The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, implemented by AICTE, to provide financial assistance to specially-abled students pursuing technical education. The scheme aims to empower and support differently-abled students in securing higher education in AICTE-approved institutions.
Benefits
- ₹50,000 per annum for every year of study.
- Maximum 4 years for first-year students and 3 years for lateral entry students.
- The amount is provided as a lump sum for covering expenses such as college fees, computer purchase, stationery, books, equipment, and software.
- Scholarship is disbursed annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Renewal is granted on submission of mark sheet and certificate from the Head of the Institution via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Eligibility Criteria
- The candidate must be admitted to the first year of a degree course OR the second year of a degree course through lateral entry in an AICTE-approved institution.
- The applicant must be specially-abled with a minimum of 40% disability.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.
- A valid income certificate issued by the State/UT Government is required.
Exclusions
- Students failing to get promoted to the next academic year.
- More than a 2-year gap between the qualifying exam and admission.
- If a student fails or drops out, further scholarship benefits will not be provided.
- Students receiving any other financial assistance or scholarship from any source.
Application Process
Mode: Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Visit scholarships.gov.in and click “New Registration”.
- Read the guidelines carefully, accept the terms, and click “Continue”.
Step 2: Fill in the registration form with the required details.
- After registration, an Application ID and password will be generated and sent via SMS.
Step 3: Go to NSP Login and enter your Application ID and password.
- Verify OTP and create a new password.
Step 4: Click on “Application Form”, fill in the details, and upload the required documents.
- Save the application as “Draft” or submit it directly.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- SSC/10th Certificate & Mark Sheet
- HSC/12th Certificate & Mark Sheet (For Degree Level)
- ITI Certificate & Mark Sheet (For Lateral Entry to Diploma Level)
- Diploma Certificate & Mark Sheet (For Lateral Entry to Degree Level)
- Category Certificate (If applicable)
- Study/Bonafide Certificate (Appendix-I)
- Annual Family Income Certificate (Appendix-II)
- Promotion Certificate (For Renewal) (Appendix-III)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can a 3rd-year student apply for the Saksham Scholarship?
No, only first-year degree students or second-year students via lateral entry are eligible.
Q. Can I apply if I am receiving another merit-based scholarship from the government?
No, students receiving other scholarships or financial aid are not eligible.
Q. Is Aadhaar Card mandatory?
Yes, Aadhaar Card is mandatory for application.
Q. What is the mode of disbursement of the scholarship?
The amount is transferred directly to the bank account via DBT mode.
Q. Where can I seek help for application-related issues?
For any queries, contact AICTE’s helpline number or email support available on the NSP portal.