Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging, especially for students with disabilities. But today, several government and private schemes offer scholarships for college students with disabilities to ensure inclusive education across India.
These scholarships are designed to support students with physical, visual, or learning disabilities—covering tuition fees, maintenance allowances, assistive devices, books, and more.
Here’s the most updated list of top scholarships for college students with disabilities in 2025–26, including eligibility, award details, and application links.
♿ 1. AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme
- Eligibility:
- Differently-abled students with 40% or more disability
- Admitted to 1st year of a technical diploma or degree course in an AICTE-approved institution
- Award Amount: ₹50,000/year (for tuition, books, hostel, devices)
- Duration: Entire course (subject to renewal)
- Application Site: aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in
- Deadline: Expected October 2025
This is the most recognized scholarship for college students with disabilities in technical education.
🏛️ 2. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) Scholarships
- Name of Scheme: Trust Fund & National Fund
- Eligibility: Students with 40% or more disability pursuing UG, PG, or technical/professional courses
- Award Includes:
- Up to ₹25,000/year (tuition)
- Maintenance allowance ₹2,500–₹3,000/month
- Book & laptop grant
- How to Apply: nhfdc.nic.in
- Deadline: Expected November 2025
NHFDC offers two national-level funds dedicated to promoting education among students with benchmark disabilities.
👨🎓 3. National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (UGC-MANF Equivalent)
- Eligibility: PwD candidates enrolled in M.Phil/Ph.D. programs in Indian universities
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹25,000 to ₹28,000
- Contingency Grant: ₹10,000/year
- Apply Through: ugc.ac.in
- Deadline: To be announced in late 2025
This fellowship empowers college students with disabilities to pursue advanced research and academic excellence.
🏫 4. Post-Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities (NSP)
- Eligibility:
- Disability 40% or more
- Enrolled in Class 11 to postgraduate course
- Annual family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh
- Benefits Include:
- Tuition fees up to ₹1.5 lakh/year
- Maintenance, book grant, disability allowance
- Apply At: scholarships.gov.in
- Deadline: Expected 31 October 2025
A must-apply for all college students with disabilities across general, OBC, SC, ST, and minority categories.
🎓 5. Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Applicable For: Class 1–10
- Why It Matters: College students with disabilities can recommend it for younger siblings to continue early education
- Award: ₹500 to ₹1,000/month + ₹4,000/year book grant
- Apply Via: scholarships.gov.in
Although not for college, it’s crucial for family-level awareness and support.
🧑💼 6. Vidyasaarathi Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
- Eligibility: PwD students enrolled in UG/PG/professional courses
- Award: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000
- Varies by Sponsor: HDFC, JSW, NSDL, etc.
- Apply At: vidyasaarathi.co.in
- Deadline: Rolling basis (Check portal regularly)
Corporate-sponsored scholarships for college students with disabilities are often under-applied—so chances are high.
🏆 7. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Indian students in UG/PG courses with disability
- Income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Award: ₹500–₹3,200/month
- How to Apply: Offline form from sjfoundation.org
- Deadline: Open year-round
Jindal Foundation also gives preference to PwD applicants in their merit-cum-means scholarship.
💡 8. State Government Scholarships (SSP, MahaDBT, e-Kalyan, Aikyashree)
Many state-level scholarship portals include special disability quotas under their Post Matric category.
Examples:
- Karnataka SSP: ssp.karnataka.gov.in
- Maharashtra MahaDBT: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
- Jharkhand e-Kalyan: ekalyan.cgg.gov.in
- West Bengal Aikyashree: wbmdfcscholarship.org
Most offer ₹10,000–₹50,000 per year.
📌 Additional Support Services for Students with Disabilities
While applying for scholarships for college students with disabilities, remember to check for:
- Disability certificate issued by CMO or district hospital
- Assistance with writing devices/laptops under schemes
- Disability-specific allowances (reader allowance, escort allowance)
- Priority in hostel allotments at colleges
✅ Final Thoughts
Inclusion in education starts with equal access to financial support. These scholarships for college students with disabilities in India make sure that physical challenges do not become academic barriers.
Whether you’re in a technical field, pursuing science, arts, or law—there is a scheme designed to back your dream.
