West Bengal Scholarships: The Complete Guide (2026)

West Bengal does not run one scholarship system. It runs several, and each one belongs to a different department and serves a different group of students. This guide explains which one is for you, in simple words.

West Bengal has several scholarship websites, not one

Unlike some states that use a single portal for almost everything, West Bengal splits its scholarships across different websites, based on who the scheme is for:

• SVMCM (Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship) — mainly merit-based, open to General category students. Portal: svmcm.wbhed.gov.in.
• Oasis — only for SC, ST, and OBC students, with separate Pre-Matric and Post-Matric versions. Portal: oasis.gov.in.
• Aikyashree — only for minority students (as defined by West Bengal's official minority list), also split into Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Merit-cum-Means versions. Portal: wbmdfcscholarship.in. See our Aikyashree portal guide for step-by-step help.
• Kanyashree Prakalpa — specifically for girl students. Portal: wbkanyashree.gov.in.
• Sikshashree — for SC and ST students, but with no online portal at all (more on this below).
• Nabanna Scholarship / CMRF — a discretionary scholarship from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, open to General, SC, ST, and OBC students. Portal: cmrf.wb.gov.in.

What this means for you: Do not search only "West Bengal scholarship" and expect one result. Figure out which group you belong to first, then go to the matching website.

Sikshashree is different: no website, no online form

Every other scheme on this list has an online portal. Sikshashree does not. It is a scholarship for SC and ST students, but you apply for it by submitting your form directly to your own school, not through a website.

If you search online for a "Sikshashree application portal" and can't find one, that is expected — it does not exist. Ask your school directly about how and when to submit your Sikshashree form.

You may be able to combine schemes

Because SVMCM, Oasis, Aikyashree, Kanyashree, and Sikshashree come from different departments with different budgets, some students genuinely qualify for more than one. For example:

• An SC girl student could potentially apply for Oasis or Sikshashree (caste-based) and Kanyashree Prakalpa (for girls) in the same year.
• A minority student who is also economically weak could check both Aikyashree and SVMCM.

Rules on combining schemes can change, so always check the specific eligibility notice for each scheme before assuming you can apply for two at once.

Documents West Bengal almost always asks for

1. Aadhaar Card, linked to your mobile number and bank account.
2. West Bengal Domicile / Resident Certificate.
3. Income Certificate, issued by a Joint BDO or a higher-ranking officer.
4. Caste Certificate, only if you are applying for Oasis or Sikshashree (SC/ST/OBC schemes).
5. Madhyamik (Class 10) and Higher Secondary (Class 12) marksheets, or your latest qualifying exam marksheet.
6. Bank passbook, showing your IFSC code and account number, linked to Aadhaar.

How to find the right scheme — step by step

1. Check your category first: are you SC/ST/OBC, minority, or general category? This decides which website you need.
2. If you are a girl student, check Kanyashree Prakalpa in addition to any caste or minority scheme you qualify for.
3. If you are SC or ST, check both Oasis (online) and Sikshashree (offline, through your school) — they are different schemes.
4. If your situation is unusual — a medical emergency, a special hardship — check Nabanna Scholarship / CMRF, which is reviewed case by case.
5. Prepare your income certificate early, since it must come from a Joint BDO or higher officer, which can take time.