Samriddhi Scheme 2026: ₹2 Lakh Seed Money for SC/ST Startups

At a glance

About the scheme

Launched by the All India Council for Technical Education under the Ministry of Education, the Samriddhi Scheme aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Under this initiative, selected technical colleges and university departments receive one-time grants to identify and incubate nine student-driven ventures, awarding direct seed funding to help them design and scale their businesses after graduation or during their final year of study.

Benefits

• Non-refundable seed money of ₹2,00,000 provided to each selected startup.
• Total institutional financial assistance of ₹20,00,000 granted across a 2-year duration.
• Targeted funding dedicated to nine registered startups of SC/ST students.
• Grant of ₹2,00,000 provided to the institute to cover expenses related to the beneficiary selection procedure.
• Recurring grant of ₹1,00,000 per year released across two consecutive years.
• 100% of non-recurring funds released immediately at the time the scheme is awarded.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Student applicants must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
• Student applicants must be in the final year of their degree or diploma course, or have passed out from the same institute.
• Student applicants must have a registered startup or company established in their name.
• The applicant institution must be approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
• The institution or university department must have been established and operational for at least 10 years.
• The institution must possess a functional incubation centre with activities running for at least 5 years.
• The institution must have enrolled an average of at least 50 SC/ST students during the preceding 3 years.
• The institution must comply with Government of India guidelines for the Tribal Sub Plan and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.

Who cannot apply

• Startup beneficiaries who are already receiving financial assistance from other schemes of AICTE or the Government of India are ineligible.

Documents required

• Proof of AICTE approval and current year Extension of Approval letter.
• Proof of institution or university department existence for at least 10 years.
• Documentation verifying a functional incubation centre and records of activities for at least 5 years.
• Student enrollment records showing an average of at least 50 SC/ST students over the past 3 years.
• Compliance documents for the Tribal Sub Plan and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) and verified bank account details of the institution.
• Aadhaar card (12 digits) and PAN (10 digits) of the designated Principal Coordinator.
• Proof of student enrollment in final year degree/diploma or proof of graduation from the institute.
• Official registration certificate of the company or startup in the student's name.
• Detailed budget estimates for recurring and non-recurring Samriddhi components.

How to apply

1. 1Log in to the official AICTE Portal using existing institutional credentials and open the AQIS Application screen.
2. 2Verify the pre-filled institute details and enter remaining required fields including district, PAN data, and official email address.
3. 3Fill in comprehensive bank details, save the entry, and confirm to activate the application form.
4. 4Click the New button to generate an AQIS Application ID and select SAMRIDDHI-Programme Centre for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Students from the scheme menu.
5. 5Enter Principal Investigator details, including faculty ID, Aadhaar number, PAN, and proposal abstract.
6. 6Complete the required tabs, including Non-Recurring Budget Estimates with student startup details, justifications, and institute credentials.
7. 7Click on the Validate Application button on the AQIS tab to verify all entries and submit the online application.

Frequently asked questions