AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Specially-Abled Student (Degree) is open for applications for the academic year 2026-27. Specially-abled students admitted to AICTE-approved degree programs can apply on the National Scholarship Portal and get up to ₹50,000 per year for their studies.
This support covers college fees, books, computers, stationery, and study software for specially-abled students. Students with at least 40% disability and family income up to ₹8 lakh per year can apply online.
This is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of Education and implemented by AICTE. Online applications started on 1 June 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 October 2026. Students already getting the scholarship have to apply for renewal every year on the same portal.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Specially-Abled Student (Degree) Introduction
For example, Rahul, a student with a physical disability, can use this support to cover the costs of his engineering degree, including his laptop and textbook expenses. The amount is paid directly to the student's bank account, so there is no middleman and no delay in the money reaching the right person.
The annual support is a maximum of ₹50,000 to cover tuition fees, books, computer systems, and other learning software. This support lasts for the full course, up to 4 years for first-year entrants and 3 years for students joining via lateral entry into the second year. To be eligible, total annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
Key Information
| Key Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Specially-Abled Student (Degree) |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Annual Financial Support | ₹50,000 per annum |
| Family Income Limit | Up to ₹8 lakh per annum |
| Application Dates | 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026 |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
Benefits
Students get an annual scholarship amount to help with their education. Here is the financial breakdown:
| Category | Annual Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Degree Course Education Expenses | ₹50,000 per annum |
- The ₹50,000 amount can be used as a lump sum to pay for college fees, computers, stationery, books, and software. No bills or proof of spending are required.
- The scholarship is paid directly into the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Renewal applications are submitted every year on the National Scholarship Portal along with the passing certificate and a letter from the Head of Institution.
Eligibility
Students who meet the following conditions can apply for this scholarship:
- Must hold a valid disability certificate showing a disability of not less than 40%.
- Must be enrolled in the first year of a degree program or the second year of a degree program via lateral entry at an AICTE-approved institution.
- Total annual family income, from all sources, must not be more than ₹8 lakh for the current financial year. An income certificate issued by the State or UT Government authority is required.
Exclusions
The following students will not be eligible for this scheme:
- Students who fail to get promoted to the next academic level of their course.
- Students with a gap of more than two years between passing the qualifying exam and taking admission.
- Students who drop out or fail in any later year of their studies.
- Students already getting other financial help such as a salary, stipend, or another government scholarship. If multiple support is found, the full scholarship amount has to be refunded to AICTE by Demand Draft in favor of "Member Secretary, AICTE" payable at New Delhi.
Application Process
Applying Online
Applications are done only online through the National Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Keep scanned copies of all documents ready and visit the official National Scholarship Portal. First-time users must complete the One Time Registration (OTR), because OTR is required to apply for any scholarship on NSP from AY 2024-25 onwards.
STEP 2 - After OTR, click on "New Registration" and fill in the registration form. Once submitted, an Application ID and password will be sent by SMS to the registered mobile number.
STEP 3 - Login with these credentials, reset the password, and open the "Applicant's Dashboard".
STEP 4 - Click on the "Application Form" link, select AICTE Saksham Scholarship, upload all required documents, and submit the form before 31 October 2026. The form can be saved as a draft and submitted later.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:
- Aadhaar Card.
- 10th and 12th class certificates and mark sheets.
- Diploma or ITI certificates for lateral entry students.
- Valid Disability Certificate (minimum 40% disability).
- Annual Family Income Certificate (Appendix-II).
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution (Appendix-I).
- Promotion Certificate for renewal applicants (Appendix-III).
- Category Certificate, if applicable.
- Aadhaar-linked bank passbook showing the student's name, IFSC code, and account number.
Students looking for similar help can check the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students (Technical Degree), which is another AICTE scholarship for technical degree courses. Detailed rules for this scheme are available in the AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2026 Guidelines.
References
AICTE Saksham Scholarship A/Y 2026-27 Notification
Official Saksham Scholarship Scheme Page - General Instructions
Official Guidelines (Saksham Scheme Degree)
FAQ's
Am I eligible if I am in the 3rd year of my course?
No, the scholarship is for first-year entry or lateral entry into the second year. Students in higher years cannot apply.
Can I apply if I am already receiving another state scholarship?
No. Students receiving a salary, stipend, or any other form of scholarship or financial aid are not eligible for this scheme.
How will I receive the scholarship money?
The scholarship is sent directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked savings bank account through DBT. The account should be in the student's own name, as joint or minor accounts are generally not accepted.
Is the Aadhaar card mandatory?
Yes, an Aadhaar-seeded bank account is required to apply for the scheme.
What is the last date to apply for AY 2026-27?
Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and the last date is 31 October 2026. The date can be extended by the government, so keep checking the NSP portal.
Where can I reach out if I have trouble accessing the portal?
Contact the NSP helpdesk at helpdesk@nsp.gov.in or call 0120-6619540 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on all days except government holidays. The toll-free number is 1800 118 111.