Saksham Scholarship Scheme For Differently-Abled Students 2024

Saksham Scholarship Scheme: Empowering Differently-Abled Students for Higher Education

The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This scheme is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to differently-abled students who wish to pursue higher education in technical courses. By supporting students with disabilities, the Saksham Scholarship ensures that no one is denied education due to physical limitations or financial constraints.

Objectives of the Saksham Scholarship Scheme

The Saksham Scholarship aims to uplift and empower differently-abled students by offering them financial support for pursuing technical education. The key objectives of the scheme are:

1. Promote Inclusive Education: To encourage students with disabilities to enroll in higher education institutions offering technical courses such as engineering, architecture, and pharmacy.
2. Provide Financial Support: The scholarship helps students cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs related to their studies.
3. Encourage Career Development: By facilitating access to higher education, the scholarship encourages students to become self-reliant and participate in India’s workforce, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
4. Reduce Dropout Rates: By providing financial assistance, the scholarship seeks to reduce the dropout rates of differently-abled students who may otherwise discontinue their education due to economic hardships.

Key Features of the Saksham Scholarship Scheme

The Saksham Scholarship is structured to address the specific needs of differently-abled students pursuing technical education. Below are some of the key features of the scheme:

1. Annual Financial Assistance: Each student selected under the Saksham Scholarship receives a scholarship amount of up to INR 50,000 per annum, which covers tuition fees, books, and other incidental expenses.
2. Tuition Fee Coverage: The scheme covers full tuition fees or up to INR 30,000 per year, whichever is lower. This ensures that students do not face financial barriers in accessing quality education.
3. Additional Expenses: An amount of INR 20,000 per annum is provided for incidentals such as purchasing books, equipment, and software that may be needed for their studies.
4. Special Consideration for Differently-Abled Students: The scholarship is designed specifically for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive extra attention and support throughout their educational journey.
5. Applicable to Various Courses: The scholarship is available for students pursuing Diploma, Degree, and Post-Graduate Degree courses in technical fields such as engineering, architecture, pharmacy, and hotel management.

Eligibility Criteria for the Saksham Scholarship

To apply for the Saksham Scholarship, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Disability Criteria: The scheme is only applicable to students with a minimum of 40% disability. The disability must be certified by competent medical authorities.
2. Academic Requirement: Students must be admitted to the first year of a Diploma or Degree course in any AICTE-approved institution for the current academic year through a centralized admission process.
3. Family Income Limit: The annual family income of the candidate from all sources should not exceed INR 8 Lakhs. An income certificate issued by the competent authority should be provided as proof.
4. Course Type: The scheme is applicable for technical education courses such as engineering, architecture, pharmacy, hotel management, and applied arts.

Benefits of the Saksham Scholarship

The Saksham Scholarship Scheme offers a variety of benefits that go beyond financial aid, focusing on the holistic development of differently-abled students. Here are the major benefits of the scheme:

1. Financial Aid: One of the most significant benefits of the scholarship is the financial assistance provided to cover tuition fees, books, equipment, and living expenses. This reduces the financial burden on students and their families.
2. Increased Accessibility: The scheme allows students with disabilities to access higher education without worrying about the cost, encouraging more students to pursue careers in technical fields.
3. Promoting Inclusive Education: By offering special scholarships for differently-abled students, the government is promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education, irrespective of their physical challenges.
4. Career Advancement: The scholarship helps students gain the skills needed for professional success, enabling them to contribute to the workforce and become financially independent.
5. Reduction in Dropout Rates: Financial support plays a crucial role in ensuring that students do not discontinue their education due to economic difficulties, thereby reducing dropout rates among differently-abled students.

How to Apply for the Saksham Scholarship

Applying for the Saksham Scholarship is a simple process. Below is the step-by-step guide on how students can apply:

Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

The first step in applying for the Saksham Scholarship is to visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in/. This portal is a one-stop destination for various scholarship schemes offered by the Government of India.

Step 2: Register on the Portal

Students need to register themselves on the NSP by providing basic details such as their name, email ID, contact number, and academic details. Once registered, a unique application ID is generated for future reference.

Step 3: Select the Saksham Scholarship Scheme

After registering, students must log in to the portal using their credentials and select the Saksham Scholarship Scheme from the list of available scholarships. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Fill out the online application form with accurate details such as personal information, educational qualifications, disability certificate, and family income details. Make sure that all the details are correct to avoid rejection.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

The following documents must be uploaded as part of the application process:

• Disability Certificate issued by competent medical authorities
• Income Certificate issued by the relevant authority
• Proof of Admission to the AICTE-approved institution
• Previous Academic Marksheets (if applicable)

Step 6: Submit the Application

Once all the details have been filled out and documents uploaded, review the application for any errors or missing information. Finally, apply. Make sure to take a printout of the acknowledgement slip for future reference.

Step 7: Track Your Application

After submission, students can log in to the National Scholarship Portal to track the status of their scholarship application.

Advantages of the Saksham Scholarship

1. Targeted Financial Assistance: The scholarship provides focused financial support to differently-abled students, helping them overcome barriers to accessing higher education.
2. Nationwide Availability: Students from across India can apply for the scholarship, ensuring wide geographical coverage and access to education in different states and regions.
3. Encourages Technical Education: The scholarship encourages students to pursue technical and vocational education, thus creating a skilled workforce for India’s growing economy.
4. Career Opportunities: With financial support, students can pursue higher education in lucrative fields like engineering and pharmacy, opening up diverse career opportunities.

Disadvantages of the Saksham Scholarship

1. Limited Seats: The number of scholarships available under the Saksham Scheme is limited, and not every deserving student may be able to secure financial aid.
2. Eligibility Restrictions: Only students with 40% disability or above are eligible, leaving out those with lesser degrees of disability who may also face challenges in affording education.
3. Course Restrictions: The scholarship is only available for specific technical courses, so students pursuing non-technical streams are not eligible.

The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a commendable initiative that helps differently-abled students pursue higher education in technical fields. By reducing the financial burden, the scheme enables students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic and career goals. With its inclusive approach, the Saksham Scholarship ensures that education is accessible to all, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for India’s youth.

If you’re looking to explore other educational and financial assistance programs, check out our article on the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which focuses on universal elementary education and inclusive learning for all children. Together, these programs are driving India toward a more educated and empowered future.