Ritik Kumar · September 18, 2025 
Introduction
Pursuing an engineering degree in India can be financially challenging, especially for students with disabilities who often face additional costs for assistive devices, transport, or medical support. To promote inclusion, the Indian government, AICTE, NHFDC, NGOs, and corporate foundations offer a wide range of scholarships for differently-abled engineering students.
This blog provides a step-by-step guide to the best disability scholarships in 2025 — covering eligibility, benefits, application process, and why these schemes matter for equal education opportunities.
Why Disability Scholarships Matter
Students with disabilities often face higher financial burdens due to specialized tools, mobility aids, or medical expenses. Scholarships not only reduce tuition costs but also:
- Ensure equal access to engineering and technical education.
- Provide assistive technology support like laptops, screen readers, or mobility devices.
- Motivate students to continue higher education without financial stress.
- Encourage skill development and inclusion in professional fields like technology, civil, or electrical engineering.
Thus, these scholarships are not just financial aid but a step towards empowerment and equity.
Major Disability Scholarships for Engineering Students (2025)
Here’s a curated list of top scholarships you should not miss:
1. AICTE Saksham Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students with ≥40% disability, admitted to AICTE-approved engineering/diploma programs. Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year.
- Benefits: ₹50,000 per annum for tuition, devices, books, and incidentals.
- Application Period: August – November (via NSP).
How to Apply:
-
- Register on the NSP Portal.[ Link ]
- Select “AICTE Saksham Scholarship.”
- Upload Aadhaar, disability certificate, income certificate, admission proof, and bank details.
- Submit and track status online.
2. Top Class Education Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Eligibility: PwD students (≥40%) admitted to IITs, NITs, and other top institutions. Family income ≤ ₹6 lakh/year.
- Benefits: Tuition up to ₹2 lakh/year, maintenance allowance (₹3,000 hostel, ₹1,500 day scholar), ₹30,000 for a computer, and ₹30,000 for assistive devices.
- Application Period: August – November.
How to Apply:
-
- Go to NSP Portal.[ Link ]
- Select “Top Class Education Scholarship for PwD.”
- Upload UDID card, income proof, admission certificate, and bank details.
- Renew annually with academic progress.
3. NHFDC Scholarship (National Handicap Finance & Development Corporation)
- Eligibility: Students with ≥40% disability, family income ≤ ₹3 lakh/year. Applicable for UG/PG/technical courses.
- Benefits: Tuition up to ₹25,000/year, maintenance allowance of ₹2,500–₹3,000/month, and laptop/book grants.
How to Apply:
-
- Visit the NHFDC official site.
- Register and fill out the scholarship application form.
- Upload disability certificate, Aadhaar, and income proof.
- Submit online and track status.
4. Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Eligibility: PwD students with ≥40% disability, enrolled in higher secondary/UG/technical education. Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year.
- Benefits: Tuition, books, and assistive devices.
How to Apply:
-
- Visit the NSP Portal.[ Link ]
- Select “Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.”
- Upload certificates, income proof, admission letter, and bank details.
5. National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFSWD)
- Eligibility: PwD (≥40%) enrolled in M.Phil./Ph.D. in engineering/science streams.
- Benefits: ₹25,000/month (M.Phil.), ₹31,000/month (Ph.D.), annual contingency grants.
- How to Apply: Through the UGC/NSP Portal with Aadhaar, UDID, admission proof, and the guide’s letter.[ Link ]
6. AICTE Pragati Scholarship (for Girls & PwD Students)
- Eligibility: First-year female or differently-abled students in AICTE-approved courses. Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year.
- Benefits: ₹50,000/year.
How to Apply:
- Via the NSP Portal under AICTE Pragati Scheme.[ Link ]
7. National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Eligibility: PwD students <35 years with ≥55% marks in UG/PG, family income ≤ ₹6 lakh/year. Admission abroad is required.
- Benefits: Tuition, visa, travel, and maintenance abroad up to 3–4 years.
How to Apply:
- Through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment website. Click Here
8. CSR & Private Scholarships for PwD Students
- Examples:
- Legrand Empowering Scholarship (engineering support for girls & PwD).
- Aadhar Kaushal Scholarship (₹10,000–₹50,000 cash grants).
- Jyoti Prakash Scholarship, Indus Towers Scholarship, HOPE Engineering Scholarship.
How to Apply:
- Via the Buddy4Study portal or the company CSR websites.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step for All Schemes)
- Visit NSP or the Official Portal [ Link ].
- Register with Aadhaar and create a student profile.
- Select Scheme (AICTE Saksham, Top Class, etc.).
- Upload Documents:
- Disability Certificate (UDID card preferred).
- Aadhaar and bank account details.
- Income certificate.
- Admission/fee receipt.
- Mark sheets (for merit proof).
- Submit the Application and save the acknowledgment.
- Track Status: Check NSP or the portal dashboard regularly.
- Renew if required: Maintain attendance and pass marks for continuation.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection
- Apply to multiple scholarships instead of relying on just one.
- Keep documents updated and verified before deadlines.
- Highlight achievements (academic, extracurricular, or innovation projects).
- Prepare a strong personal statement (if required).
- Apply early to avoid last-minute errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can students with disabilities in private engineering colleges apply for scholarships?
Yes, as long as the college is recognized by AICTE/UGC, students are eligible for most government and private scholarships.
Q: Are there specific scholarships only for engineering students with disabilities?
Yes, schemes like AICTE Saksham Scholarship, NHFDC, and ONGC scholarships are designed specifically for engineering students.
Q: Do disability scholarships cover hostel and living expenses in addition to tuition fees?
Yes, several scholarships (like Post-Matric and NHFDC) include maintenance allowance, hostel fees, and book grants.
Q: Can a student apply for both government and private disability scholarships?
Yes, but in many cases, you cannot hold two scholarships simultaneously. You must choose one after the selection.
Q: Is the application process complicated for students with disabilities?
Not really. Most scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), making the process simpler and online.
Q: What are the career benefits of getting a disability scholarship in engineering?
Beyond financial aid, many scholarships provide recognition, networking opportunities, and mentorship, boosting career growth.
How Career Plan B Can Help
At Career Plan B, we simplify counselling with expert guidance:
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- Backup Strategies – Alternative options so you never miss opportunities.
Book your free counselling session with Career Plan B today and secure your path to success.
Conclusion
Disability scholarships are more than financial aid — they are pathways to empowerment, independence, and equal opportunities in engineering education. Suppose you are a differently-abled student in 2025. In that case, scholarships can ease your financial burden, provide access to assistive tools, and ensure that your talent shapes the future of technology without barriers.
Apply early, keep your documents ready, and explore both government and private opportunities. Education is your right — and with the right support, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
