The Saksham Scholarship Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is a significant initiative aimed at empowering specially-abled students. The scheme is designed to provide financial support to encourage specially-abled children to pursue higher education in technical fields, thereby preparing them for a successful future. With a vision to create an inclusive educational environment, Saksham ensures that every young student, regardless of their disability, gets an equal opportunity to study further and gain technical knowledge that can shape their careers.
Objective
The primary objective of the Saksham Scholarship Scheme is to offer encouragement and support to specially-abled students who have a disability of 40% or more. The scholarship aims to enable these students to pursue undergraduate technical courses in AICTE-approved institutions. By offering financial assistance, the scheme removes the financial barriers that often prevent these students from accessing higher education. The scheme also ensures that specially-abled students are equipped with the resources necessary for their studies, such as computers, books, stationery, and other essential tools.
Financial Benefits
Under the Saksham Scholarship Scheme, eligible students are provided with ₹50,000 per annum for every year of their study. This amount can be utilized to cover various expenses including:
- College fees
- Purchase of a computer
- Books, stationery, and equipment
- Software required for the course
The scholarship amount is provided as a lump sum, and the duration of the scholarship varies depending on the student’s year of admission:
- First-year students are eligible for the scholarship for a maximum of 4 years.
- Second-year students admitted through lateral entry are eligible for a maximum of 3 years.
The scholarship is transferred directly to the student’s account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode on an annual basis, ensuring a hassle-free payment process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Saksham Scholarship Scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Admission to Degree Courses: The candidate must be admitted to the first year of a degree-level technical course or the second year through lateral entry in any AICTE-approved institution for the respective academic year.
- Disability Criteria: The candidate should have a disability of not less than 40% as per the definition provided by the Government of India.
- Income Limit: The family income of the candidate from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum during the current financial year. A valid income certificate issued by the State/UT Government must be provided as proof.
- Age and Gap Criteria: There should not be a gap of more than two years between the qualifying examination and the session of admission to the degree course.
- Renewal of Scholarship: The scholarship is renewable every year, subject to the student’s academic performance. To renew the scholarship for the next year, the student must submit their passing certificate/mark sheet and a letter from the Head of the Institution through the National Scholarship Portal.
Required Documents
To apply for the Saksham Scholarship, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Copy of 10th certificate and mark sheet
- Copy of 12th certificate and mark sheet (for degree-level courses)
- Copy of ITI certificate and mark sheet (for lateral entry through diploma)
- Copy of diploma certificate and mark sheet (for lateral entry to degree course)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Study/Bonafide Certificate (Appendix-I)
- Annual Family Income Certificate (Appendix-II)
- Promotion Certificate (Appendix-III) for renewal