Pragati Scholarship Scheme 2025: AICTE Scholarship for Girls in Technical Degree Courses

Education plays a central role in empowering young women and shaping their future. To encourage more girls to pursue higher technical education and overcome social and financial barriers, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students. This initiative aims to support meritorious girls who aspire to study technical degree programs in AICTE-approved institutions across India.

The scheme not only provides financial assistance to cover academic and related expenses but also ensures that talented girls from economically weaker families get equal opportunities to achieve their career goals. With an emphasis on “Empowering Women through Technical Education,” this scheme is designed to create confident, skilled, and independent women who can contribute effectively to society and the nation’s growth.

Important Dates – AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2025

• Scheme Open From: 02 June 2025
• Student Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
• Defective Application Verification Closes On: 15 November 2025
• Institute Verification Deadline: 15 November 2025
• DNO/SNO/MNO Verification Deadline: 30 November 2025

Applicants must strictly follow these dates to avoid missing out on the opportunity.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Pragati Scholarship Scheme has multiple goals, which go beyond just financial assistance:

1. Encouraging Girls’ Education – To support young women in pursuing technical education without financial constraints.
2. Promoting Gender Equality – To reduce gender disparity in technical fields and ensure girls get equal opportunities.
3. Holistic Development – To empower girls with skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for a successful future.
4. Supporting Families – To provide relief to economically weaker families by sharing the burden of education expenses.
5. Nation Building – To strengthen the technical workforce of India by including more women professionals.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Implemented by AICTE under the Ministry of Education.
• Exclusively for girl students pursuing technical degree programs.
• Available for both first-year admissions and lateral entry into the second year of degree courses.
• Maximum two girl children per family are eligible.
• Scholarship disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Covers tuition fees, books, stationery, computers, and other educational requirements.

Scholarship Amount

• ₹50,000 per annum is awarded to each selected student.
• Duration:
  • 4 years for first-year admitted students.
  • 3 years for students admitted through lateral entry.
• The amount is given as a lump sum and can be used for:
  • Tuition fees
  • Purchase of computers and software
  • Stationery, books, and study materials
  • Equipment needed for the course

(Note: No additional grant is provided for hostel or medical expenses.)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Pragati Scholarship Scheme, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Gender Requirement: Only girl students are eligible.
2. Admission Level:
   • Admitted to the first year of a degree-level technical program, or
   • Admitted to the second year through lateral entry.
3. Family Limit: Maximum two girl children per family can apply.
4. Income Limit:
   • Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.
   • A valid income certificate issued by the State/UT Government must be provided.
5. Institution Requirement: Must be enrolled in an AICTE-approved institution.

Reservation Policy

• Reservation will be followed as per the Government of India norms.
• If seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC categories remain vacant, they will be transferred to the General Category.
• This ensures no scholarship seat remains unutilized.

Distribution of Scholarships

1. Total Seats: 5,000 scholarships are awarded annually.
2. State/UT Distribution: Scholarships are distributed across States and Union Territories based on allocation by AICTE.
3. Special Consideration: In addition to the 5,000 seats, all eligible girls from the following regions will receive scholarships even if the quota is filled:
   • Union Territories: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep.
   • North Eastern States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura.

Application Process (Step by Step)

Applying for the Pragati Scholarship is completely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Below are the steps:

1. Registration:
   • Visit the NSP and click on “New Registration.”
   • Fill in basic details including Aadhaar, email, and mobile number.
2. Login:
   • Use the credentials received after registration to log in.
3. Filling Application Form:
   • Select the AICTE Pragati Scholarship (Degree) option.
   • Enter academic, personal, and family details.
4. Upload Documents:
   • Income certificate
   • Caste certificate (if applicable)
   • Admission proof
   • 10+2 mark sheet (or equivalent)
   • Bank passbook copy
   • Aadhaar card
5. Institute Verification:
   • Submit the application online.
   • The institution will verify the student’s details.
6. State/UT Verification:
   • The respective Department of Technical Education will verify applications at the second level.
7. Final Selection:
   • Based on merit and eligibility, scholarships are awarded and disbursed directly to the student’s bank account.

Renewal Policy

• Renewal is required every year of study.
• To renew:
  1. Submit renewal application through the NSP.
  2. Upload marksheet showing successful promotion to the next year.
  3. Obtain a letter from the Head of Institution confirming enrollment.
• Conditions:
  • Students must pass the previous year’s exam.
  • Students who fail or drop out will forfeit the scholarship.

Withdrawal of Scholarship

The scholarship will be discontinued in the following cases:

• If the student fails or drops out in any year.
• If the student receives financial assistance from another source (scholarship, stipend, salary, etc.).
• If the student provides incorrect information or incomplete documents.
• If withdrawal is required, the scholarship amount must be refunded to AICTE.

Challenges in Implementation

While the Pragati Scholarship has proven to be impactful, certain challenges remain:

1. Awareness Issues: Many deserving students, especially in rural areas, are not aware of the scheme.
2. Technical Hurdles: Application rejections due to defective forms, errors in Aadhaar linking, or bank account mismatches.
3. Documentation Delays: Income certificates and caste certificates often delay the process.
4. Dropout Rates: Some students discontinue technical education due to personal or financial reasons, leading to scholarship lapses.
5. Verification Delays: Institute and State verification sometimes take longer, leading to payment delays.

Impact of the Scheme

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship has made a significant difference since its inception:

• Encouraged Girls in Technical Fields: More girls are enrolling in engineering and technical courses.
• Financial Support: Relieved families from the financial burden of higher education.
• Promoted Equality: Helped reduce gender disparity in technical education.
• Boosted Confidence: Empowered girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
• Nation Building: Contributed to creating a diverse and skilled workforce.