₹25,000 a Year for 3 Years: AICTE Opens Saraswati Scholarship for BBA, BCA, BMS Girls

Girl students in the first year of BBA, BCA or BMS can now apply for ₹25,000 a year under the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship 2026-27, and the award can continue for up to three years. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has opened the 2026-27 portal for fresh applicants as well as for students in their second and third years who need to renew the award. The scheme started in 2024-25 to help girls from weaker economic backgrounds stay in management and computer application courses instead of dropping out over fees.

What the scholarship pays, and who it is for

Each selected student gets ₹25,000 a year, which adds up to ₹75,000 over three years. AICTE says the money can cover college fees and study costs such as a computer, books, stationery, equipment and software. Hostel and medical charges are not covered. Payment comes through direct bank transfer once a year, and students do not need to submit bills for these items.

A total of 3,110 scholarships are set aside each year across India under the scheme. The award is only for girl students admitted to the first year of a degree course in BBA, BCA or BMS at an AICTE-approved institution. Students who joined through lateral entry in the second year are not covered, since the scheme is built around first-year admission.

The income limit and the other conditions

Family income from all sources must not be more than ₹8 lakh a year in the current financial year. Applicants need a valid income certificate issued by their state or Union Territory government. At most two girl children from one family can get the scholarship.

Selection rests mainly on Class 12 marks. When two applicants score the same, Class 10 marks are looked at next, and then age. The gap between passing the qualifying exam and joining the degree course must not be more than two years. An Aadhaar number is compulsory for applying, so keep that detail ready before you start the form.

One rule needs care. Students cannot hold another scholarship, stipend or salary at the same time as this award. Failing to move up to the next year also ends the scholarship, and renewal students need a promotion certificate on college letterhead signed by the head of their institution.

Apply early. Your college has to verify the form by 31 January, so the real deadline is much sooner than 28 February.

Dates that matter more than the final closing date

Reports on 30 October 2026 put the last date for students at 28 February 2027, and that is when the portal closes. But the timeline behind that date is what decides whether an application moves ahead. AICTE notifications dated 21 October 2026 say the portal opened on 15 October 2026 for fresh and renewal applicants.

Your institute has to finish the first level of verification by 31 January 2027. The State Nodal Officer then has until 15 February 2027 for the second level of checks. The portal also reopens for students to fix errors found during verification, with both checks running until the portal closes on 28 February 2027.

In plain terms, do not wait till February. File the form early, then check with your college office that it has verified your application before the January deadline passes. A form that sits unverified helps no one, even if it was submitted on time.

How to apply on the official portal

The application is fully online, and it runs on AICTE’s own portal rather than the National Scholarship Portal. Note the spelling on the portal itself: AICTE writes the scheme name as “Sarswati”, so search for that spelling if the usual spelling brings up no result.

• Open the AICTE Sarswati portal and register with your details.
• Confirm the email link sent after registration, and check the spam folder if it does not arrive.
• Fill the form with your course, college and family income details, and upload the documents asked for, including your income certificate and Aadhaar details.
• Submit the form, then follow up with your institute so it completes verification by 31 January 2027.
• Read the full guidelines on the AICTE website before you submit, since the guidelines carry the state-wise seat split and the complete conditions.

Students who want to compare options can look at other awards in our scholarships section. Girls in technical diploma and degree courses should also check the AICTE Pragati Scholarship, while medical students may find the Winnie Sun Scholarship useful. Each scheme has its own course list and income rules, so match your course before you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the AICTE Saraswati Scholarship 2026-27?

Girl students admitted to the first year of BBA, BCA or BMS in an AICTE-approved institution, with family income of not more than ₹8 lakh a year.

How much money does the scholarship pay?

₹25,000 a year for up to three years, paid directly to the student’s bank account.

What is the last date to apply?

The portal closes on 28 February 2027, but colleges must verify forms by 31 January 2027, so apply well before January ends.

Can I apply if I already get another scholarship?

No. Students cannot hold another scholarship, stipend or salary at the same time as this award.