Education / Bidesh Sikhyabruti: Odisha Launches Rs25 Lakh Scholarship For SC, ST Students

 Bhubaneswar, Aug 18: The Odisha government on Tuesday launched the “Bidesh Sikhyabruti “scholarship scheme to support Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students aspiring to pursue higher studies at the top-ranked foreign universities, officials said.”

The initiative aims to support postgraduate and doctoral studies at globally ranked institutions, offering substantial financial assistance to meritorious candidates.

Under the scheme, 50 students will be selected annually to study at foreign universities ranked among the Top 200 in the QS World Rankings. Each student can receive up to Rs25 lakh per year, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, insurance, and other incidental costs. The maximum cumulative support for a student is capped at Rs50 lakh.

Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be permanent residents of Odisha, belong to SC/ST categories, and have secured admission offers from eligible universities. The annual family income of applicants must not exceed Rs12 lakh, and candidates already availing other scholarships or financial aid will not be eligible.

Applications will be accepted online through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Required documents include caste and income certificates, proof of admission, and academic records. Selection will prioritize QS rankings of institutions, followed by academic performance and family income in case of ties.
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Interested students desiring to avail of the scholarship under the scheme have been advised to submit their application through the OSS Portal from August 18, 2026 to August 31, 2026.

The Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) will act as the nodal agency for the selection process. Students will be required to submit regular academic progress reports. Any violation of rules or failure to provide necessary documents could lead to recovery of funds with interest, and disqualification from future government scholarships.

Officials said the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to bridging educational inequity and empowering disadvantaged communities with global opportunities. By supporting SC/ST students in pursuing advanced studies abroad, the state hopes to nurture future leaders, researchers, and professionals who can contribute to Odisha’s development.