AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27: Eligibility, Benefits, Amount & Last Date

Financial support can make a significant difference when students plan their higher education. To encourage more girls to pursue technical education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students.

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026-27 is a government scholarship initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible girl students pursuing technical degree and diploma programmes at AICTE-approved institutions. Selected students can receive up to ₹50,000 per year to support their educational expenses.

For the 2026–27 academic session, the application deadline has been extended. According to the latest National Scholarship Portal update, eligible students can submit their fresh and renewal applications until 30 November 2026.

Whether you are planning to pursue B.Tech, a technical diploma or another eligible programme, understanding the scholarship's eligibility criteria, benefits, application process and selection procedure can help you make informed decisions.

Let's explore the important details of the AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026-27.

1. What Is the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is a financial assistance scheme introduced to encourage girl students to pursue technical education and develop professional skills.

Launched in the 2014–15 academic session, the scheme is implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Its main objective is to reduce financial barriers to technical education and encourage greater participation of women in engineering and technology-related fields.

The scholarship covers two categories:

•    Technical Degree: For eligible girl students pursuing undergraduate technical degree programmes at AICTE-approved institutions.

•    Technical Diploma: For eligible girl students pursuing approved technical diploma programmes.

The scheme provides financial assistance to selected students, helping them manage educational expenses and focus on their academic development.

2. AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27: Overview

Here are the key details of the Pragati Scholarship for the 2026–27 academic session.

3. What Is the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Amount?

One of the major benefits of the AICTE Pragati Scholarship is the financial assistance of ₹50,000 per year provided to selected students.

The scholarship is awarded as a lump-sum amount and can be used for permitted educational expenses, including:

•    College fees and other academic expenses.

•    Purchase of books and stationery.

•    Laptops and desktop computers.

•    Educational software and equipment.

•    Other eligible educational expenses under the scheme.

The scholarship amount is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), subject to the prescribed verification and approval process.

What Is the Total Scholarship Amount?

The total possible financial assistance depends on the programme and the year of admission.

These figures represent the maximum assistance over the eligible course duration, subject to annual renewal and continued eligibility.

4. Who Is Eligible for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27?

Students must fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions to apply for the Pragati Scholarship.

1. Gender Eligibility: The scholarship is exclusively intended for eligible girl students pursuing technical education.

2. Course Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an eligible AICTE-approved technical degree or diploma programme.

3. Admission Year: Fresh applicants must have taken admission in the first year of an eligible degree or diploma programme during the 2026–27 academic session. Students admitted directly into the second year through lateral entry may also apply if they meet the scheme requirements.

4. Family Income Limit: The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakh. Applicants must provide an income certificate issued by the competent State or Union Territory authority.

5. Maximum Students per Family: A maximum of two girl students from one family can receive the Pragati Scholarship, subject to the other eligibility conditions.

6. Qualifying Examination:

•    For technical degree applicants: Class 12 or an equivalent qualifying examination.

•    For technical diploma applicants: Class 10 or an equivalent qualifying examination.

7. Gap Between Education and Admission: The gap between passing the qualifying examination and taking admission should not exceed two years, as specified in the current eligibility information.

8. Other Scholarship Restrictions: Applicants should check the current scheme guidelines regarding restrictions on receiving other scholarships, stipends, salaries or financial assistance during the course.

Important: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. Applicants must also satisfy the prescribed merit, seat allocation and document verification requirements.

5. AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27: Important Dates

The application schedule for the 2026–27 academic session has been updated. Here are the important dates students should know.

Important: The extended application deadline of 30 November 2026 applies to both fresh and renewal applications. Students should complete their applications within the revised schedule.

6. How Many Pragati Scholarships Are Available?

The scheme provides for 10,000 scholarships annually across its two main technical education categories.

The distribution is:

•    5,000 scholarships for technical degree students.

•    5,000 scholarships for technical diploma students.

The scheme also has specific provisions for eligible applicants from designated North-Eastern States and Union Territories. The applicable allocation and selection rules should be checked in the current AICTE guidelines.

Madhya Pradesh Scholarship Allocation

For Madhya Pradesh, the published state-wise allocation is:

Selection is based on the prescribed state-wise merit and reservation criteria.

7. How Are Students Selected for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?

The Pragati Scholarship follows a merit-based selection process. The qualifying examination marks are considered for preparing the merit list.

Selection Criteria

For Technical Degree Students:

•    Merit is primarily determined by Class 12 or equivalent examination marks.

•    If candidates have equal marks, Class 10 marks are considered as the first tie-breaker.

•    Age is considered as a further tie-breaker, as prescribed.

For Technical Diploma Students:

•    Merit is primarily determined by Class 10 or equivalent examination marks.

•    Additional tie-breakers are applied as per the prescribed scheme guidelines.

Reservation Criteria

The published reservation provisions include:

The final selection depends on the applicable state-wise allocation, reservation rules and verification of the applicant's documents.

8. Documents Required for AICTE Pragati Scholarship

Applicants should keep the required documents ready before completing the online application. Commonly required documents include:

•    Aadhaar Card or prescribed identification details.

•    Class 10 Marksheet.

•    Class 12 Marksheet, for technical degree applicants.

•    Family Income Certificate issued by the competent authority.

•    Admission Letter or institutional admission details.

•    Bank Account Details.

•    Recent Passport-Size Photograph.

•    Institution Verification or Bonafide Certificate, wherever required.

•    Caste Certificate, where applicable.

•    Other supporting documents specified in the official application guidelines.

Students should ensure that the personal, academic, income and bank details entered in the application match their supporting documents.

9. How to Apply for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27?

Eligible students can submit their applications online through the National Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal
   Go to the official website: https://scholarships.gov.in/
2. Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
   New applicants must complete the prescribed One-Time Registration process before proceeding with the scholarship application.
3. Step 3: Log In to the Student Dashboard
   Use the registered OTR ID and other required credentials to log in.
4. Step 4: Select the Scholarship Scheme
   • AICTE – Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students (Technical Degree).
   • AICTE – Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students (Technical Diploma).Choose the appropriate option:
5. Step 5: Fill in the Application Form
   Enter your personal information, academic details, admission information and family income details accurately.
6. Step 6: Upload the Required Documents
   Upload all supporting documents in the prescribed format.
7. Step 7: Review and Submit
   Check all information carefully and submit the application before 30 November 2026.
8. Step 8: Save the Acknowledgement
   Keep the application reference and acknowledgement for future tracking.

Students should also coordinate with their institution's scholarship department to ensure timely verification.

10. How to Check AICTE Pragati Scholarship Application Status and Merit List?

After submitting the application, students can monitor its progress through the National Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps:

1. Visit https://scholarships.gov.in/.

2. Log in using your registered OTR credentials.

3. Select the academic year 2026–27.

4. Open the relevant Pragati Scholarship application.

5. Check the latest application and verification status.

Follow any instructions regarding defective applications or document corrections.

How to Check the Pragati Scholarship Merit List?

AICTE releases the merit list after the prescribed application verification and selection process. Students should:

•    Visit the official AICTE website.

•    Look for the Pragati Scholarship notification or merit list.

•    Check the relevant academic session and scholarship category.

•    Search for their application or registration details in the published list, when available.

The merit list date for 2026–27 has not yet been announced. Students should rely on official AICTE announcements for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27

1. What is the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: The AICTE Pragati Scholarship is a government financial assistance scheme for eligible girl students pursuing technical degree and diploma programmes at AICTE-approved institutions.

2. What is the last date for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27?

Ans: The extended last date for submitting fresh and renewal applications is 30 November 2026, according to the National Scholarship Portal.

3. How much money is provided under the Pragati Scholarship?
 

Ans: Selected eligible students receive ₹50,000 per year, subject to the scheme guidelines and renewal conditions.

4. Who can apply for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: Eligible girl students admitted to the first year of an approved technical degree or diploma programme, or the second year through lateral entry, can apply if they meet the income and other prescribed conditions.

5. What is the family income limit for the Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.

6. Can B.Tech students apply for the Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: Yes. Eligible girl students pursuing B.Tech and other approved technical degree programmes can apply under the technical degree category.

7. Can diploma students apply for the Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: Yes. Eligible girl students enrolled in approved technical diploma programmes can apply under the technical diploma category.

8. Can two sisters from the same family receive the Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: Yes. A maximum of two girl students from one family can receive the scholarship, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

9. Can lateral-entry students apply for the Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: Yes. Eligible students admitted directly into the second year of an approved technical degree or diploma programme through lateral entry may apply.

10. How many Pragati scholarships are offered every year?

Ans: The scheme provides for 10,000 scholarships annually, with 5,000 allocated to technical degree students and 5,000 to technical diploma students, alongside the applicable special allocation provisions.

11. Is the AICTE Pragati Scholarship renewed every year?

Ans: Yes. Existing beneficiaries can apply for renewal in subsequent academic years, subject to academic progression, promotion and the applicable scheme conditions.

12. Where can I apply for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: Students can submit their applications through the official National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/.

13. When will the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Merit List 2026–27 be released?

Ans: The official merit list date has not yet been announced. Students should monitor AICTE notifications for updates.

14. Does admission to an AICTE-approved engineering college guarantee the Pragati Scholarship?

Ans: No. Admission alone does not guarantee scholarship selection. Students must meet the eligibility criteria, secure the required merit position and complete the verification process.

Conclusion

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship 2026–27 is an important initiative that encourages girl students to pursue technical education and build careers in engineering and technology.

With financial assistance of ₹50,000 per year, the scheme can help eligible students manage educational expenses and focus on their academic development.

The extended application deadline of 30 November 2026 gives eligible fresh and renewal applicants additional time to complete their applications. Students should carefully review the scheme guidelines, prepare their documents and complete the application process within the prescribed timeline.