Discover how the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme supports EWS girls pursuing BBA, BCA, and BMS by offering financial aid, reducing dropouts, and promoting inclusive education across India.
The AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme is a special All India Council for Technical Education initiative. It supports girls from economically weaker sections (EWS) who wish to study BBA, BCA, or BMS. The goal is to reduce dropout rates and promote girlsā education in professional fields.
Low Female Participation in Professional Education
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), women make up about 45% of total students in higher education. But in professional courses like BBA and BCA, the number is less than 30%. The AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme aims to close this gap by supporting girls who want to study these subjects.
Support for First-Generation Learners
Many girls enrolling in these programs are first-generation learners. This means they are the first in their family to go to college. These students often face money problems, which can cause them to leave college early. The AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme helps them stay in college and complete their education.
Scholarship Details and Benefits
Starting from the academic year 2024-25, the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme will provide 3,110 scholarships every year. Each selected girl will receive ā¹25,000 per year for three years. This money can be used to pay for tuition fees, buy books, laptops, software, and other study materials. The scholarship does not cover hostel or medical expenses.
High Response from Students
The application process started on March 15, 2025. So far, over 5,000 students have applied through the official Saraswati portal. The last date to apply was March 31, but this may be extended. The strong response shows that many students are interested in the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme.
State-Wise Scholarship Distribution
The number of scholarships is based on the number of AICTE-approved seats in each state. Uttar Pradesh received 269 scholarships, Karnataka got 499, and Maharashtra received 423. Smaller states like Tripura, Sikkim, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands received 10 scholarships each. These states have fewer AICTE-approved seats, so they received fewer scholarships.
Seat Availability in Different States
For example, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have only six BBA/BMS seats and four BCA seats. Sikkim has five seats each for both courses. In contrast, Karnataka has 221 BBA/BMS and 278 BCA seats. This explains the difference in scholarship numbers under the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme.
Concerns Over the Scholarship Amount
Some experts believe ā¹25,000 per year is not enough. Many professional courses cost more than this, especially in private colleges. Tuition fees, hostel charges, and food expenses add up quickly. Even in government colleges, the fees may be higher than the scholarship amount.
AICTEās Response on Affordability
AICTE says that in most states, tuition fees for these programs are between ā¹5,000 and ā¹10,000 per year. The rest of the scholarship can be used for other expenses. Still, some educators feel that the scholarship amount should be increased to better support students through the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
To apply, the student must be a girl in the first year of BBA, BCA, or BMS at an AICTE-approved college. Only two girls from one family can apply. The total family income must be less than ā¹8 lakh per year. A valid income certificate must be submitted. Selection is based on Class 12 marks. Students must apply through the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Portal or the National Scholarship Portal.
A Step Towards Inclusive Education
The AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme promotes financial freedom and self-confidence among EWS girls. It helps them take part in the countryās growth by continuing their education. With proper planning and timely disbursement, the scheme can create lasting change for many students.
Conclusion
The AICTE Saraswati Scholarship Scheme is a much-needed step toward gender equality in higher education. It opens doors for many girls who otherwise might not be able to afford college. With strong execution, the scheme can reduce dropouts and give deserving students a fair chance at success.
