset

   • Login using the Application ID and password

   • Set a new password after OTP verification

4. Fill Application Form

   • Update personal, academic, and disability-related details

   • Select “AICTE – Saksham Scholarship (Diploma)” under schemes

   • Upload required documents

5. Final Submission

   • Save draft or submit the completed form

   • Track application status using your dashboard

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• 10th Marksheet / SSC Certificate
• ITI Certificate (for lateral entry)
• Disability Certificate (40% and above)
• Annual Income Certificate (Appendix-II)
• Study / Bonafide Certificate (Appendix-I)
• Bank Passbook (first page copy)
• Passport-size Photograph
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Promotion Certificate (for renewal – Appendix-III)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• I Am Studying In 3rd Year Of Diploma/ Degree Course. Will I Get Saksham Scholarship?
  No, you are not eligible.
• I Am Degree/Diploma Student And Recipient Of One Of The Merit Scholarships Of Centre / State Government. Am I Eligible To Apply For SAKSHAM Scholarship?
  No, Students who are already in receipt of any of the scholarships (Central Govt. / State Govt. / AICTE Sponsored), are not eligible to apply for SAKSHAM Scholarship.
• I Am First Year B.E Student Along With Beneficiary Of PMSSS Scheme Studying In One Of The Leading Engineering College Having Eligibility For SAKSHAM Scholarship. Am I Eligible To Apply For SAKSHAM Scholarship?
  No, you are not eligible, since you are already in receipt of one of the Scholarships of Government of India.
• What Is The Mode Of Disbursement Of Scholarship?
  Scholarship will be disbursed only through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the bank account of the student by AICTE. Student must have General Saving Account in his / her name (FRILL/Minor/Joint account will not be accepted).
• Is AADHAAR Card A Mandatory Document For SAKSHAM Scholarship?
  Yes, Aadhaar card and Aadhaar seeded bank account in the name of candidate is mandatory for submitting online application under SAKSHAM scheme.
• Is There Any E-Mail (Or) Helpline No. For SAKSHAM Scholarship Queries?
  Yes, you can avail helpline services on [email protected] & 011-29581118 for any query
• Whom To Contact In Case Of Any Difficulties In Accessing The Portal For Submitting Online Application?
  You can avail Helpdesk Service on [email protected] for any query.
• What Are The Reasons Of Direct Rejection Of Application Under SAKSHAM Scheme?
  Followings may be the reasons: • Student is admitted in Non-Technical courses or Course is not approved by AICTE in the current academic year. • University / Institute is not approved by the AICTE in the current academic year. • Incomplete/Wrong information filled in submitted application. Page 3 of 6 • Student admitted in duel degree courses. • Student is availing scholarship from any other sources. • Student admitted in Post-graduate courses. • Disability Certificate is not enclosed / Not issued by Competent Authority.
• What Are The Reasons Of Rejection Of Annual Family Income Certificate?
  Followings may be the reasons: • Annual family income certificate of current year is not submitted. • Annual family income certificate is not in the name of applicant or any his/her family member. • Submitted Annual family income certificate issued by other than competent authority (Tehshildar, Magistrate, Revenue officer/Block Development officer etc.). • Annual family income certificate submitted without signature/stamp of the competent authority.
• What Are The Reasons Of Rejection Of Promotion Certificate?
  Followings may be the reasons • Incomplete or blank promotion certificate submitted. • Promotion certificate submitted without college’s stamp or signature of the Principal / Director.
• What Are The Reasons Of Rejection Of HSC/SSC Certificate?
  Followings may be the reasons: • Copy of HSC/SSC certificate is blurred. • Copy of HSC/SSC certificate is not accessible. • Copy of HSC/SSC is not in the name of applicant. • Irrelevant Document attached in place of HSC/SSC.

Sources and References

•  Guidelines
• FAQ