The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is designed to encourage more girls to enter and complete technical education. Run by the All India Council for Technical Education, it gives ₹50,000 per year to female students studying approved diploma and degree courses. The goal is to support young women in engineering and technology, especially from families where affording college fees is difficult.
How Much and What For
Each selected student receives ₹50,000 per year for every year of her course. The amount is a lump sum that can be used towards college fees, buying books and equipment, or purchasing a laptop and software — the essentials that help a technical student learn and compete. The money is paid directly into the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a female student and an Indian citizen.
- She must be enrolled in the first year of a diploma or degree technical course, or the second year through lateral entry, at an AICTE-approved institution.
- Admission must be through the centralised admission process of the state or central government.
- Family income should be less than ₹8 lakh per year.
- A maximum of two girls per family can apply.
Number of Scholarships
The scheme is substantial: around 5,000 scholarships for degree courses and 5,000 for diploma courses are awarded every year. This wide reach means genuinely eligible students have a strong chance if they apply correctly and on time.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Register and complete the One Time Registration, select the Pragati Scholarship Scheme, fill in your college and course details, upload the required documents, and submit for verification. Because seats are limited and demand is high, applying early is strongly advised.
Documents Required
- Admission proof / fee receipt from an AICTE-approved institution
- Income certificate (family income below ₹8 lakh)
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Aadhaar card and Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Caste certificate, if applicable
Why Apply
Pragati is more than financial help — it is a nationwide push to close the gender gap in technical education. For a girl student pursuing engineering or a technical diploma, ₹50,000 a year can cover a large part of her costs and let her focus on studies rather than fees. Confirm the current income limit and deadline on the official portal before you apply.