AICTE Scholarship 2026, one of India’s most popular government scholarship schemes for technical, engineering, diploma, and management students.Every year, lakhs of students apply for AICTE-funded scholarships, and in 2026, the number of approved seats and scholarship amounts are expected to increase due to high demand. If you are pursuing B.Tech, B.E., Diploma, M.Tech, MBA, MCA, Pharmacy, or Architecture, this is one of the most important updates of the year.
This blog covers everything: eligibility, scholarship amount, documents required, last date, and step-by-step application process.
What Is AICTE Scholarship 2026?
AICTE Scholarship 2026 is a central government-supported financial assistance scheme for students enrolled in AICTE-approved colleges and institutions. Its goal is to support students from economically weaker backgrounds and encourage technical education across India.
AICTE releases multiple scholarship categories every year, including:
- AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026 (for Girls)
- AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026 (for Divyang Students)
- AICTE Swanath Scholarship 2026 (for Orphan/Single Parent Students)
- AICTE PMSSS (for J&K and Ladakh Students)
- AICTE GPAT / GATE Scholarship 2026 (for PG students)
- AICTE Merit Cum Means Scholarship (selected categories)
These schemes offer financial support ranging from tuition fee coverage to study allowance.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligibility depends on the scheme, but the general requirements for AICTE Scholarship 2026 include:
1. Academic Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in an AICTE-approved institution
- Must be pursuing Diploma, Undergraduate, or Postgraduate technical programs
- First-year or lateral entry students are eligible
2. Income Criteria
Most scholarships require:
- Annual family income below ₹8 lakh
(Specific schemes may have lower limits)
3. Category-Based Eligibility
- Girls can apply for AICTE Pragati
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD) can apply for Saksham
- Orphan / Single Parent / Martyrs’ children for Swanath
- GATE / GPAT qualified students for PG stipends
- Students from J&K and Ladakh for PMSSS
4. Age Limit
- Typically up to 30 years (varies by scheme)
Scholarship Amount – How Much You Will Get
AICTE provides financial support through multiple components:
1. Tuition Fee Support
- Up to ₹50,000 per year for eligible schemes
(Pragati, Saksham, Swanath)
2. Study Allowance
- ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month
(For expenses like books, stationery, laptop, internet)
3. GATE / GPAT Scholarship (PG Students)
- ₹12,400 per month stipend
- Paid for the entire duration of the M.Tech/M.E/M.Pharm program
4. PMSSS – J&K & Ladakh
- Tuition Fee: ₹1.25 lakh per year
- Maintenance Allowance: ₹1 lakh per year
5. One-time Grants
- Laptop, equipment, disability-related support (for specific categories)
Documents Required for AICTE Scholarship 2026
Students must upload scanned copies of the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- Student’s Photo
- Bank Passbook
- Income Certificate (Latest)
- Caste Certificate (If applicable)
- PwD Certificate (For Saksham)
- Parent’s Death Certificate (For Swanath)
- 10th & 12th Marksheet
- Previous semester marksheets
- Admission fee receipt
- Bonafide Certificate from institution
- GATE/GPAT scorecard (for PG scholarship)
Ensure all documents are clear and properly scanned.
Application Process – Step by Step Guide
AICTE scholarships are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step 1: Visit the Official NSP Website
Search: National Scholarship Portal – www.scholarships.gov.in
Step 2: Register as a New User
Enter your basic details and create a login ID.
Step 3: Complete the Student Application Form
Fill in:
- Personal details
- Academic information
- Bank account details
- Course details
Step 4: Select “AICTE Scholarships 2026”
Choose the relevant scheme:
- Pragati
- Saksham
- Swanath
- PMSSS
- GATE/GPAT stipend
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Ensure all files meet NSP size and format guidelines.
Step 6: Submit Application and Print Acknowledgement
Your college will verify the application before final approval.
Last Date to Apply
The official last date is not yet announced, but AICTE typically opens applications between:
- August to October 2025 (for 2026 cycle)
Students are advised to apply early to avoid portal congestion.
Why AICTE Scholarship 2026 Is Important
This scholarship supports lakhs of students annually by:
- Reducing the financial burden of engineering and technical studies
- Encouraging girl students in STEM
- Helping disabled and economically weak students continue their education
- Providing equal opportunities across India
- Supporting PG students with monthly stipends
It is one of the most impactful and trusted government scholarships.
Who Should Apply?
AICTE Scholarship 2026 is ideal for:
- Diploma students
- Engineering students (B.Tech/B.E.)
- PG students (M.Tech, M.E., M.Pharm)
- Girls in technical education
- Students with disabilities
- Orphan or single-parent students
- J&K and Ladakh students
If you are in an AICTE-approved course, you should not miss this opportunity.
Conclusion
AICTE Scholarship 2026 is a major government initiative designed to support students in technical education through financial assistance, study allowance, and merit-based support. With rising education costs, this scholarship provides essential help to lakhs of students nationwide.
Make sure you prepare your documents early, check eligibility carefully, and submit the application before the final deadline.
If you want to increase your chances of getting approved, stay updated on official AICTE notifications and apply as soon as the registration starts.