AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2024-25: Benefit Upto ₹50,000 For Differently-Abled Students in Technical Education

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a prestigious initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at supporting and encouraging differently-abled students to pursue technical education.

This comprehensive scholarship program provides financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions for diploma and degree courses. The Saksham Scholarship Scheme for 2024-25 continues to play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the field of technical education.

AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme

Nodal Agency	All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Scheme Name	Saksham Scholarship for PH Category Students
Amount	Up to Rs 50,000 per year
Duration	Max 4 years for degree courses, Max 3 years for diploma courses
Eligible Students	Differently-abled (physically challenged) students
Official Website	scholarships.gov.in

AICTE Saksham Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

For Degree Level Courses:

• Must be an Indian national
• Should have a disability of 40% or more
• Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum
• Must be admitted to the first year of an undergraduate degree program or the second year through lateral entry in an AICTE-approved institution
• The course should be a technical degree program approved by AICTE

For Diploma Level Courses:

• Must be an Indian national
• Should have a disability of 40% or more
• Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum
• Must be admitted to the first year of a diploma program or the second year through lateral entry in an AICTE-approved institution
• The course should be a technical diploma program approved by AICTE

AICTE Saksham Scholarship Award Details

• Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per annum
• For degree courses: Up to 4 years for first-year admitted students, up to 3 years for lateral entry students
• For diploma courses: Up to 3 years for first-year admitted students, up to 2 years for lateral entry students
• Disbursement: Lump sum amount transferred directly to the student’s bank account
• Coverage: The scholarship amount can be used for payment of college fees, purchase of computers, books, stationery, equipment, software, and other educational expenses

AICTE Saksham Scholarship Application Process

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
2. Register on the portal if you’re a new user, or login with your existing credentials
3. Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and bank details
4. Upload all required documents in the specified format
5. Submit the application before the deadline
6. Note down the application ID for future reference

Required Documents for AICTE Saksham Scholarship

• Disability certificate (showing 40% or more disability)
• Family income certificate for the previous financial year
• Marksheets of 10th and 12th standard (for degree courses) or 10th standard (for diploma courses)
• Admission letter from the AICTE-approved institution
• Aadhaar card
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Bank account details (account should be in the applicant’s name)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Bonafide student certificate from the current institution

AICTE Saksham Scholarship Selection Process

1. Initial screening of applications for eligibility
2. Verification of documents by the respective state departments
3. Merit list preparation based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination
4. Final selection by AICTE based on the available slots and merit list

AICTE Saksham Scholarship Renewal Process

• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress
• A renewal application must be submitted each year through the National Scholarship Portal
• Promotion certificate or marksheet of the previous year must be uploaded
• The renewal application should be duly verified by the head of the institution
• Students failing to get promoted to the next class/level will forfeit the scholarship

Important Dates

• 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 Support: The substantial scholarship amount helps in covering educational expenses, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
2. Encouragement for Higher Education: By providing financial assistance, the scheme encourages differently-abled students to pursue higher technical education.
3. Skill Development: The scholarship enables students to access better resources, including computers and software, enhancing their technical skills.
4. Career Opportunities: By supporting technical education, the scheme opens up better career prospects for differently-abled individuals in various technical fields.
5. Inclusive Education: The scheme promotes inclusivity in technical education by providing equal opportunities to differently-abled students.
6. Boost to Self-Confidence: Financial support and recognition through the scholarship can significantly boost the self-confidence of differently-abled students.

Conclusion

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2024-25 represents a significant step towards creating an inclusive environment in technical education for differently-abled students in India. By providing substantial financial support, the scheme not only aids in pursuing quality education but also opens up new avenues for career growth and personal development.

As we move towards a more inclusive society, initiatives like the Saksham Scholarship play a crucial role in empowering differently-abled individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential in the field of technical education. It is imperative for eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and for educational institutions to actively promote awareness about the scheme.