AICTE Saksham Scholarship: Empowering Specially-Abled Students in Technical Education

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a significant initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aimed at providing encouragement and support to specially-abled students pursuing technical diploma courses in India. This scheme is designed to empower these students with opportunities to pursue higher education and build successful careers in technical fields.

Objective of the Scheme

The primary objective of the Saksham Scholarship Scheme is to:

• Encourage specially-abled students to pursue technical education.

• Provide financial support to enable them to complete their diploma courses.

• Prepare students for a successful future through technical knowledge and skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Saksham Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Admission: Must be admitted to the first year of a diploma-level course or the second year through lateral entry in any AICTE-approved institution.

2. Disability: Must have a disability of not less than 40%.

3. Family Income: The annual family income from all sources should not exceed Rs. 8 lakh.

4. Income Certificate: A valid income certificate issued by the State/UT government is required.

Number of Scholarships

The scheme provides scholarships to all eligible specially-abled students admitted to first-year diploma courses or second-year courses through lateral entry in AICTE-approved institutions.

Amount of Scholarship

The scholarship amount is:

• Rs. 50,000 per annum for each year of study, up to a maximum of three years for first-year students and two years for second-year lateral entry students.

• The scholarship is provided as a lump sum amount to cover college fees, purchase of computers, stationery, books, equipment, and software.

• No additional grants are provided for hostel or medical charges.

Mode of Payment

The scholarship is disbursed annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode to the selected awardees.

Application Process

The application process for the Saksham Scholarship is as follows:

1. Online Application: Eligible candidates must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after the application process is initiated and announced on the AICTE website.

2. Institutional Verification: The host institution where the candidate is studying verifies the online application.

3. Departmental Scrutiny: The Department of Technical Education (DTE) of the respective State/UT verifies the applications as a second level of scrutiny.

Renewal Process

The scholarship is renewed for the next year of study based on:

• Receipt of a renewal application through the National Scholarship Portal.

• Submission of passing certificate/marksheet and a letter from the Head of the Institution.

• Students must get promoted to the next class/level to continue receiving the scholarship.

Terms and Conditions

The scheme is subject to the following terms and conditions:

• The gap between passing the qualifying exam and admission to the diploma course should not exceed two years.

• Incomplete applications will be rejected.

• Candidates who fail or drop out will not be eligible for further scholarship.

• The scholarship is contingent on the student not receiving any other financial assistance.

• If false information is provided, the scholarship will be discontinued, and the amount must be refunded.

• The AICTE is responsible for implementing and monitoring the scheme.

• The CGPA to percentage conversion factor is 9.5, i.e. CGPA x 9.5 = percentage.

• In cases where both CGPA and total marks are provided, total marks will be considered.

• If grades are given, the CGPA will be calculated and then converted to percentage.

• Provisional lists of shortlisted candidates will be available on the AICTE website, and queries must be raised within one month of publishing the list.

• Queries regarding non-payment of scholarships due to invalid/wrong account numbers will only be entertained up to six months from the date of publishing the merit list.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for the application:

• Attested photocopy of matriculation or equivalent certificate for date of birth verification.

• Attested photocopy of the 10+2 or equivalent mark sheet.

• For MBA/MCA applicants, attested copy of minimum entry qualification certificate.

• Bonafide studentship certificate from the college/institution.

• Attested photocopy of the previous academic year’s mark sheet for renewal.

• Certificate from the college/institute confirming its approval by AICTE/MCI etc.

• Attested copy of the discharge certificate or I-card for ex-CPF personnel.

• A self-declaration form from the applicant.

• Any other relevant documents.

Conclusion

The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a crucial initiative that empowers specially-abled students to pursue technical education. By providing financial assistance and support, the scheme aims to create a level playing field for these students, enabling them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the nation’s growth. The scheme’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility makes it a vital instrument for social justice and empowerment.