The 12,400 Stipend Guide: How the MHRD scholarship works and what you can (and can't) spend it on in GATE 2026
- hardikjaincs
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Preparing for GATE 2026 is about more than just securing a seat in a premier institution; it’s about securing your financial independence. The MHRD (now Ministry of Education) Scholarship, administered via AICTE, is the lifeline for thousands of M.Tech and Ph.D. students in India.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the ₹12,400 monthly stipend, from eligibility hurdles to the "fine print" on how you can spend it.
What is the GATE 12,400 Stipend?
The Post Graduate Scholarship Scheme is a financial incentive provided to GATE-qualified students pursuing full-time Master’s degrees (M.E./M.Tech/M.Arch/M.Des) in AICTE-approved institutions.
While often referred to as a "scholarship," it is technically a Teaching Assistantship (TA). In exchange for this financial support, students are typically required to assist their departments with 8–10 hours of work per week, such as grading papers, conducting labs, or helping with research projects.
Key Highlights for 2026
Feature | Details |
Monthly Amount | ₹12,400 |
Duration | 24 months or until course completion (whichever is earlier) |
Annual Contingency | ~₹5,000 (Varies by institute/UGC norms) |
Disbursement | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account |
Eligibility: Who Gets the Money?
Not everyone who passes GATE gets the stipend. To qualify for the 2026 cycle, you must meet these strict criteria:
Valid GATE Score: You must have a qualifying score at the time of admission. If you qualify for GATE after joining the course, you aren't eligible.
Full-Time Enrollment: Only regular, full-time students qualify. Sponsored candidates, part-time students, and Management Quota admissions are excluded.
Approved Institutions: Your college and the specific program must be AICTE-approved.
No Double Dipping: You cannot receive any other salary, stipend, or scholarship from any other source (government or private) while receiving this grant.
Bank Account Requirements: You must have a General Savings Bank Account in your name. Joint accounts, Jan-Dhan accounts, or "No-Frill" accounts are strictly rejected.
What You CAN Spend It On (The "Green" List)
The stipend is designed to make you self-sufficient. There are no "official" receipts required for your daily spending, but it is intended for:
Tuition & Semester Fees: Many students use the first few months of accumulated stipend to pay off their subsequent semester fees.
Hostel & Mess Charges: It easily covers the cost of living on campus in most NITs and IITs.
Research Materials: Buying high-end laptops, specialized software licenses, or components for your M.Tech project.
Academic Travel: Funding your travel and registration fees for national/international conferences.
Books & Resources: Building your personal technical library.
What You CAN’T (and Shouldn't) Spend It On MHRD scholarship
While the money is yours once it hits your account, there are regulatory and ethical "red zones":
Business Capital: Using the stipend as seed money for a startup while being a full-time student can lead to disciplinary action if it interferes with your 8–10 hour TA duty.
Course Switching: If you leave the course midway to join a job or another college, most institutes require you to refund the entire stipend amount received until that date.
Late Penalties: If your attendance falls below the required threshold (usually 75–80%) or you fail to perform TA duties, the institute can "stop" or "recover" the stipend.
FAQs
Q: Is there a hike coming for the ₹12,400 amount?
A: There have been proposals to increase the stipend to ₹18,600, but as of late 2025, the official rate remains ₹12,400. Always check the latest AICTE Notifications.
Q: Can I get the stipend if I failed one subject in a semester?
A: Usually, yes, provided you maintain the minimum required attendance. however, some institutions (specifically under UGC) may reduce the stipend to a nominal amount (around ₹1,550) until the backlogs are cleared.
Q: What happens if I get a job in my 4th semester?
A: You must choose. If you join the job and start receiving a salary, you must formally resign from the scholarship. Receiving both is a legal offense.
Q: Do I need a fresh OBC-NCL certificate?
A: Yes. Your Category/NCL certificate must be less than one year old at the time of application on the portal.
Others:
Ready to secure your future? Don't leave your preparation to chance.
Check Institute Eligibility: Find AICTE Approved Institutions
Official Scholarship Portal: Register for AICTE PG Scholarship
GATE 2026 Updates: Visit Official GATE 2026 Website
Conclusion
The ₹12,400 stipend is more than just money—it is the government’s investment in your potential to become a top-tier engineer or researcher. By removing the financial stress of post-graduation, it allows you to focus entirely on your thesis and technical growth. Ensure your documents (especially your Aadhaar-linked bank account) are ready well before the September 2026 portal opening to avoid delays.
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