AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2026-27: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process
AICTE Saksham Scholarship for specially abled students offers Rs. 50,000 per year at degree/diploma levels. Applications for AICTE Saksham scholarship are open from 1st June to 31st October 2026.
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 provides crucial financial assistance for specially-abled students pursuing AICTE-approved technical diploma or degree courses. Students with at least 40% disability and family income of up to Rs. 8 lakhs can up to Rs. 50,000 every year through this scheme. Applications for AICTE Saksham Scholarships opened on 1st June 2026 and will close on 31st October 2026. Prospective candidates can apply via the National Scholarship Portal. This article details the AICTE Saksham Scholarship scheme in detail, including amount, eligibility, dates, and more.Â
AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2026: Purpose and Key Highlights
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme, designed to support differently-abled students, has its notification available for the Academic Year 2026-27. This initiative by the All India Council For Technical Education provides crucial financial assistance to eligible students pursuing technical education.
- Scheme Name: AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme
- Purpose: To provide encouragement and support to differently-abled students.
- Target Beneficiaries: Differently abled students (also referred to as specially-abled children).
- Eligibility: Students taking admission in AICTE approved Technical institutions at Degree/ Diploma level.
- Financial Assistance: Rs 50,000/- as incidentals each year.
- Implementing Body: All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026-27 Timeline
The official timeline for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026–27 has been announced on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).Â
| Event | Official Date |
| NSP Portal Opens | 1 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Student Applications | 31 October 2026 |
| Defective Application Verification | 15 November 2026 |
| Institute Verification | 15 November 2026 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification | 30 November 2026 |
Saksham Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026-27 for Specially-Abled Students
The AICTE Saksham scholarship provides crucial support for specially-abled students pursuing higher education. To be eligible, candidates must meet specific criteria highlighted below:
-
- Enrollment Status: Enrolled in 1st year diploma/degree, or 2nd year lateral entry at AICTE-approved institution.
- Gender Limit: All genders are eligible to apply.
- Disability Requirement: Applicant must be a specially-abled student with a minimum disability of 40%.
- Annual Family Income: Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh annually. Valid income certificate required.
- Qualifying Marks: Only passing marks are required; no specific minimum percentage beyond passing.
- Target Education Levels: The scholarship supports students pursuing Undergraduate and Diploma programs.
- Eligible Caste/Categories: All castes and categories are eligible for this scholarship.
Financial Benefits and Course Coverage: Saksham Scholarship 2026
The AICTE Saksham scholarship offers substantial financial support, providing ₹50,000 per annum to eligible students. This section details the financial benefits, coverage duration, and specific expenses covered, ensuring clarity on how the scholarship supports technical education.
| Category | Details |
| Annual Scholarship Amount | ₹50,000 per annum |
| Degree Coverage (First-Year Students) | Up to 4 years (Maximum ₹2,00,000) |
| Lateral Entry Degree Coverage | Up to 3 years (Maximum ₹1,50,000) |
| Diploma Coverage (First-Year Students) | Up to 3 years (Maximum ₹1,50,000) |
| Lateral Entry Diploma Coverage | Up to 2 years (Maximum ₹1,00,000) |
| Eligible Expenses | Tuition fees, computers, stationery, books, software, college fees, and other study-related expenses |
| Expenses Not Covered | Hostel fees, medical expenses, and similar personal charges |
| Proof of Expenditure | No documentary proof is required to claim scholarship benefits |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on an annual basis |
| Scholarship Availability | No fixed quota; all eligible applicants may receive the scholarship subject to meeting scheme guidelines |
| Eligible Courses | AICTE-approved technical degree and diploma programmes |
| Eligible Admission Year | First-year admission or second-year admission through lateral entry |
Course-Based AICTE Saksham Scholarship AmountÂ
This table clearly outlines the annual scholarship amount of ₹50,000 and specifies the broad range of educational expenses covered, while also noting costs that are not included.
| Course Type & Entry | Maximum Duration of Support | Maximum Potential Benefit |
| Degree students (admitted in the first year) | Up to four years | ₹2,00,000 |
| Degree students (admitted through lateral entry) | Up to three years | ₹1,50,000 |
| Diploma students (admitted in the first year) | Up to three years | ₹1,50,000 |
| Diploma students (admitted through lateral entry) | Up to two years | ₹1,00,000 |
This table illustrates the maximum financial support students can receive over their course duration, varying by entry type and course level.
How to Apply for AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026-27: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026-27 is an online process, primarily managed through the National Scholarship Portal. This section provides essential details on how to access and complete your application for this important scholarship.
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal: Go to the official NSP website and click on ‘Students’ to begin the application process.
- Register on the Portal: New applicants must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) using their Aadhaar number and mobile number. Existing users can log in with their credentials.
- Log In and Select the Scholarship: After logging in, choose the AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 from the list of available scholarships.
- Fill in the Application Form: Enter your personal, academic, bank account, disability, and institution details accurately.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of all mandatory documents in the prescribed format and file size.
- Review the Application: Carefully verify all the information entered to avoid errors or rejection during verification.
- Submit the Application: Click ‘Final Submit’ before the application deadline. Once submitted, download or print the acknowledgement for future reference.
- Track Application Status: Log in to the NSP dashboard periodically to monitor the status of your application and respond to any verification requests, if applicable.
Steps to Generate OTR-ID Number
Applicants must generate a One-Time Registration (OTR) ID through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) before applying for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship.
- Download the AadhaarFaceRD app and install it on your Android device.
- Install the NSP OTR App from the Google Play Store.
- Open the NSP OTR App and select “eKYC with FaceAuth”.
- Enter your allotted reference number and click “Send OTP”.
- Enter the OTP and captcha, then click “Next”.
- Click on “Proceed for Face Authentication” to start the verification process.
- Complete the Aadhaar Face Authentication using the AadhaarFaceRD service installed on your device.
- Receive your OTR ID upon successful authentication; it will also be sent to your registered mobile number.
Required Documents for Saksham Scholarship 2026
Applicants must upload scanned copies of the prescribed documents while submitting the AICTE Saksham Scholarship application. Ensure that all documents are clear, valid, and uploaded in the specified file format and size mentioned on the application portal.
- Aadhaar Card
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Disability Certificate (minimum 40% disability, issued by a competent Government Medical Board)
- Annual Family Income Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Admission Letter or proof of admission to an AICTE-approved degree/diploma programme
- Tuition Fee Receipt for the current academic year
- Previous qualifying examination marksheets (Class 10, Class 12, Diploma/ITI, as applicable)
- Bonafide/Institute Certificate issued by the college or institution (if required)
- Bank Passbook of the student showing account number, IFSC code, and Aadhaar-linked account details
- Caste Certificate (only if applicable)
- Parent/Guardian Declaration confirming the correctness of the submitted information (if prescribed by the scheme guidelines)
Things to Remember While Applying for AICTE Saksham Scholarship
- Check NSP for official dates, as application and renewal timelines are announced only on the National Scholarship Portal.
- Your application is verified at two levels—first by your institute and then by the State Nodal Agency.
- Submit renewal applications before the cut-off date to continue receiving the scholarship for the next year.
- You must be promoted to the next academic year to remain eligible for scholarship renewal.
- The admission gap after the qualifying examination must not exceed two years for eligible diploma admissions.
- Students who discontinue or drop out of the course become ineligible for further scholarship benefits.
- Do not receive any other scholarship, stipend, salary, or financial assistance while availing the Saksham Scholarship.
- Any wrongly claimed scholarship amount must be refunded to AICTE if dual financial assistance is detected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the AICTE Saksham Scholarship scheme for students?
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship is a Central Government initiative that provides ₹50,000 annually to specially-abled students pursuing AICTE-approved diploma or degree programmes, helping them meet educational expenses.Â
Who is eligible to apply for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?
Students with at least 40% disability, annual family income up to ₹8 lakh, and admission to the first year or lateral entry in an AICTE-approved degree or diploma programme are eligible.Â
What is the step-by-step process to apply for the Saksham Scholarship online?
Applicants must generate an NSP OTR ID, register or log in to the National Scholarship Portal, complete the application form, upload documents, verify details, and submit before the deadline.Â
When is the application deadline for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship this year?
The application deadline for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship is October 31, 2026. Applications for the scheme opened on June 1, 2026.
What benefits do students receive after getting the Saksham Scholarship?
Selected students receive ₹50,000 per annum for every year of study, up to 4 years for first-year degree students or 3 years for second-year degree students. This covers tuition, books, computers, software, and equipment.
Are there any specific academic mark requirements for the Saksham Scholarship?
The Saksham Scholarship requires admission to a first or second-year degree/diploma program. Candidates must submit their HSC/12th or ITI mark sheets.
