Pragati and Saksham Scholarships: Education is more than just a pathway to knowledge; it’s a gateway to empowerment, confidence, and independence. For young girls and differently abled students in India, accessing technical education can often be difficult due to financial constraints or lack of support. To help bridge this gap, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), along with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has introduced two incredible scholarship programs: Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students and Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled Students. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance to students who dream of excelling in technical fields and building a bright future for themselves. Let’s explore each scholarship in detail.
Pragati and Saksham Scholarships
Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students: Inspiring and Supporting Young Women in Technical Education
Since 2014, the Pragati Scholarship has been a lifeline for thousands of young girls who aspire to pursue technical education. This scholarship is a part of the government’s broader vision to promote “Empowering Women Through Technical Education” and support the girl child in building a successful future.
Highlights of Pragati Scholarship
The Pragati Scholarship provides 4,000 scholarships each year, offering crucial financial support to girls enrolled in technical programs. This initiative aims to support one girl per family; however, in cases where the family’s annual income is below INR 8 lakh, the scholarship can extend to two girls from the same family. For married students, either the income of their parents or in-laws is considered—whichever is higher.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Requirements: To be eligible, the candidate must be enrolled in the first year of a degree or diploma program at an AICTE-approved institution.
- Admission Process: Admission should be through the centralized admission system conducted by the State or Central Government.
- Income Limit: The family’s annual income must be below INR 8 lakh.
Financial Assistance Provided by Pragati Scholarship
The scholarship covers essential educational costs, reducing the financial burden on the student and her family:
- Tuition Fee Support: Up to INR 30,000 per year or the actual tuition fee, whichever is lower.
- Monthly Allowance: An additional INR 2,000 per month is provided for ten months each year to cover other academic expenses.
In cases where the candidate has already received a tuition fee waiver, the scholarship offers reimbursement of up to INR 30,000 for purchasing essential academic items, such as:
- Books
- Equipment and software
- Laptops or desktops
- Vehicle for commuting
- Fees for competitive exams related to higher education or job opportunities
Reservation Quota in Pragati Scholarship
The Pragati Scholarship promotes inclusivity by offering reservation benefits:
- 15% for SC candidates
- 7.5% for ST candidates
- 27% for OBC candidates
If eligible candidates are not available in any category or program level, scholarships can be transferred between degree and diploma levels.
Documents Required for Pragati Scholarship Application
Students applying for the Pragati Scholarship must provide the following documents to confirm their eligibility:
| S. No | Required Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mark sheet from Class X/XII or equivalent (mandatory) |
| 2 | Annual Family Income Certificate in prescribed format (mandatory) |
| 3 | Admission letter to the diploma or degree course (mandatory) |
| 4 | Tuition fee receipt clearly showing amount paid (mandatory) |
| 5 | Bank passbook with student details, account number, IFSC code, and photo (mandatory) |
| 6 | Certificate from the Head of the institution (Annexure-II) (mandatory) |
| 7 | Copy of Aadhar card |
| 8 | Caste Certificate if applying under reserved categories (mandatory) |
The Pragati Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a means to empower young girls and encourage them to pursue technical education with confidence.
Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled Students: Supporting Students with Special Needs to Excel in Technical Fields
Introduced in 2015, the Saksham Scholarship aims to provide equal opportunities for differently abled students to pursue technical education. This scholarship ensures that students with disabilities are not held back from achieving their dreams due to financial limitations.
Highlights of Saksham Scholarship
Under this scheme, 1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to eligible differently abled students. By offering both financial support and resources, the Saksham Scholarship opens doors for students with special needs, giving them a chance to build successful careers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Requirements: Candidates must be in the first year of a degree or diploma course at an AICTE-approved institution.
- Admission Process: Admission must be through a centralized admission process by the State or Central Government.
- Income Limit: Family income should not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum.
Financial Assistance Provided by Saksham Scholarship
The Saksham Scholarship covers essential academic expenses, offering significant financial relief to families of differently abled students:
- Tuition Fee Support: Up to INR 30,000 per year or actual tuition fee, whichever is lower.
- Monthly Allowance: INR 2,000 per month for ten months each academic year.
If tuition fee waiver or reimbursement is already provided, the scholarship offers up to INR 30,000 as a reimbursement for essential academic items, which include:
- Books
- Equipment and software
- Laptops or desktops
- Customized vehicle for commuting
- Fees for competitive exams
- Assistive devices or specific software for visually impaired or hearing-impaired students
Reservation Quota in Saksham Scholarship
The Saksham Scholarship also offers reservations for candidates from various social backgrounds:
- 15% for SC candidates
- 7.5% for ST candidates
- 27% for OBC candidates
Fifty percent of the scholarships are available at both degree and diploma levels, and if eligible candidates are unavailable in a particular category, the scholarships can be transferred.
Documents Required for Saksham Scholarship Application
Students must submit these documents for a successful application:
| S. No | Required Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mark sheet from Class X/XII or equivalent (mandatory) |
| 2 | Annual Family Income Certificate in prescribed format (mandatory) |
| 3 | Admission letter to the diploma or degree course (mandatory) |
| 4 | Tuition fee receipt clearly showing amount paid (mandatory) |
| 5 | Bank passbook with student details, account number, IFSC code, and photo (mandatory) |
| 6 | Certificate from the Head of the institution (Annexure-II) (mandatory) |
| 7 | Disability Certificate issued by competent authority (mandatory) |
| 8 | Copy of Aadhar card |
| 9 | Caste Certificate if applying under reserved categories (mandatory) |
Applying for Pragati and Saksham Scholarships
Eligible candidates for both the Pragati and Saksham Scholarships can apply through the official AICTE scholarship portal. Ensure all required documents are gathered in advance to avoid any delays in the application process.
A Commitment to Empowerment and Inclusivity
The Pragati and Saksham Scholarships are more than financial assistance; they represent a commitment to uplifting and empowering young women and differently abled students across India. By supporting students financially, these scholarships make technical education accessible to those who may otherwise face significant barriers. Through these programs, AICTE and MHRD are not just investing in students’ futures—they are investing in the future of India as a more inclusive and educated society.
These scholarships are a beacon of hope, lighting the way for students to dream bigger, reach higher, and create a brighter future.
FAQs: Pragati and Saksham Scholarships
1. What is the Pragati Scholarship, and who can apply for it?
The Pragati Scholarship is a special initiative to empower young girls who dream of pursuing technical education but may face financial barriers. It’s open to girls from families with an income below INR 8 lakh per year. It supports one girl per family (and can extend to two girls if family income is below the specified limit) who is enrolled in the first year of a degree or diploma program in an AICTE-approved institution.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the Saksham Scholarship?
The Saksham Scholarship is designed to support differently abled students who aspire to study technical fields but may struggle with educational expenses. Differently abled students with a family income below INR 8 lakh per year, who have secured admission in the first year of a degree or diploma program in any AICTE-approved institution, are eligible to apply.
3. How much financial assistance is provided under these scholarships?
For both Pragati and Saksham Scholarships, eligible students receive up to INR 30,000 per year towards their tuition fees, or the actual amount if tuition is less than INR 30,000. In addition, they receive a monthly allowance of INR 2,000 for ten months each year to support other academic expenses.
4. What if I have already received a tuition fee waiver am I still eligible for the scholarship?
Yes! If you’re already benefiting from a tuition fee waiver, the scholarship can still provide reimbursement of up to INR 30,000 for essential academic items, including books, equipment, software, laptops, desktops, a vehicle, and exam fees related to higher education or employment. For Saksham recipients, this amount can also be used for assistive devices tailored to specific disabilities.
5. Are there any reservations under these scholarships?
Absolutely. Both scholarships aim to be inclusive:
15% of scholarships are reserved for SC candidates,
7.5% for ST candidates, and
27% for OBC candidates.
These reserved scholarships are available at both degree and diploma levels. If eligible candidates aren’t available for a particular category, the scholarships can be transferred.
6. What documents do I need to submit for the application?
To apply for either the Pragati or Saksham Scholarship, you’ll need:
Mark sheet from Class X/XII or equivalent (mandatory),
Family income certificate (mandatory),
Admission letter to your program (mandatory),
Tuition fee receipt showing amount paid (mandatory),
Bank passbook with account details and photo (mandatory),
Certificate from the Head of the institution (Annexure-II, mandatory),
Aadhar card copy,
SC/ST/OBC certificate, if applicable,
(For Saksham) Disability certificate issued by a competent authority.
7. How do I apply for these scholarships?
You can apply for both scholarships through the official AICTE scholarship portal. Be sure to prepare and upload all required documents accurately to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Double-check all details to avoid delays and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
8. What if I have further questions or need support during the application process?
If you have more questions, don’t worry! You can reach out directly through the AICTE helpdesk or contact your institution’s scholarship support team. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. there are people ready to help you take this step towards your future!
9. How many students are supported each year through these scholarships?
Each year, the Pragati Scholarship supports 4,000 young girls, while the Saksham Scholarship helps 1,000 differently abled students fulfill their dreams of a technical education. Together, these scholarships are transforming lives and giving students the encouragement to pursue their aspirations.
10. Can these scholarships help me pursue a bright future?
Absolutely! These scholarships are designed not only to ease financial stress but also to empower students to follow their dreams without fear or hesitation. Whether you’re a young woman aspiring to break barriers in technical fields or a differently abled student determined to succeed, Pragati and Saksham scholarships are here to help make your journey possible.