If a family's income has been the reason a student in Haryana held back from learning AI, cyber security or data skills, the state's SAFAL scheme is worth a serious look. It offers a 75% scholarship on emerging-technology courses at Hartron Advanced Skill Centre (HASC) for 1,000 students from Economically Weaker Sections. Applications close on 30 August 2026 — the last date has now been extended — so here is the honest, practical picture — what it covers, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What SAFAL actually gives you
SAFAL stands for the Government of Haryana's skill-assistance scholarship for advanced IT education. The core benefit is simple: a 75% waiver of the prescribed course fee. You pay only the remaining 25%, in two instalments. In total, 1,000 scholarships are available, reserved exclusively for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
The point of SAFAL isn't a discount — it's removing cost as the reason a capable student never gets to learn a future-facing skill.
Who is eligible
To apply, you need to meet all three conditions from the official notice:
- A valid PPP / Family ID (this is mandatory to apply).
- Annual family income below ₹1.80 lakh.
- Minimum qualification 10+2 (senior secondary) pass or above.
The application fee is ₹100 only (excluding GST), paid at the time you submit the form.
The courses you can choose
Merit-listed students may pick any eligible emerging-technology course at a Hartron Advanced Skill Centre, subject to seat availability. These are the courses covered under the scheme:
| Technology | Course | NSQF Level | Duration (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information & Cyber Security | Cyber Security and Social Media Analyst | 5 | 480 |
| Information & Cyber Security | Cyber Security Associate | 4.5 | 540 |
| Information & Cyber Security | Junior Cyber Security Associate | 4 | 450 |
| Artificial Intelligence | Artificial Intelligence Application Developer | 4.5 | 540 |
| Artificial Intelligence | Artificial Intelligence Associate | 4 | 450 |
| Big Data Analytics | Junior Data Analyst | 4.5 | 540 |
| Big Data Analytics | Data Analysis Associate | 4 | 450 |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | Internet of Things (IoT) Associate | 4 | 450 |
| Cloud Computing | Junior Cloud Computing Associate | 4 | 450 |
| Web & Mobile | Cyber Secured Web Development Associate | 4 | 990 |
These SAFAL courses run at Hartron Advanced Skill Centres and are applied for through the official HASC portal. If you want to build basics first, Hartron Hisar's own foundation courses like Fundamentals of Cyber Security and Programming with Python are a sensible starting point.
How selection works
Selection is merit-based, through a Computer-Based Scholarship Test. The test is multiple-choice (MCQs) covering Basic English, Mathematics, Aptitude & Reasoning, and Computer Applications. A merit list of 1,000 students is prepared, plus a 10% waiting list; if a selected candidate doesn't take admission within two months, a waiting-list candidate gets the seat.
Good news for local students: the scholarship exam centre will be in Hisar for Hisar candidates, so you won't have to travel out of the city to sit the test.
How to apply, step by step
- Keep your PPP / Family ID ready — it's mandatory and details must be correct.
- Apply online at the official SAFAL portal: safal.hartron.org.in.
- Fill the form carefully and pay the ₹100 application fee — incomplete applications are rejected.
- Appear for the Computer-Based Scholarship Test at your allotted centre — Hisar candidates can sit the exam at a centre in Hisar.
- If merit-listed, choose your course and complete admission within the given window.
New to computers and not sure where you'd even start? Our guide to free AI tools for students in Haryana is a friendly first look at what these skills actually do day to day.
Frequently asked questions
How much scholarship does SAFAL give?
SAFAL gives a 75% waiver of the prescribed course fee. Selected students pay only the remaining 25%, in two instalments. There are 1,000 scholarships, reserved for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students.
Who can apply for the SAFAL scholarship?
You need a valid PPP/Family ID, an annual family income below Rs 1.80 lakh, and a minimum qualification of 10+2 (senior secondary) pass or above. The application fee is Rs 100 (excluding GST).
How are students selected, and where is the exam?
Selection is merit-based through a Computer-Based Scholarship Test — an MCQ test covering Basic English, Mathematics, Aptitude & Reasoning, and Computer Applications. Hisar candidates can sit the exam at a centre in Hisar. A merit list of 1,000 plus a 10% waiting list is prepared.
How and by when do I apply?
Apply online at the official SAFAL portal, safal.hartron.org.in, using your PPP/Family ID, and pay the Rs 100 application fee. The last date to apply is 30 August 2026 (extended). Hartron Hisar is also running exam-preparation classes and can help you apply — call 98177-38058. Always confirm the latest details on the portal before applying.