New Delhi . : The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has opened applications for the Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Specially Abled Students for the 2026 academic year. The welfare-based scheme provides financial assistance to eligible specially-abled students pursuing technical degree and diploma courses at AICTE-approved institutions.
The scholarship application process began on June 1, 2026, and students can submit their applications through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) until October 31, 2026.
Under the scheme, eligible students can receive ₹50,000 per year for the duration of their approved course, subject to the applicable maximum period.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026: Important Dates
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme opens | June 1, 2026 |
| Student application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Defective application verification | November 15, 2026 |
| Institute verification | November 15, 2026 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO verification | November 30, 2026 |
Saksham Scholarship for Technical Degree Students
The Saksham Scholarship for Technical Degree is available to specially-abled students admitted to the first year of a degree-level technical course or the second year through lateral entry at an AICTE-approved institution.
Eligibility for Degree Students
Candidates must meet the following conditions:
- The student must be admitted to the first year of a degree-level course or the second year through lateral entry.
- The course must be offered by an AICTE-approved institution for the relevant year.
- The candidate must be a specially-abled student with a minimum disability of 40%.
- The annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh during the current financial year.
- A valid income certificate issued by the concerned State or Union Territory Government must be submitted.
Scholarship Amount for Degree Courses
Eligible selected students will receive ₹50,000 per annum as a lump-sum scholarship.
The scholarship is available for:
- Up to four years for students admitted to the first year.
- Up to three years for students admitted to the second year through lateral entry.
The amount can be used towards college fees and educational expenses, including computers, stationery, books, equipment and software. No additional grant will be provided towards hostel or medical expenses.
Saksham Scholarship for Technical Diploma Students
The scheme also covers specially-abled students pursuing technical diploma courses.
Candidates admitted to the first year of a diploma course or the second year through lateral entry at an AICTE-approved institution can apply, provided they satisfy the eligibility conditions.
Eligibility for Diploma Students
Applicants must:
- Be admitted to the first year of a diploma course or the second year through lateral entry.
- Be studying at an AICTE-approved institution.
- Have a minimum disability of 40%.
- Belong to a family with an annual income of not more than ₹8 lakh.
- Submit a valid income certificate issued by the State or Union Territory Government.
Scholarship Amount for Diploma Courses
Eligible students will receive ₹50,000 per year.
The scholarship can be awarded for:
- Up to three years for first-year diploma students.
- Up to two years for students admitted to the second year through lateral entry.
The amount is intended to cover educational expenses such as college fees, computers, books, stationery, equipment and software. No separate amount is provided for hostel or medical expenses.
All Eligible Students Can Receive the Scholarship
Unlike schemes with a fixed number of scholarships, the Saksham Scholarship states that all eligible specially-abled students admitted to the first year of a technical degree or diploma course, or the second year through lateral entry, can receive the scholarship, subject to the scheme's conditions.
How to Apply for AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026
Eligible candidates are required to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after the application process is initiated and the relevant notification is issued by AICTE.
The application undergoes multiple levels of verification:
- The student submits the application through NSP.
- The student's host institution verifies the application.
- The Department of Technical Education (DTE) of the respective State or Union Territory conducts the second-level verification.
- Further verification is conducted by the designated DNO/SNO/MNO authorities.
After selection, the scholarship amount is transferred to the awardee through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on an annual basis.
Students Should Apply Before October 31
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship application window for 2026 will remain open until October 31, 2026. Eligible specially-abled students pursuing AICTE-approved technical degree or diploma courses should complete their applications through the National Scholarship Portal before the deadline and ensure that their applications are verified within the prescribed timelines.
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