Central government scholarships for engineering, medical students
Both engineers and doctors play equally significant roles in the development of the country. With education becoming more expensive by the day, many often cannot afford engineering and medicine careers. So, to promote quality technical and medical education, the central government offers several scholarships so that financial obstacles don't affect aspiring candidates' studies. Here are some government scholarships to know about.
Education Ministry annually awards merit-based scholarship to 82,000 students
The Union Education Ministry's Department of Higher Education offers the "Central Sector Scholarship Scheme," providing scholarships for professional courses. Class-12 students who scored 80 percentile with family income less than Rs. 4.5LPA are eligible. They get Rs. 12,000/academic year (for graduation). Annually, 82,000 scholarships (41,000 each for boys and girls) are awarded. For more details, one can visit the National Scholarship Portal.
Merit cum Means Scholarship offered by Ministry of Minority Affairs
The Minority Affairs Ministry awards 60,000 Merit-cum-Means Scholarships for technical/professional courses annually to students from minority communities like Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi. Students' family income shouldn't exceed Rs. 2,50,000/year; they must have scored at least 50% in Class-12. Awardees get up to Rs. 10,000/year apart from course fees (a maximum of Rs. 20,000). Eligible students can apply on National Scholarship Portal.
Saksham Scholarship scheme for differently-abled degree students
The Education Ministry also offers the "Saksham Scholarship Scheme" through AICTE for differently-abled students for technical education, including undergraduate-level engineering, at AICTE-approved institutes. Reportedly, 1,000 such scholarships are awarded annually. It provides up to Rs. 50,000 per year for a maximum of four years. Those having a disability of 40% or more and a family income below Rs. 8LPA are eligible.
Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girls for technical education
The Pragati Scholarship Scheme is another AICTE scholarship for meritorious girl students wishing to take admissions to AICTE-approved technical institutes for graduation. The scheme provides up to Rs. 50,000 per year for a maximum of four years. The candidates' family income shouldn't exceed Rs. 8 LPA. Applications can be submitted via National Scholarship Portal.
DEPD's Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry's Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) offers Post-Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities. All graduate courses recognized by AICTE/UGC are covered, including engineering and medicine. The monthly allowance for UG medicine/engineering course is Rs. 1,600 for hostellers and Rs. 750 for day-scholars. Additional allowances may be applicable depending on the student's disability.
Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region
To promote higher education among economically weaker sections in Northeast India, the Education Ministry and the UGC offer ISHAN UDAY Scholarship Scheme. Annyally, 10,000 scholarships are awarded for general degrees, technical and professional courses, including engineering and medicine. Students' family income shouldn't exceed Rs. 4.5LPA. The amount of the scholarship is Rs. 7,800/month for technical/medical/professional/paramedical courses. More details are available on National Scholarship Portal.
