Empowering Specially-Abled Students: AICTE’s Saksham Scholarship Scheme
The Saksham Scholarship Scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Education and implemented by AICTE, is designed to support specially-abled students pursuing technical education. This initiative aims to empower young individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the resources needed to achieve their educational goals.
Financial Support and Coverage
The scholarship provides an annual financial aid of ₹50,000 for eligible students:
- First-Year Students: Maximum of 3 years support.
- Second-Year Students (Lateral Entry): Maximum of 2 years support.
The funds can be utilized for various educational expenses, including:
- College fees
- Purchase of computers
- Books and stationery
- Required software and equipment
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Saksham Scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:
- Must be enrolled in the first year or second year (lateral entry) of a Diploma course at any AICTE-approved institution.
- Have a disability of at least 40%.
- Family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakhs annually.
Application Process
The application for the Saksham Scholarship is completed online through the National Scholarship Portal. Here’s how to apply:
- Registration: Visit scholarship portal and fill out the registration form.
- Login: After receiving your Application ID, log in to the portal and reset your password.
- Complete Application: Fill out the necessary details and upload required documents.
- Submission: Save your application as a draft or submit it for processing.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- SSC/10th certificate and mark sheet
- Annual Family Income Certificate
- Study/Bonafide Certificate
- Disability Certificate
Renewal and Payment Process
- After selection, the scholarship is paid annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- To renew the scholarship for the next academic year, students must submit a passing certificate along with a renewal request through the National Scholarship Portal.
Important Exclusions
It’s essential to note:
- The scholarship will be forfeited if a student fails to get promoted.
- Students receiving any financial assistance from other sources are not eligible to apply.
FAQ: Common Questions Addressed
- Can 3rd-year students apply? No, only first-year or second-year (lateral entry) students are eligible.
- What if I’m receiving another scholarship? Students who receive financial aid from any other source are ineligible for Saksham.
For further queries, you can reach out via the official helpline available on the National Scholarship Portal.
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