The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has rolled out the Saksham Scholarship 2024-25 to empower differently-abled students pursuing technical education in India. The scholarship is a government initiative aimed at encouraging students with disabilities to overcome financial hurdles and achieve academic excellence in technical fields.
This article delves into the details of the AICTE Saksham Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, the application process, and other critical information for prospective applicants.
What is the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship is a flagship initiative under the Government of India’s vision to promote inclusive education. It supports differently-abled students who are enrolled in diploma or degree programs in AICTE-approved institutions. The scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 annually to meet tuition fees, purchase learning materials, or address other academic expenses.
Key Objectives of the Scholarship
- Financial Inclusion: To ensure financial support for differently-abled students in technical education.
- Equal Opportunities: To provide an equal platform for students to excel academically and professionally.
- Skill Development: To nurture technical skills among students and prepare them for employability in the competitive job market.
Eligibility Criteria for AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2024-25
Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Disability Requirement | Applicants must have a disability of 40% or more, certified by a competent authority. |
| Course Enrollment | Must be pursuing a technical degree or diploma course in an AICTE-approved institution. |
| Annual Family Income | Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh annually. |
| Academic Year | Applicable to students enrolled in the academic year 2024-25. |
Benefits of the AICTE Saksham Scholarship
- Financial Assistance: Up to ₹50,000 per year to cover academic expenses.
- Flexibility in Usage: The scholarship amount can be utilized for tuition fees, purchase of assistive devices, learning materials, and transportation.
- Annual Renewal: Eligible students can renew the scholarship annually based on satisfactory academic performance.
Application Process for AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2024-25
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official AICTE Saksham Scholarship website.
- Register Online: Create an account and fill out the application form with the required details.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of:
- Disability certificate
- Income certificate
- Admission proof from an AICTE-approved institution
- Bank details (for direct transfer of funds)
- Submit the Application: Verify all details and submit the form before the deadline.
- Track Application Status: Use your registration credentials to track the application status online.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | December 1, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2025 |
| Scholarship Disbursement | March 2025 (tentative) |
Selection Process
- The selection process is merit-based, giving priority to students with higher academic scores and greater financial need.
- AICTE reserves the right to validate applications and reject those that do not meet eligibility criteria.
Key Features of the Saksham Scholarship
- Inclusive Scope: Targets students with physical, visual, hearing, or any other recognized disability.
- Digital Accessibility: The application process is completely online, ensuring easy access for all.
- Transparency: The entire selection and fund disbursement process is transparent and trackable.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?
Differently-abled students with at least 40% disability, pursuing technical courses in AICTE-approved institutions, can apply.
2. Is there any age limit for applying?
No specific age limit has been mentioned for the scholarship.
3. Can students renew the scholarship?
Yes, students can renew the scholarship annually by maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
4. What is the deadline for application submission?
The application deadline is January 31, 2025.
5. Is there any fee to apply?
No, the application process is free of cost.
6. How will the funds be disbursed?
The funds will be directly transferred to the student’s bank account.
Conclusion
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2024-25 is a commendable step towards empowering differently-abled students in technical education. By providing financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 annually, the scholarship enables students to overcome financial barriers and achieve academic excellence. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all necessary documents are in order.
For more details, visit the official AICTE Saksham Scholarship Portal.