AICTE - Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Students with Disabilities (Diploma)

Author avatarSuresh
18 June, 2024
All India

( Center Level )

AICTE - Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Students with Disabilities (Diploma)

The Saksham Scholarship, implemented by AICTE, supports and encourages students with disabilities to pursue technical education by providing ₹50,000 per year, which can be used for college fees, equipment, books, etc. This scholarship is available for a maximum of 3 years for first-year entrants and 2 years for lateral entry students. Eligibility includes enrollment in an AICTE-approved institute and a family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh per year.

Information about Saksham Scholarship

Saksham is a scholarship initiative by the Ministry of Education, implemented by AICTE, designed to encourage and support students with disabilities in pursuing technical education. The scheme aims to provide these students with the opportunity to further their studies and prepare for a successful future in the technical field. The scholarship offers ₹50,000 per annum for each year of study, up to a maximum of 3 years for first-year admitted students, and up to 2 years for second-year students admitted through lateral entry. This lump sum amount can be used for payment of college fees, purchase of computers, stationery, books, equipment, software, etc. Eligible candidates must be admitted to either the first year of a Diploma level course or the second year through lateral entry at an AICTE-approved institution. Additionally, the family's annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakh during the current financial year.

Advantages of Saksham Scholarship

1. An amount of ₹50,000 per annum will be provided for each year of study, up to a maximum of 3 years for students admitted in the first year and up to a maximum of 2 years for students admitted in the second year through lateral entry. This amount will be given as a lump sum for the payment of college fees, purchase of computers, stationery, books, equipment, software, etc.

2. After selection, the awardee will receive the scholarship on an annual basis through DBT mode.

3. The scholarship will be renewed for the next year of study upon submission of a passing certificate/mark sheet along with a letter from the Head of the Institution on the National Scholarship Portal.

Eligibility of Saksham Scholarship

1. Candidates must be enrolled in the first year of a Diploma level course or the second year through lateral entry at any AICTE-approved institution for the relevant academic year.

2. Students must have a disability of at least 40%.

3. The total family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum for the current financial year. A valid income certificate issued by the State/UT Government must be provided.

Exclusions of Saksham Scholarship

1. Students who do not advance to the next class or level will forfeit their scholarship.

2. The gap between the year of passing the qualifying examination and the admission session in the diploma course should not exceed two years.

3. If a candidate fails or drops out in subsequent years, they will no longer be eligible for the scholarship.

4. The scholarship will only be granted under the condition that the student does not receive any other financial assistance such as scholarships, emoluments, salary, stipend, etc., from any other source during their course of study at the Institute. If any financial assistance is received from other sources, the scholarship will be discontinued, and the entire amount will need to be refunded to AICTE via Demand Draft drawn in favor of "Member Secretary, AICTE," payable at New Delhi.

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card

2. Copy of SSC/10th Certificate and Mark Sheet

3. Copy of HSC/12th Certificate and Mark Sheet (for Degree level)

4. Copy of ITI Certificate and Mark Sheet (for Lateral Entry in Diploma level)

5. Copy of Diploma Certificate and Mark Sheet (for Lateral Entry in Degree level)

6. Category Certificate, if applicable

7. Study/Bonafide Certificate (Appendix-I)

8. Annual Family Income Certificate (Appendix-II)

9. Promotion Certificate for Renewal (Appendix-III)

How to apply

  1. Step 1

    Please have the soft copies of the necessary documents ready.

    Visit https://www.scholarships.gov.in/ and click on “New Registration”.

    Follow the Registration Guidelines that appear. Scroll down to read the undertaking carefully.

    Accept the Terms and click on “Continue”.

FAQ's

  1. I am currently in the 3rd year of my Diploma/Degree course. Can I apply for the Saksham Scholarship?

    No, you are not eligible to apply.

  2. I am a Degree/Diploma student and also receive one of the Merit Scholarships from the Central/State Government. Can I apply for the Saksham Scholarship?

    No, students who already receive any scholarship from the Central Government, State Government, or AICTE Sponsored schemes are not eligible to apply for the Saksham Scholarship.

  3. I am a first-year B.E. student and a beneficiary of the PMSSS scheme studying at a leading engineering college. Can I apply for the Saksham Scholarship?

    No, you are not eligible to apply as you are already benefiting from a scholarship offered by the Government of India.

  4. How will the Saksham Scholarship be disbursed?

    The scholarship will be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's bank account by AICTE. The student must have a General Savings Account in their name (FRILL/Minor/Joint accounts will not be accepted).

  5. Is Aadhaar Card mandatory for the Saksham Scholarship?

    Yes, Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-seeded bank account in the candidate's name are mandatory for submitting the online application under the Saksham scheme.

  6. Is there an email or helpline number for Saksham Scholarship queries?

    Yes, you can contact the helpline at [email protected] or call 011-29581118 for any queries.

  7. Whom should I contact if I face difficulties in accessing the portal to submit my online application?

    You can contact the Helpdesk at [email protected] for any assistance.

  8. What are the reasons for the direct rejection of applications under the Saksham scheme?

    Applications may be rejected for the following reasons: • Student enrolled in non-technical courses or courses not approved by AICTE in the current academic year. • University/Institute not approved by AICTE in the current academic year. • Incomplete or incorrect information filled in the application. Page 3 of 6 • Student enrolled in dual degree courses. • Already receiving scholarship from other sources. • Student enrolled in post-graduate courses. • Disability certificate not enclosed or not issued by the Competent Authority.

  9. What are the reasons for rejection of the Annual Family Income Certificate?

    The Annual Family Income Certificate may be rejected for the following reasons: • Annual family income certificate of the current year not submitted. • Annual family income certificate not in the name of the applicant or any family member. • Annual family income certificate issued by an authority other than the competent authority (Tehsildar, Magistrate, Revenue Officer/Block Development Officer, etc.). • Annual family income certificate submitted without signature/stamp of the competent authority.

  10. What are the reasons for rejection of the Promotion Certificate?

    The Promotion Certificate may be rejected for the following reasons: • Incomplete or blank promotion certificate submitted. • Promotion certificate submitted without the college's stamp or the signature of the Principal/Director.

  11. What are the reasons for rejection of the HSC/SSC Certificate?

    The HSC/SSC Certificate may be rejected for the following reasons: • Blurred copy of HSC/SSC certificate. • Inaccessible copy of HSC/SSC certificate. • HSC/SSC certificate not in the name of the applicant. • Incorrect document attached in place of HSC/SSC.