AICTE – Swanath Scholarship Scheme (Technical Diploma)
The AICTE – Swanath Scholarship Scheme is a noble initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) designed to empower students who have faced immense personal hardships. Aimed at supporting orphans, wards of parents who died due to COVID-19, and children of Armed Forces or Central Paramilitary Forces personnel martyred in action, the scheme ensures that financial challenges do not stop these students from pursuing their dreams of a technical education.
Objective of the Scheme
The Swanath Scholarship’s main goal is to encourage and support students in difficult life circumstances to continue their education in AICTE-approved institutions. By offering this assistance, AICTE ensures that these students can build a stable and successful future through education, skill development, and career opportunities in technical fields.
Eligibility Criteria
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Category Eligibility:
- An orphan, or
- A ward of parents who died due to COVID-19, or
- A ward of Armed Forces/Central Paramilitary Forces personnel martyred in action (Shaheed), or
- A ward of a parent suffering from a life-threatening disease, or who has died or been severely disabled (above 80%) due to an accident.
- Family Income: The total family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum from all sources. A valid income certificate from the State/UT Government must be provided.
- Course and Institution: The student must be studying in a regular mode in an AICTE-approved institution at the Diploma level (1st, 2nd, or 3rd year).
- No Other Scholarship: The applicant should not be a recipient of any other scholarship from the Central, State, or AICTE-funded schemes.
Number of Scholarships
Each year, 2,000 scholarships are awarded — 1,000 for Degree students and 1,000 for Diploma students. This ensures that both engineering and technical diploma students receive equal opportunities under this initiative.
Scholarship Amount
Every selected Diploma student receives ₹50,000 per annum, which can be used for:
- Payment of college fees
- Purchase of computers, software, and equipment
- Buying books, stationery, and study materials
The scholarship is a lump sum amount provided annually and continues for up to three years for Diploma students, depending on their current year of study.
Selection Process
Selection is purely merit-based, determined by the percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (Class 10 or equivalent).
In case of a tie between candidates:
- The elder candidate is given preference.
- If the tie still persists, the student with lower family income is ranked higher.
Application Procedure AICTE – Swanath Scholarship Scheme
Students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) once AICTE opens the application window.
After submission:
- The institute where the student is studying verifies the application first.
- The State/UT Department of Technical Education (DTE) conducts the second-level verification.
Only verified applications are considered for scholarship disbursement.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Open From | 02 June 2025 |
| Student Application Open Till | 31 October 2025 |
| Defective Application Verification Open Till | 15 November 2025 |
| Institute Verification Open Till | 15 November 2025 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification Open Till | 30 November 2025 |
Documents Required
- Death certificates (in case of an orphan or COVID-related death)
- Shaheed certificate for the wards of the Armed Forces/Paramilitary Forces martyrs
- Income certificate (annual income ≤ ₹8 lakh)
- Bonafide certificate from the institution
- 10th mark sheet (for Diploma level)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
Renewal and Continuation
The scholarship can be renewed annually, provided the student:
- Gets promoted to the next academic year, and
- Submits a promotion certificate and bonafide certificate through the NSP portal.
Students failing to get promoted or missing the renewal deadline forfeit the scholarship.
Mode of Payment
Selected students receive the scholarship amount directly into their bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) once a year, ensuring full transparency and efficiency.
Important Conditions
- Applications without AADHAR numbers are not accepted.
- Students receiving financial aid from any other scheme will lose eligibility.
- In case of errors in bank details, grievances must be raised within six months of the result declaration.
- AICTE monitors and implements the scheme at the national level.
Conclusion
The AICTE – Swanath Scholarship Scheme for Technical Diploma students is more than financial support — it’s a symbol of empathy and empowerment. By helping those who have lost their loved ones or suffered life-altering hardships, AICTE ensures that no student’s future is compromised due to fate’s misfortune.
This initiative stands as a shining example of how education can rebuild lives, offering hope, dignity, and opportunity to those who need it the most.