The Central Government’s Saksham Scholarship is meant specially for specially-abled students who want to study technical education. It is run by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education. Its purpose is that a disability should never become a barrier to a student’s technical education. The selected student gets ₹50,000 every year — a lump sum for college fees, computer, books, stationery, equipment and software.
How much money and for how many years
Every selected student gets ₹50,000 a year. The scholarship is given for a maximum of 4 years if the student took admission in the first year, and 3 years if the student entered the second year through lateral entry — provided the student progresses to the next class every year. Under the current guidelines, there is no fixed number of Saksham scholarships — every eligible student gets it. (An older guideline mentioned 1,000 scholarships a year, which no longer applies.)
Who can apply
The applicant must be a specially-abled student and an Indian citizen. The disability must be 40% or more — a disability certificate from a competent authority is required. The student must have taken admission in the first year of a technical degree course, or in the second year through lateral entry, in an AICTE-approved institution. The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹8 lakh — counting income from all sources.
Can be held with the Pragati Scholarship
Saksham is a welfare-based scholarship, so it can be held together with other welfare-based schemes. Under the AICTE corrigendum of 18 August 2026, Saksham can also be held alongside the Pragati Scholarship (for girl students in technical education) — so an eligible girl student can benefit from both schemes at the same time. However, another scholarship for the same purpose cannot be taken together with it. Giving wrong information can lead to cancellation of the scholarship.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), scholarships.gov.in. The student must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP — Aadhaar face authentication is required for this — then fill the scheme form and submit the disability certificate, income certificate, admission proof and bank account details. For 2026-27, applications opened on 1 June 2026; check the current status and last date only on the NSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money does the Saksham Scholarship give?
A: ₹50,000 a year as a lump sum — for fees, computer, books and equipment; up to 4 years for a degree course.
Q2: Who can apply?
A: A student with 40% or more disability, in the first year (or second year through lateral entry) of a technical degree course in an AICTE-approved institution, with family income up to ₹8 lakh.
Q3: Can Saksham be taken with the Pragati Scholarship?
A: Yes — Saksham is a welfare-based scheme, so under the AICTE corrigendum it can be held alongside Pragati.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: On the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in — complete the OTR, fill the form, and check dates on the portal.
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