AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme

AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme is a flagship scholarship initiative of AICTE, Ministry of Education, designed to support meritorious girl students pursuing BBA, BCA, and BMS programmes. Under the scheme, selected students receive Rs. 25,000 per year for up to 3 years, helping them manage academic expenses and continue higher education with confidence. Applications are accepted online through the AICTE Sarswati Portal or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Introduction of AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme: A Brief Insight

Higher education in fields such as Business Administration, Computer Applications, and Management can create strong career opportunities for young women. However, the cost of admission, study materials, software, and other academic expenses often becomes a challenge for many families. To help deserving students continue their education without financial stress, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education, has introduced the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme.

The scheme is implemented by AICTE with the vision of “Empowering Women through Technical Education.” Its primary objective is to encourage talented girl students to pursue higher education in professional degree programmes and build successful careers in management and technology-driven fields.

Under this scheme, eligible girl students admitted to the first year of BBA, BCA, or BMS in an AICTE-approved institution receive Rs. 25,000 per year. The scholarship can continue for up to 3 years, allowing a student to receive a total financial benefit of up to Rs. 75,000 during the course.

Selection is based on merit in the Class 12 (10+2) examination. To be eligible, the family’s annual income must not exceed Rs. 8 lakh, and a maximum of two girl children per family can avail benefits under the scheme. The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through DBT and can be used for educational expenses such as tuition fees, books, study materials, software, or even the purchase of a computer.

Applications are invited once every year through the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Portal and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Students are advised to keep track of the official notification and apply within the prescribed timeline. For assistance, applicants can email sarswati@aicte-india.org or call 011-29581119.

Students pursuing other categories of technical education can also explore the AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme, which supports orphaned students and those affected by COVID-19-related family loss. Similarly, the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to girl students enrolled in a wider range of technical degree and diploma programmes.

Girl students, parents, and anyone looking for more scholarship and education-related initiatives of the Central Government can explore additional programmes available on our Central Government Welfare Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible girl students pursuing higher education in BBA, BCA, and BMS programmes. The scholarship aims to reduce the financial burden of education and help students continue their studies without interruption.

Annual Scholarship Amount

• Rs. 25,000 per year is awarded to each selected student
• The scholarship is available for the entire course duration, subject to eligibility, for a maximum of 3 years
• A student can receive a cumulative benefit of up to Rs. 75,000 during the course
• The amount may be used for educational expenses such as tuition fees, books, study material, stationery, software, a computer, and other academic requirements
• No separate financial assistance is provided for hostel fees, accommodation, medical expenses, or similar non-academic costs
• Students are not required to submit expenditure bills or utilisation certificates for using the scholarship amount

Mode of Payment

• The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Payment is released after the selection process is completed and eligibility is verified

Scholarship Coverage Across India

• A total of 3,110 scholarships are offered every year under the scheme
• Each State and Union Territory is assured a minimum allocation of 10 scholarships, even if its proportional share is lower

Renewal for Second and Third Year

• The scholarship can be renewed in subsequent years after submission of a Promotion Certificate issued by the Head of the Institution
• Renewal requests must be submitted through the AICTE Scholarship Portal or the National Scholarship Portal, as applicable
• Students must be promoted to the next academic year to continue receiving the scholarship
• Failure, discontinuation of studies, or loss of eligibility can lead to cancellation of future scholarship instalments

What This Scheme Does Not Provide

• Benefits for a third eligible daughter from the same family where two daughters have already availed the scholarship
• Simultaneous continuation of the scholarship along with another scholarship, stipend, or financial assistance scheme
• Additional grants for hostel charges, medical expenses, or personal living costs

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

To receive benefits under the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme, applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). These conditions relate to the candidate’s gender, course, institution, family income, and academic background. Applicants who fail to meet any of the mandatory requirements may not be considered for scholarship selection.

• The applicant must be a girl student admitted to the first year of a Degree-level BBA, BCA, or BMS programme
• The course must be pursued in an AICTE-approved institution
• A maximum of two girl children from the same family can avail benefits under the scheme
• The total annual family income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 8 lakh
• The gap between passing the qualifying examination (Class 12 or equivalent) and admission to the degree programme must not be more than 2 years
• Selection is made on a merit basis, considering marks obtained in the 10+2 or equivalent examination

Who Is Not Eligible

• Male students
• Students enrolled in courses other than BBA, BCA, or BMS
• Applicants whose family income exceeds Rs. 8 lakh per year
• Any girl child beyond the first two eligible daughters in a family
• Students receiving another scholarship, stipend, fee reimbursement, or financial assistance for the same course of study
• Students who discontinue the course, drop out, or fail to meet continuation requirements prescribed by AICTE

Documents Required to be Attached

Before applying for the AICTE Sarswati Scheme, applicants must keep all required documents ready to ensure a smooth and error-free application process.

• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent examination marksheet
• Income Certificate issued by the competent State/UT authority, confirming annual family income does not exceed Rs. 8 lakh
• Admission letter, enrollment proof, or fee receipt showing admission to the first year of BBA, BCA, or BMS in an AICTE-approved institution
• Bank passbook first page of the applicant’s Aadhaar-linked bank account
• Recent passport-size photograph
• APAAR ID / ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits), generated through DigiLocker, if applicable for the current admission cycle

For Scholarship Renewal (Subsequent Years)

• Promotion Certificate, on the institution’s letterhead, duly certified by the Head of Institution (HOI)

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Applying for the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme is completely online. If you’re applying for the first time, don’t worry, just follow the steps below one by one, and the process becomes very simple.

Step 1: First, wait for AICTE to release the scholarship notification for the current academic year. Applications are invited only during the official application period announced by AICTE.

Step 2: Once the application window opens, visit the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Portal.

Step 3: If you are a new applicant, complete the registration process using your basic details and Aadhaar number. Make sure your Aadhaar details are correct, as they are used for verification.

Step 4: After registration, log in to your account and carefully fill in all required information, including your personal details, academic qualifications, institute information, and bank account details.

Step 5: Upload the required documents such as your Class 12 marksheet, income certificate, admission proof, Aadhaar Card, bank passbook, photograph, and any other document specified in the notification.

Step 6: Before clicking the submit button, review every detail once again. Pay special attention to your bank account number, IFSC code, and Aadhaar information, as mistakes in these fields can delay scholarship payments.

Step 7: Submit the application form and save your application number or reference ID for future use.

Step 8: Your application is first verified by your college or institution. The institute checks your admission details, documents, and eligibility before forwarding the application.

Step 9: After institute verification, AICTE conducts the final scrutiny of eligible applications.

Step 10: Based on merit in the Class 12 examination and other applicable criteria, AICTE publishes a provisional merit list of shortlisted candidates.

Step 11: If your name appears in the selected list, the scholarship amount of Rs. 25,000 is transferred directly to your bank account through DBT. The last date to apply for the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme is 15th of September 2026.

How to Renew the Scholarship for the Next Year

Step 12: To continue receiving the scholarship in the second and third year, submit a renewal application through the same portal along with a Promotion Certificate issued and certified by the Head of your Institution.

Step 13: After successful verification of your promotion status, the scholarship is renewed for the next academic year.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme Official Application Portal
• National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Alternate Application Route
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Official Website

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Implementing Body: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Email: sarswati@aicte-india.org
• Phone: 011-29581119

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme?

Ans. The AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme is a scholarship programme launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to support meritorious girl students pursuing BBA, BCA, and BMS courses at AICTE-approved institutions. Selected students receive financial assistance to help cover their educational expenses.

Q. Who can apply for the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship?

Ans. Girl students admitted to the first year of BBA, BCA, or BMS in an AICTE-approved institution can apply, provided their family’s annual income does not exceed Rs. 8 lakh and all other eligibility conditions are fulfilled.

Q. How much scholarship amount is provided under the scheme?

Ans. Each selected student receives Rs. 25,000 per year. The scholarship can continue for up to 3 years, allowing a student to receive a total benefit of up to Rs. 75,000.

Q. How is the scholarship amount paid?

Ans. The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after successful selection and verification.

Q. What can the scholarship amount be used for?

Ans. Students may use the amount for educational purposes such as tuition fees, books, stationery, software, study materials, computer purchase, and other academic requirements.

Q. Do I need to submit bills or receipts for the amount spent?

Ans. No. AICTE does not require students to submit bills, invoices, or utilisation certificates for expenditure made from the scholarship amount.

Q. How can I apply for the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme?

Ans. Applications are accepted online through the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Portal or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) during the official application period announced by AICTE.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for applying?

Ans. Yes. Applicants are generally required to provide a valid Aadhaar number for registration, verification, and scholarship processing.

Q. How many scholarships are awarded every year?

Ans. AICTE provides approximately 3,110 scholarships annually under the scheme, with a minimum allocation ensured for every State and Union Territory.

Q. Is the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship different from the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?

Ans. Yes. Both are separate scholarship schemes. The AICTE Sarswati Scholarship is specifically meant for eligible girl students enrolled in BBA, BCA, and BMS programmes, whereas the AICTE Pragati Scholarship covers different categories of technical education courses.

Q. Do I need to renew the scholarship every year?

Ans. Yes. To continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years, students must submit a renewal application along with the required Promotion Certificate issued by their institution.

Q. What happens if I fail or discontinue my course?

Ans. Students who are not promoted to the next academic year, fail to meet renewal conditions, or discontinue their studies may lose eligibility for future scholarship payments.

Q. Can I receive this scholarship along with another scholarship?

Ans. No. Students receiving another scholarship, stipend, or similar financial assistance for the same course may not be eligible to continue under the AICTE Sarswati Scholarship Scheme, as per AICTE guidelines.

Q. Where can I get help regarding this scholarship?

Ans. Students can contact AICTE through the official support channels, email sarswati@aicte-india.org, call 011-29581119, or visit sarswati.aicte.gov.in for the latest updates and assistance.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.