The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), an arm of the Ministry of Education, has opened applications for the Pragati Scholarship Scheme, a significant initiative designed to provide financial support to girl students pursuing technical degree courses. The scheme is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to promote gender equality in higher education and to encourage more women to enter fields like engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
The Pragati Scholarship Scheme for girl students provides a grant of ₹50,000 per annum for a maximum of four years. This amount is disbursed as a lump sum to cover various academic expenses, including tuition fees, books, equipment, and a computer. A maximum of two girls per family are eligible for the scholarship, provided they meet the specified income and academic criteria. The application process is conducted entirely online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Eligibility and Key Benefits of the Pragati Scholarship
To qualify for the Pragati Scholarship Scheme, an applicant must be a female student who has been admitted to the first year of a technical degree course at an AICTE-approved institution. Students admitted to the second year of a degree course through lateral entry are also eligible. The family’s annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh during the preceding financial year.
The scheme awards a total of 5,000 scholarships annually. The selection is based on academic merit, specifically the marks obtained in the qualifying examination. This merit-based approach ensures that the most deserving students receive the financial aid. A key benefit of the scholarship is its flexible usage, which allows students to allocate the funds for a range of educational needs beyond just tuition.
According to a press release from AICTE, the scholarship aims to reduce the financial burden on families, enabling young women to complete their higher education without hindrances. “This initiative is about more than just money,” said a senior AICTE official who requested not to be named. “It’s about breaking barriers and building a future where financial constraints do not dictate educational opportunities for our young women.”
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application for the Pragati Scholarship is streamlined through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), the central platform for various government scholarships. The process requires a new registration on the portal for first-time applicants.
The application timeline is crucial. For the academic year 2025-26, the last date for submitting online applications is October 31, 2025, as per an official AICTE notification dated June 18, 2025. It is strongly advised that applicants complete their forms well before the deadline to allow time for institutional verification.
Required Documents
Applicants must have several key documents ready for upload. These include:
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
- A valid Aadhaar card.
- An income certificate issued by a competent state or union territory authority.
- An admission letter from the Directorate of Technical Education.
- A tuition fee receipt for the current academic year.
- A bank passbook with the applicant’s name, account number, IFSC code, and a photo, with the account linked to Aadhaar.
- A caste certificate, if applicable.
- A bonafide/study certificate from the institute.
Disbursal and Renewal of the Scholarship
The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and efficiency. This process eliminates any intermediaries and gives the recipient direct control over the funds.
To renew the scholarship for the next academic year, students must submit a renewal application on the NSP. This requires a passing certificate or marksheet and a letter from the head of the institution confirming their promotion to the next class. Failure to clear the examinations in a subsequent year will result in the forfeiture of the scholarship. The scholarship is not applicable for students admitted through the management quota.
Promoting Women’s Role in Technical Fields
The Pragati Scholarship Scheme is one of several government initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive educational landscape. By financially supporting meritorious female students, the program contributes to a larger national goal of increasing women’s participation in the workforce, particularly in high-demand technical sectors. This effort is vital for India’s economic and social development.
The scheme underscores the government’s commitment to gender parity and mirrors similar initiatives globally that recognize the economic and social returns of investing in women’s education. The targeted support helps not only individual students but also enriches the technical fields with diverse perspectives and talent.
CH MUHAMMED KOYA Scholarship at MBITS: Are You Eligible to Get it? Check How to Apply
