The AICTE Scholarships are among India’s most important financial support schemes for students pursuing technical, engineering, management, pharmacy, architecture, and diploma programs. Run by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), these scholarships aim to uplift girls, differently-abled students, economically weaker families, and research scholars by providing direct financial assistance. This 800-word guide covers all major AICTE schemes, eligibility, benefits, documents, application steps, tables, and FAQs with a clean and easy representation.
What Are AICTE Scholarships?
AICTE scholarships are financial aid programs designed for students enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions. These schemes reduce the financial burden on students pursuing technical and professional education. Some of the most popular schemes include:
- Pragati Scholarship for Girls
- Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students
- AICTE PG (GATE/GPAT) Scholarship
- AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme
- AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)
- AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship
1. Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Aimed at empowering girls in technical education.
Eligibility
- Only for two girl children per family.
- Must be enrolled in 1st year of Diploma or Degree in AICTE-approved colleges.
- Annual family income should be below ₹8 lakh.
Benefits
- Annual scholarship for tuition and educational expenses.
- Amount transferred directly through DBT.
2. Saksham Scholarship for Differently-Abled Students
A support scheme for students with disabilities.
Eligibility
- Minimum 40% disability.
- Must be admitted in a technical diploma/degree course.
- Family income must be less than ₹8 lakh per year.
Benefits
- Financial assistance for academic expenses.
- Special support allowance.
3. AICTE PG Scholarship (GATE/GPAT)
For students who qualify GATE/GPAT and enrol in PG technical courses.
Eligibility
- Valid GATE/GPAT score.
- Must be admitted to ME/MTech/MPharma/Architecture programs.
- Full-time course in approved institutions.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship amount throughout the course duration.
- Applicable only for regular students.
4. AICTE Swanath Scholarship
Supports students who are orphaned, children of martyred armed forces personnel, or children of a parent who died during COVID-19.
Eligibility
- Orphan students, OR
- Students whose either/both parents died due to COVID-19, OR
- Wards of armed forces martyred in service.
- Should be enrolled in Degree/Diploma course.
Benefits
- Annual scholarship to support tuition fees and other expenses.
5. AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)
A high-value fellowship for PhD scholars in AICTE-approved universities.
Eligibility
- Full-time PhD scholars in AICTE-approved research centres.
- Strong academic background.
- Admission through the institute’s approved selection process.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship for 3 years (extendable).
- Contingency grant for research.
Key Features of AICTE Scholarships
- 100% online application through National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or AICTE portal.
- Direct bank transfer (DBT) of scholarship amount.
- Transparent verification system.
- Dedicated helpline for students.
- Covers diploma, degree, postgraduate, and research levels.
Documents Required for AICTE Scholarship Application
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate
- Admission Letter
- Marksheet of qualifying exam
- Disability Certificate (for Saksham)
- Parent’s death certificate (for Swanath)
- GATE/GPAT Scorecard (for PG Scholarship)
- Bank passbook
- Passport-size photograph
Application Process for AICTE Scholarships
Most AICTE scholarships are available on NSP, while PG and doctoral programs may require application on the AICTE portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the NSP or AICTE official scholarship page.
- Register as a new applicant or log in with your existing ID.
- Fill in personal, academic, and bank details.
- Choose the relevant AICTE scholarship scheme.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Submit the form and take a print of the acknowledgment.
- Track status online through the portal.
Overview Table
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits | Level | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pragati Scholarship | Girl students, income < ₹8 lakh | Annual fee support | Diploma/Degree | NSP |
| Saksham Scholarship | 40% disability, income < ₹8 lakh | Education & support allowance | Diploma/Degree | NSP |
| PG Scholarship (GATE/GPAT) | Valid GATE/GPAT score | Monthly stipend | PG (ME/MTech/MPharma) | AICTE |
| Swanath Scholarship | Orphan/COVID-affected/martyred ward | Yearly scholarship | Diploma/Degree | NSP |
| Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) | PhD scholars | Monthly fellowship + contingency | PhD | AICTE |
| National Doctoral Fellowship | Research scholars | Research funding | PhD | AICTE |
Benefits of Applying for AICTE Scholarships
- Financial support throughout the academic year.
- Encourages girls and differently-abled students in technical fields.
- Helps students from weaker sections continue higher education.
- Promotes high-quality research through fellowships.
- Ensures equal opportunities across diploma, degree, and PG education.
Important Tips Before Applying
- Ensure the institute is AICTE-approved.
- Keep all documents scanned and updated.
- Fill in correct bank details to avoid payment failure.
- Apply before the last date to avoid rejection.
- Check NSP or AICTE portal regularly for updates.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for more than one AICTE scholarship?
No, students can only apply for one scholarship as per AICTE rules.
2. Are AICTE scholarships available for diploma students?
Yes, AICTE offers multiple diploma-level scholarships like Pragati, Saksham, and Swanath.
3. Do I need GATE/GPAT to get AICTE PG Scholarship?
Yes, a valid GATE or GPAT score is mandatory.