The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a vital initiative by the Indian government aimed at empowering differently-abled students by easing the financial challenges they face while pursuing higher education. Managed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), this scheme provides financial assistance to students with special needs, enabling them to continue their studies in AICTE-accredited institutions. The scholarship offers up to Rs 50,000 annually, which can be used for tuition fees, study materials, and other educational expenses. This support is available for students enrolled in degree and diploma courses, ensuring a more inclusive academic environment for differently-abled individuals.
Overview of the AICTE Saksham Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the scholarship reaches those most in need, the AICTE sets the following eligibility criteria:
- Disability: The applicant must have a disability of 40% or more as verified by a government medical institution.
- Family Income: The annual family income should be less than Rs 8,00,000.
- Educational Enrollment: The scholarship is available to students enrolled in an undergraduate or diploma course at an AICTE-recognized institution.
- Year of Study: Students in the first or second year of their degree or diploma program are eligible, including those admitted via lateral entry.
- No Double Scholarship: Applicants must not be recipients of another scholarship from the Central Government, State Government, or any other AICTE-recognized schemes.
This scholarship ensures that students from low-income families, who also face physical challenges, are not burdened by financial constraints, enabling them to focus on their academic goals.
Benefits of the Saksham Scholarship
- Annual Financial Assistance: The scholarship provides Rs 50,000 per year for degree courses and Rs 50,000 per year for diploma courses, covering a variety of expenses, including tuition fees and academic materials.
- Support for Up to Four Years: Degree program students can receive financial aid for a maximum of four years, while diploma students are eligible for support for a maximum of three years.
- Renewal Option: Eligible students can renew the scholarship annually by reapplying, ensuring continued support throughout their course duration.
Documents Required for Saksham Scholarship
To apply for the Saksham Scholarship, applicants must provide the following documents:
1. 10th Grade Certificate and Marks Sheet
2. 12th Grade Certificate and Marks Sheet (for degree programs)
3. ITI Certification (for diploma programs through lateral entry)
4. Disability Verification Document from a certified medical professional.
5. Family Income Certificate (Appendix-II) to prove eligibility for the income-based criteria.
6. Aadhar Card for identity verification.
7. Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Classes Certificate (if applicable).
8. Student Enrollment or Study Verification (Appendix I) from the educational institution.
9. Certificate of Advancement for students seeking to renew the scholarship (Appendix-III).
How to Apply for the Saksham Scholarship?
The application process for the Saksham Scholarship is entirely online, making it easily accessible for eligible students. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
1. Registration:
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal ([www.scholarships.gov.in](http://www.scholarships.gov.in)).
- If you are a new user, click on “New Registration” and fill in the required details, such as name, contact information, bank details, and Aadhar number.
- After registering, a unique login ID and password will be provided.
2. Filling the Application Form:
- Log in with your credentials and select the Saksham Scholarship Scheme from the list of available scholarships.
- Fill in all required personal, academic, and financial details.
- Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format (PDF or JPG).
3. Submit the Application:
- After carefully reviewing all the entered details and uploaded documents, click “Submit” to finalize your application.
- The application will then be reviewed by your educational institution and the relevant state or UT authorities.
4. Verification and Approval:
- Once the application is reviewed, a list of approved candidates will be posted on the AICTE portal.
- If you are selected, the scholarship amount will be disbursed directly to your bank account.
5. Renewal Process:
- To continue receiving the scholarship, you must reapply each year, submitting the necessary documents for verification.
Key Improvements to Consider
- Awareness Campaigns: The scheme could benefit from stronger awareness initiatives to ensure more eligible students are informed about the application process. Awareness can be spread via educational institutions, NGOs, and media channels to reach a wider audience.
- Simplified Document Verification: The process for document submission and verification could be simplified further to minimize delays. Implementing a digitized verification system could speed up the approval process.
- Extended Criteria Eligibility: Considering the financial strain on differently-abled students, the family income limit could be reconsidered or raised to make more students eligible for this valuable support.
By implementing these suggestions, the Saksham Scholarship could become an even more effective tool in promoting higher education among differently-abled students, offering them a fair chance at academic and career success.
FAQs
Q1: Can students renew the scholarship?
Ans: Yes, the scholarship can be renewed annually. Students must submit the necessary documents to confirm their continued eligibility and academic progress.
Q2: Is there a limit to the number of scholarships distributed each year?
Ans: Yes, there is a fixed number of scholarships distributed annually. Students are selected based on eligibility criteria and document verification.