Photo: PIB, Government of India
The Central Government’s Saksham Scholarship (Diploma) gives ₹50,000 a year to specially-abled students for technical education. It is given by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education. The scholarship is paid as a lump sum of ₹50,000 every year — for fees, computer, stationery, books, equipment and software. In diploma, it is given for a maximum of 3 years (first-year admission) or a maximum of 2 years (second-year lateral entry). This scholarship is for diploma — the degree version is in our separate guide (https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-saksham-scholarship-specially-abled-haryana/).
Who can apply
The applicant’s disability must be 40% or more. Family income must be below ₹8 lakh a year. The applicant must have taken admission in the first year of a diploma at an AICTE-approved institution, or taken lateral entry in the second year. The gap between the qualifying examination (Class 10) and admission must not be more than 2 years. There is no cap on the number of scholarships — all eligible students can get it. The applicant has to give the disability certificate and the income certificate.
For how many years is it given
In diploma, admission in the first year gives the scholarship for a maximum of 3 years. Lateral entry in the second year gives it for a maximum of 2 years. In a degree course, it is given for a maximum of 4 years (first year) or 3 years (lateral entry) — but this guide is for diploma. ₹50,000 as a lump sum is given every year, for the whole year’s study expenses. The student has to apply for renewal every year and keep up good performance in studies.
It can be taken with another scholarship too
In a corrigendum of 18 August 2026, AICTE made it clear that the Saksham Scholarship can be taken with another welfare-based scholarship too, or with one merit-based scholarship. The earlier rule was that no other scholarship could be taken — that rule has now changed. So a specially-abled student can take one more help along with the Saksham Scholarship. This change is a big relief for specially-abled students. Check the latest details of the corrigendum on the AICTE website.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). In 2026-27, applications opened on 1 June 2026 and the last date was 31 October 2026 — that date has passed. Check the NSP portal for the next session’s dates and renewal details. (One source also mentions 30 November 2026, but most sources and the NSP timeline say 31 October 2026.) Never pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the Saksham Scholarship (Diploma)? A: ₹50,000 as a lump sum every year — up to 3 years (first year) or 2 years (lateral entry) in diploma.
Q2: Who can apply? A: Students with 40% or more disability, whose family income is below ₹8 lakh a year.
Q3: Can it be taken with another scholarship? A: Yes — after the 18 August 2026 corrigendum, it can be taken with one more welfare-based or one merit-based scholarship.
Q4: Where do I apply? A: On the National Scholarship Portal scholarships.gov.in; the 2026-27 last date of 31 October 2026 has passed.
Useful links
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- Saksham Scholarship (Diploma) on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/sak-dip
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
