PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) aimed at empowering young women by providing financial support to girls pursuing technical education. This blog post delves into the key aspects of the PRAGATI scholarship scheme, including its objectives, eligibility, and the process to apply, while focusing on how this program contributes to women’s empowerment through education.

Objective of the PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme

The PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme is designed to promote higher education among women, particularly in the field of technical education. The scholarship provides financial assistance to young women pursuing degree-level courses in AICTE-approved institutions. By doing so, it aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate actively in the development process of the nation. This initiative empowers women by reducing financial barriers, allowing them to pursue technical education and build successful careers.

Eligibility Criteria for the PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme

To be eligible for the PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrollment in Degree-Level Courses: The applicant must be enrolled in the first year of a degree-level course or the second year through lateral entry in any AICTE-approved institution.
2. Two Girl Children per Family: A maximum of two girl children per family are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
3. Income Limit: The family’s total income from all sources should not exceed Rs. 8 lakh per annum during the current financial year. Applicants must submit a valid income certificate issued by the State/UT government.

Number of Scholarships Available

The PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme offers 5,000 scholarships annually for eligible girls pursuing their first year or second year (through lateral entry) of technical degree courses in AICTE-approved institutions. If sufficient applications are not received, these scholarships may be transferred to the PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students (Diploma).

Additionally, girls from specific Union Territories and North Eastern states, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and others, are also eligible for scholarships under this scheme without a cap on the number of recipients.

Scholarship Amount

The PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme provides a financial grant of Rs. 50,000 per annum for every year of study, with a maximum of four years for first-year students and three years for students entering through lateral entry. This lump sum amount can be used to cover various educational expenses such as college fees, purchasing a computer, books, equipment, and other study materials. No additional grants are provided for hostel or medical charges, and applicants are not required to submit documentary proof of how the scholarship money is spent.

Application Procedure

Eligible candidates must apply for the PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Online Application: Submit an application through the National Scholarship Portal once the application process is initiated and a notice is published on the AICTE website.
2. Verification by Host Institution: The institution where the applicant is currently studying will verify the application.
3. Second-Level Scrutiny: The respective State/UT Department of Technical Education (DTE) will conduct a second level of verification.

Selection Criteria and Tiebreakers

The selection of candidates for the PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme is based solely on merit, determined by the marks obtained in the 10+2 or equivalent examination. State/UT-wise merit lists are prepared for the scholarship allotment. In the case of ties, the following tiebreaker methods are applied:

1. Percentage of Marks in the 10th Examination: If the merit list still has ties after considering the 10+2 results, the percentage of marks obtained in the 10th standard will be considered.
2. Age Factor: If the marks from the 10th standard do not resolve the tie, the elder candidate will be ranked higher.

Scholarship Renewal Process

The PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme is renewable each year, provided the student advances to the next level of their study. To renew the scholarship, candidates must submit a renewal application through the National Scholarship Portal, along with a passing certificate or marksheet and a letter from the Head of the Institution.

If a student fails to get promoted to the next class, they will forfeit their scholarship. Additionally, the scholarship cannot be combined with any other financial assistance, and if the student receives financial aid from another source, the PRAGATI scholarship must be refunded.

Conclusion: Empowering Women through Education

The stands as a vital initiative in empowering women through education, specifically in the technical field. By easing the financial burden for young girls and their families, this scholarship ensures that more women can access technical education, helping them build a brighter, more successful future. The initiative not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to the socio-economic development of the country by encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students: Empowering Women through Technical Education