AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Amount & Last Date

If you or someone you know is a specially-abled student pursuing technical education in India, this scholarship could change everything. Here is a complete information of the AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme – who qualifies, how much you get, and how to apply.

What Is the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?

Saksham — meaning “capable” or “empowered” — is a scholarship scheme originally launched under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The word itself says it all: the scheme exists to remind every specially-abled young person that their disability does not define their potential.

The goal is straightforward — provide financial support so that students with disabilities can pursue degree or diploma-level technical education without the burden of financial constraints holding them back. Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, an architect, or a tech professional, Saksham is designed to give you a fair shot at that future.

In 2026, the scheme continues to be one of the most accessible and inclusive scholarship programs for differently-abled students in India.

Important Dates

Application Start Date	01 June 2026
Apply Last Date	31 October 2026

Who Can Apply for AICTE Saksham Scholarship? Eligibility Criteria Explained

The Saksham Scholarship has two separate streams — one for Degree students and one for Diploma students. While the core conditions are very similar, it’s important to know exactly which one applies to you. Let’s break them down individually.

Eligibility for Saksham Scholarship (Degree)

This stream is meant for students enrolled in B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, or any other AICTE-approved degree-level technical program.

1. Course Enrollment You must be admitted to one of the following at an AICTE-approved institution:

• First year of a Degree level course, OR
• Second year of a Degree level course through lateral entry

2. Disability Requirement You must be a specially-abled student with a certified disability of not less than 40%. A valid disability certificate is mandatory — there are no exceptions here.

3. Family Income Limit Your total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum in the current financial year. You’ll need a valid income certificate issued by your State or UT Government to back this up.

Eligibility for Saksham Scholarship (Diploma)

This stream is designed for students enrolled in polytechnic or any other AICTE-approved diploma-level technical program.

1. Course Enrollment You must be admitted to one of the following at an AICTE-approved institution:

• First year of a Diploma level course, OR
• Second year of a Diploma level course through lateral entry

2. Disability Requirement Just like the Degree stream, you must be a specially-abled student with a certified disability of not less than 40%. No exceptions — make sure your disability certificate is valid and ready.

3. Family Income Limit Your total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum in the current financial year. A valid income certificate from your State or UT Government is required.

Quick Tip: Not sure whether your institution is AICTE-approved? You can check the official list on the AICTE website at aicte-india.org before applying. An unapproved institution means automatic disqualification, so verify this first.

How Much Money Will You Receive?

This is where Saksham really steps up. The scholarship amount is ₹50,000 per year, paid as a lump sum. And it’s designed to cover real expenses:

• College tuition fees
• Purchase of a computer or laptop
• Stationery and books
• Equipment and software

One thing to keep in mind: no additional grant is provided for hostel charges or medical expenses. The ₹50,000 is an all-inclusive amount, and you don’t need to attach any documentary proof of expenditure to claim it.

Duration of the Scholarship

This is where the Degree and Diploma schemes differ slightly:

Course Type	Entry Year	Maximum Duration	Total Possible Amount
Degree	1st Year	4 Years	₹2,00,000
Degree	2nd Year (Lateral Entry)	3 Years	₹1,50,000
Diploma	1st Year	3 Years	₹1,50,000
Diploma	2nd Year (Lateral Entry)	2 Years	₹1,00,000

How Does the Money Reach You?

Payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on an annual basis. This means the scholarship amount is transferred directly to your bank account — no middlemen, no delays from third parties. Make sure your bank account details are accurate when you apply, because queries about payment issues due to wrong account numbers are only entertained up to six months from the date the merit list is published.

Renewing Your Scholarship Each Year

Getting the scholarship once isn’t the finish line – you need to renew it every year to keep receiving the funds. Here’s how renewal works:

• Submit a renewal request through the National Scholarship Portal
• Attach your passing certificate or marksheet from the previous year
• Include a letter from the Head of your Institution confirming your promotion to the next year

One critical point: if you fail to get promoted to the next class, you forfeit the scholarship. So staying on track academically isn’t just about your degree — it directly affects your financial support.

Important Terms and Conditions You Should Know

These aren’t just fine print. Read them carefully:

Gap Year Rule: The time between passing your qualifying exam and your admission to the degree/diploma course must not exceed two years.

No Double Dipping: If you receive any other scholarship, stipend, salary, or financial assistance from any source while studying, the Saksham scholarship will be discontinued and you’ll have to refund the entire amount to AICTE via a Demand Draft in favour of “Member Secretary, AICTE,” payable at New Delhi.

Failure or Dropout: If you fail or drop out in any subsequent year, you become ineligible for further scholarship.

Incomplete Applications: These will be rejected outright. Make sure every field is filled correctly and all required documents are attached before submitting.

CGPA to Percentage Conversion: If your marksheet shows CGPA instead of percentage, multiply your CGPA by 9.5 to get your equivalent percentage. If both CGPA and total marks are mentioned, total marks take precedence. If you have letter grades (A1, A2, B1, etc.), convert them to CGPA first, then apply the 9.5 multiplier.

Important Links

NSP OTR	OTR Registration
Online Application	NSP Portal
Guidelines for Degree (UG)	View Degree Guidelines
Guidelines for Diploma	View Diploma Guidelines
Official Website	scholarships.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)