AICTE Scholarship Schemes 2025-26: PRAGATI, SAKSHAM & SWAWNT Scholarships for Students at IUST

AICTE Scholarship Schemes 2025-26: PRAGATI, SAKSHAM & SWAWNT Scholarships for Students at IUST

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir, has issued an important notification regarding the AICTE Scholarship Schemes 2025-26, inviting students to apply for financial assistance under three major initiatives: PRAGATI Scholarship for Girl Students, SAKSHAM Scholarship for Specially-Abled Students, and SWANATH Scholarship Scheme. These schemes are launched under the banner of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and are aimed at empowering students by providing much-needed financial support during their higher studies.

The scholarships will be implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) under the Government of India. Eligible students are advised to apply well before the deadline and ensure that they meet all the required conditions to avoid rejection of their applications.

Overview of AICTE Scholarship Schemes 2025-26

The AICTE scholarships are designed to provide inclusive financial support for different categories of students. Each scheme has specific eligibility requirements and objectives:

1. PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students
2. SAKSHAM Scholarship Scheme for Specially-Abled Students
3. SWANATH Scholarship Scheme for orphaned students, wards of armed forces personnel, and those who lost parents due to Covid-19 or accidents.

These scholarships reflect the government’s mission to ensure equal access to education for all, especially for marginalized sections of society who often face financial, physical, or social barriers.

1. AICTE-PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students

The PRAGATI scheme has been specifically designed for girl students pursuing technical education. With the goal of promoting women empowerment through education, this scheme provides financial assistance to help female students continue their studies in AICTE-approved institutions.

Eligibility Criteria (Fresh Scholarships)

• Students must be admitted in the first year of a Degree/Diploma level course at an AICTE-approved institution.
• Alternatively, students admitted in the second year through lateral entry are also eligible.
• The total annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.
• Only one girl child per family can apply under this scheme.

Eligibility Criteria (Renewal Scholarships)

• Students already availing the scholarship must successfully pass and get promoted to the next academic year/level.
• Renewal is subject to submission of a passing certificate and online renewal application through NSP.

2. AICTE-SAKSHAM Scholarship Scheme for Specially-Abled Students

The SAKSHAM scheme is aimed at supporting differently-abled students pursuing degree or diploma-level technical education. It helps in bridging the financial gap and ensures that students with disabilities can pursue their academic goals without being constrained by economic challenges.

Eligibility Criteria (Fresh Scholarships)

• Students must be admitted in the first year of a Degree/Diploma level course or second year through lateral entry at AICTE-approved institutions.
• The applicant should be a specially-abled student with a disability not less than 40%.
• The total annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.

Eligibility Criteria (Renewal Scholarships)

• Students must have cleared their examinations and got promoted to the next level.
• Renewal requires successful submission of documents on the National Scholarship Portal.

3. AICTE-SWANATH Scholarship Scheme

The SWANATH scheme provides support to some of the most vulnerable categories of students, including orphans, wards of armed forces personnel martyred in action, and children who lost parents to Covid-19 or fatal accidents. It ensures that such students, despite their tragic circumstances, do not face discontinuity in their education due to financial difficulties.

Eligibility Criteria (Fresh Scholarships)

• The applicant must fall under one of the following categories:
  • Orphan, or has lost either or both parents due to Covid-19.
  • Wards of Armed Forces or Central Paramilitary Forces personnel martyred in action.
  • Parent(s) suffering from a critical life-threatening disease.
  • Parent(s) severely disabled (above 80%) due to an accident.
• The total annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.

Eligibility Criteria (Renewal Scholarships)

• Renewal will only be granted if the student is promoted to the next level of study.
• Students failing in exams or not progressing academically will forfeit their scholarship.

Important Dates for AICTE Scholarships 2025-26

Students must strictly adhere to the following deadlines:

• Last Date for Submission of Online Application on NSP Portal:
  31st October 2025
• Last Date for Submission of Hard Copies at IUST Scholarship Office:
  14th November 2025

It is strongly advised that students complete the online application process well before the last date to avoid any last-minute issues. Additionally, hard copies of the application forms must be submitted to the Scholarship Office, IUST on or before the deadline.

General Conditions & Renewal Process

1. The scholarship is renewable each year subject to academic performance and progression to the next class/level.
2. Failure to pass or being detained in the same class will result in cancellation of the scholarship.
3. Applications found with fake or doubtful details will be summarily rejected, and such students will be barred from future applications besides facing disciplinary action.
4. The scholarships are processed only through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at www.scholarships.gov.in.

How to Apply for AICTE Scholarships 2025-26

Here is a step-by-step guide for students who wish to apply:

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
   Go to www.scholarships.gov.in.
2. Register Yourself:
   New users must create an account on NSP using valid credentials like Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID.
3. Login and Fill Application Form:
   Log in with your credentials and select the scholarship scheme (PRAGATI, SAKSHAM, or SWANATH). Carefully fill in all required details.
4. Upload Required Documents:
   Upload scanned copies of mandatory documents such as Aadhaar card, admission proof, income certificate, disability certificate (if applicable), death certificate of parents (for SWANATH), and bank details.
5. Submit Application:
   Recheck all details before final submission. Once submitted, download a copy of the application form.
6. Submit Hard Copy at IUST:
   After completing the online process, submit a hard copy of the application with required enclosures to the Scholarship Office, IUST before 14th November 2025.

Benefits of the AICTE Scholarship Schemes

• Financial Relief: Students from underprivileged or vulnerable backgrounds receive direct financial support.
• Encouragement for Girls: PRAGATI promotes higher education among women in technical fields.
• Support for Specially-Abled Students: SAKSHAM ensures inclusivity in education.
• Aid for Orphans & Wards of Martyrs: SWANATH provides hope and opportunities to students who suffered major personal losses.

By addressing the unique challenges of different categories of students, these schemes contribute towards educational equity and social justice.

Words of Caution from IUST

The Nodal Officer, Scholarships (IUST) has clearly stated that applications submitted with fake or manipulated details will not only be rejected but will also attract disciplinary action. Students found guilty of such practices may be barred permanently from applying for any future scholarship schemes.

Therefore, applicants are strongly advised to provide only authentic and verifiable information while applying.

Conclusion

The AICTE Scholarship Schemes for 2025-26 – PRAGATI, SAKSHAM, and SWANATH – represent a significant step towards inclusive education in India. These schemes ensure that no deserving student is deprived of education due to financial hardships, physical disabilities, or unfortunate family circumstances.

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has called upon eligible students to apply on time and make full use of these opportunities. With the last date for online applications being 31st October 2025 and hard copy submissions due by 14th November 2025, students must act quickly and responsibly.

Education is the foundation of a better future, and these scholarships serve as a bridge to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

For further details, students are encouraged to visit the official portals:

• www.aicte-india.org
• www.scholarships.gov.in